Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on May 25, 2024, 11:07:00 AMI suspect if you polled the players anonymously, they'd say they want him in the lineup. I can't prove that obviously, but it is a hunch. The fact that Messier endorsed playing him carries a lot of weight with me too. He knows way more about the intangibles of winning in the postseason than almost anyone (and certainly than any fan who has never played professional hockey).

Playing Rempe on the road is perhaps a trickier discussion given the matchups and the last change rule. Not to mention you don't have the entire building chanting his name on the road (albeit you get a lot of Rangers fans in some of these venues).

Playing him at home seems like close to a no-brainer to me. At least until he significantly messes up and hurts the team, which he clearly hasn't to this point. I just think the positives outweigh the negatives with this guy, and I think the positives go beyond when he is on the ice.

Does anyone here think Kakko was sorely missed last night?

It's hard to argue the Rangers record with Rempe in the lineup. How much of it is him vs. coincidence is up for debate. Yesterday's game played out very similar to Wednesday's with the exception that the Rangers got the benefit of a slightly fluky early goal. Not sure how much of an impact it can be said he had.

Also, I think people need to stop getting on Kakko. He hasn't become the player we wanted to but he's a highly useful bottom 6 forward that is very good defensively and with regards to puck possession.

All that said, I think Vesey likely being out makes the decision much easier for Lav.

Quote from: files58 on May 25, 2024, 12:54:49 PMI just watched last night's game again without the anxiety. Florida playa a very similar game to Carolina with added offense. Pressure all over the ice, scrambly, puck bouncing, some havoc. Suits this time of year because ice surfaces are going to be a little soft, and chippy. Especially in South Florida where besides the rink surface all other ice are in drink glasses. Lonborg hit Vesey in the head with a slight glance off Vesey's shoulder which makes the hit a non-penalty. In the game within the game I'd like to see Barkov acquire a nagging physical annoyance that throws his game off just a bit. A cute slash to the ankle/foot, swollen hand or face, and at some point an elbow to Lonborg that has him adjusting his jaw. If you hadn't noticed they're targeting Trocheck. As Henrik said on the pre, and post shoot high on Bobrovsky. The OT winner was a high shot. The Rangers improved from Game 1 to Game 2. Keep it going.

Ryan Lomberg was gooning it out there all last night but also proved to be a fast attacker who zoomed through defenders to break in on Igor; thankfully, no scores. But this dude has a very strong lower body/center of gravity and needs to be dealt with. That he only received a two-minute interference call meant the refs were calling a more wide-open game. For these two teams, I think it's better they do that and just let them play and whistle down the obvious ones. Doing so, in my opinion, helps the Rangers. In OT, I thought the Blueshirts carried the majority of the play and it would only be a matter of time before they put it away, which Goodrow did (NOTE: think back to our discussion, before the start of this series, when we talked about the importance of having a Goodrow, who has won the whole thing with Tampa, twice, and can use his intangibles to make a difference; well, last night was a perfect example of knowing to shoot high off Bobrovsky).

I foresee Florida turning up the goon factor in tomorrow's matinee and the Rangers just need to keep their intensity going and be smart on defense. Getting the first goal last night was of utmost importance and, if they can do so again in game three, it would build confidence that will help them the rest of the game.

As for Rempe on the road vs. at home, there is no question the difference in impact he brings to the ice at the Garden. But given Jimmy Vesey will be out now, it's a toss-up between he and Kakko. So we'll have to wait and see.

One other observation I'd like to jot down is that Alex Wennberg is quietly getting closer and closer to making a lot of noise in this series. He's already hit the iron a couple of times and it's just a matter of time before one will finally go in. I really want to see him rewarded for his efforts because he has quietly done a nice job working the boards and taking his chances when shots become available. Jack Roslovic continues to create havoc with his speed; however, Alex W. is long overdue for his body of work to be rewarded with a goal or two.

Already amped for Chapter Three in this intense series! But Edmonton and Dallas hasn't been any less entertaining, except for the lack of physical intensity, as files58 might say. NHL hockey fans, in general, remain the big winners for two outstanding series, thus far.

Peace!

Quote from: jgrangers2 on May 25, 2024, 03:26:31 PMIt's hard to argue the Rangers record with Rempe in the lineup. How much of it is him vs. coincidence is up for debate. Yesterday's game played out very similar to Wednesday's with the exception that the Rangers got the benefit of a slightly fluky early goal. Not sure how much of an impact it can be said he had.

Also, I think people need to stop getting on Kakko. He hasn't become the player we wanted to but he's a highly useful bottom 6 forward that is very good defensively and with regards to puck possession.

All that said, I think Vesey likely being out makes the decision much easier for Lav.

Kakko is a disappointment relative to the once high expectations around draft-time, but if you brush those aside, forget about them, and just look at him in absolute terms he's a totally serviceable bottom six guy on a competitive team. I think most fans have moved past the hopes they once had and have come to accept the player he in fact is. But someone had to be scratched last night to make room for Rempe, and I think it's hard to criticize Laviolette's decision.

As for Rempe, playing him on the road might be trickier than at home given the matchup issues you have as the road team with the last change rule, but to me he's close to a no-brainer at home. His presence seems to elevate those around him, and he was doing good things on the ice for the most part. He got the puck deep, he was strong on the forecheck, and he had some big hits and no dumb penalties. I would love to see him parked in front of the net more, but it's very difficult to hold the zone against the Panthers. Overall I thought he was additive last night.

Quote from: jgrangers2 on May 25, 2024, 03:26:31 PMIt's hard to argue the Rangers record with Rempe in the lineup. How much of it is him vs. coincidence is up for debate. Yesterday's game played out very similar to Wednesday's with the exception that the Rangers got the benefit of a slightly fluky early goal. Not sure how much of an impact it can be said he had.

Also, I think people need to stop getting on Kakko. He hasn't become the player we wanted to but he's a highly useful bottom 6 forward that is very good defensively and with regards to puck possession.

All that said, I think Vesey likely being out makes the decision much easier for Lav.

I think you've made a good point. In a nutshell:

Rempe + MSG = overwhelming home crowd advantage (i.e. extra man on the ice).

Rempe on the road < Kakko

That may very well be what Laviolette will go with. I don't know that the first goal was fluky, as you stated. The puck was in the Florida zone and, while it was headed towards Carter Verhaeghe, I thought Alex Lafrenière did an excellent job checking him off the puck and passing to Fox who set up Trocheck for the score. In my mind, that's the perfect way to strike the Panthers before they get settled in their game.

Peace!

Kakko came damn close to scoring in Game 1 where the puck rattled between bob's pad and arm but somehow didn't go through. I think he brings at least the threat of a goal along with good size and puck possession. I do think Rempe needed to play game 2 and kakko was the odd man out but I'd like to see him back in for game 3. And while roslovic is fast...I haven't noticed him doing much of anything else. Depending on how the road games go when they get back to MSG I think it'll come down to him and kakko again as to who sits for rempe and I wouldn't be stunned if it was jack.


Also...Blake wheeler is available. Is there any consideration to getting him some time? I understand he hasn't played in months but he's not exactly a rookie.

I think Kakko will be back tonight and then it's Rempe v Wheeler for the other spot.

Whilst Rempe might be a potential liability on the road, Wheeler was hardly a revelation prior to his injury - but he does have experience.

If Kakko plays, I think he'll pot a goal.

Rangers win 3-2.

Rangers basically need to win one of two in Ft Lauderdale. Like everyone else here, I'd love it if they won both, but realistically 1-1 in these next two games should be the primary objective. That would then put them in a position to win at home to go up 3-2 in the series and have two cracks at winning it including, if necessary, a game seven at MSG.

If they win one out of two, I don't really care which one it is, but I would obviously strongly prefer they win today to keep the hopes of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead alive.

One thing I know for sure is we need the Shesty of game two, not game one, in this game. We also need the physicality of game two as well. I think if we have both of those two ingredients, the other stuff will take care of itself.

Good morning.

You're all on the same page and I'll throw my chips in there with you.

The only thing on my mind is how Florida is going to come out and play. Are they going to turn up their goon factor, or are they going to try and mow the Rangers down early with a kamikaze attack? I don't see them playing the same type of hockey they played at the Garden, so, what's coming at Igor and what do Trouba, Miller, Foxy and Schneider have to do to contain it long enough in order to counterattack?

Will this be the day the fists come flying in a free-for-all?

I feel that Florida is going to bring something different today but I can't put my finger on it. For our boys, be alert on the ice for the cheap goon shots because I feel that's part of what's coming.

Toughness begins in about three and a half hour's time.

Peace!

I don't envisage any fighting. Whilst it's not been possible for me to watch every game , I've not read anything about goon behaviour save for the punch Marchand took - which frankly, over the last ten years of antics - he deserved lol

Elated to get out of dodge with at least a split.

Ugly win but it's a win.

It's time for Zib, Bread and Kreider to turn up on the score sheet.

Phew.

6 to go.

The Rangers were dominated and still came away with the win.  It's a little bit of smoke and mirrors right now.  Tuesday night will be very interesting.

Quote from: Messiah717 on May 26, 2024, 07:23:30 PMThe Rangers were dominated and still came away with the win.  It's a little bit of smoke and mirrors right now.  Tuesday night will be very interesting.

Uh-huh.  First they can only score on the PP and get owned 5 on 5.  Outscored Florida 5-2 5 on 5.  So, I guess the PP goals count now?  Drury should call the league and the decision reversed as Flordia "dominated" and therefore should be given the W.

Quote from: coggs on May 26, 2024, 07:30:09 PMUh-huh.  First they can only score on the PP and get owned 5 on 5.  Outscored Florida 5-2 5 on 5.  So, I guess the PP goals count now?  Drury should call the league and the decision reversed as Flordia "dominated" and therefore should be given the W.

Who said that?  The fact is Igor saved them where in the third they were especially dominated. 

Shot attempts were 94-35 in favor of Florida with Florida attempting 40 shots in the third. 

Rangers definitely stole this one. But they all count the same. That second Laffy goal though... Sheesh was that a beauty.

Florida is almost certainly going to win game 4. Knowing it's a must win for them and being extra pissed off about blowing this one. The rangers are excellent and with shesty there's always a chance but I see this thing turning into a 3 game series with 2 are MSG. I'll take those odds.