NFT - ** 2024/25 New York Rangers Season Thread **

[files58]

Kakko has a long way to go to justify the second overall pick. 

At this point I don't let the second overall cloud my view. I just want to see an improving player contributing. Kakko is strong on the puck,and on the boards, can skate, has a good shot that he doesn't use enough. That lines full potential depends on Chytl's health. I don't like Brezinski, he's a 4th line player at best. If I were Drury/Lavy I'd be keeping an eye out for a better option than Brez.

[kartanoman]

Didn't watch the game last night but caught the highlights. Looked like a nailbiter but also a competitive match. The boys put four past the Canucks' backup; not sure if that means anything or not because he appeared to make some good saves.

Have you all noticed that Igor's been giving up a lot of goals to his short side lately? Yup, there was one where he was completely screened that went in; fair enough. But in his last two starts, I'm noticing a trend with his short side becoming a desirable target for opponents to attack. It begs watching. It's clear he's not on his "A" game yet but he can get away with that as long as Quickie keeps pumping out shutouts. I think last year he shut out the Flames in what was a first for the Rangers in the Saddledome. It will be interesting to see if the coach rotates them the rest of the road trip.

It's hard to gauge the lines on a highlight film as I'm really looking at what Jones playing more has done overall to their defensive lineup. I see him as a developing left-handed version of Foxy with his strong ability to transition to the attack. My mind wanders thinking about both of them on the ice simultaneously along with the first offensive line.

Anyway, with a very difficult Calgary game coming up, the meat of the road trip will give us a little bit of a feel for how they are adjusting to more games during the week. If anything, I think it will make them better and come together even faster.

Peace!

[DaveBrown74]

Kakko 13 points in 17 games.  Not too shabby for a "bust".  Cullye 16 points.  Their analytics as a line are very strong, as well.

It's 11 points in 17 games, but I hear you.

[Messiah717]

Terrible performance in Calgary giving up 49 shots. 

[bobalobabingbong]

Yeah. It really wasn't as close as the score indicates.  They were out played most of the game. 

This team needs to find the missing pieces if they intend to be a contender.  Right now I'm not sure they can hang with the best.  This feels like a bit of a regression from last year.

[kartanoman]

You're all doing Calgary a great disservice. That young, hungry team came to play last night and their young goalie, Dustin Wolf, has been magnificent this season and given them a base on which to build confidence that was clearly evident after going up 0-2. Even in giving up two (2) goals in 16 seconds, he fought like crazy to keep them out of the net. In all, a three-star performance for the kid and clearly was best on ice last night.

If anyone expected them to walk into the Saddledome and repeat last year's historical shutout, and return home sweeping the Northwest Canadian teams, they're not dealing in reality right now. The Rangers are currently a cut below where they were at their best last season. Igor played well last night but hardly a stand-on-your-head effort. The team was outshot because Calgary kept them on their heels all game with intensity and determination.

They lost, fair and square. Regroup, try to get one back in Edmonton, and get back home where the schedule will start ramping up into playing every other day. They'll either get back on track or they won't. But they're nowhere near as intense nor effective as last year's team right now. You'll see shades, here and there, but they've yet to really take it to any good teams so far. Tomorrow night in Edmonton will be another test against another excellent team and arguably the best player in the league in Connor McDavid and his equally dangerous sidekick, Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers have lost three of their last four games which should hopefully give the Rangers incentive to be more daring in their attack. That means unleashing the Bread Man and Lexi, getting power play chances and converting and Foxy and Jones not being afraid to take the puck coast-to-coast and create headaches for the Oilers' defense and goalie.

Games are usually high scoring between these two teams so pin your ears back and let's all sleep in a little late tomorrow and enjoy the late game (NOTE: thank goodness I'm in Mountain Time 8 PM puck drop!).

Peace!