Rangers Analysis: The Joy of Six
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
in Rangers Analysis
58 comments
Some thoughts on the Rangers at the six game mark:
With all three teams having played six games, the Rangers have scored more goals than Washington or Pittsburgh.
The penalty kill is at 86.2%. Honestly, do you really miss Blair Betts all that much?
Or Freddie Sjostrom?
Or "Korpedo"?
Ryan Callahan has been amazing. I think giving him the "A" has really elevated his game to another level. I don't just mean scoring and creating chances. He is doing all the little things you expect a leader to do.
The Rangers power play is currently 14th in the league. While that might not sound great, think about this: If the Rangers power play was 14th instead of 29th last season, things might have been different for them in the post season. 14th? I'll take it, and I think we all feel its going to be better than that.
Pauly D made an excellent point last night on his show: Del Zotto and Gilroy both started the season playing well. Del Zotto seems to have maintained his level, but Gilroy's play has dropped off somewhat. Something to keep an eye on as the season moves along.
More gibberish after the jump.......
We were all pretty hard on Wade Redden last season, and deservedly so, but it is nice to see him playing well. At this point, we all just need to separate the salary from his play, and judge him on that alone. The contract is what it is, and it's not going anywhere. As long as he is playing well, that's the best we can hope for.
Dan Girardi had 4 goals all of last season, and already has three in six games this year. Don't discount the empty netter against the Ducks either, that was no "skate down the ice slam-dunk the puck in the net" goal, it was from the corner around his own goal line. If Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin score that goal, the NHL Network would build a documentary around it.
Although I was never a fan of his before, I like what I have seen from Donald Brashear. He is still one of the best fighters in the game, and he has shown ability when on the ice. The line with Aaron Voros and Brian Boyle has been effective, although I don't know what the future holds for them with Sean Avery back in the lineup.
Speaking of Sean, welcome back, and you are well on the way to that 55 point career year I predicted for you.
One more thing on Brashear: Did you notice after he served his penalty for fighting Colton Orr last night, he was skating to the bench, and Chris Higgins gave him a little tap on the shoulder? Good stuff, Higgins knew what that fight meant for Brashear in front of the home crowd.
We keep telling ourselves "its only six games, its only six games", but I'm throwing it out the window. As a lifelong fan of this team, there hasn't always been a ton of genuine excitement around this team. This just feels different. Throw all the cold water on me that you want, I don't care. I think as Ranger fans we have good reason to be excited for this team.
5-1, sitting pretty in 1st place overall in the Conference. However long it lasts, I'll take it.
Don't forget, tonight at 7 PM, Blueshirt Banter Radio takes to the internet airwaves to talk Ranger hockey and take your phone calls. Former WFAN host Sid Rosenberg will stop by to say hello, we'll mix it up a little with Sid and talk about all the goings-on in NY Sports.
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Jim holy crap
Don’t discount the empty netter against the Ducks either, that was no “skate down the ice slam-dunk the puck in the net” goal, it was from the corner around his own goal line. If Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin score that goal, the NHL Network would build a documentary around it.
LOL
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by Joe Fortunato on Oct 13, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well, its true. If Ovechkin or Crosby or Lemieux farts, the NHL Network treats it like new car smell
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean that isnt what a new car smells like?
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
14th isnt too shabby, but also consider that is with the 0-9 in the first two games, so they are 7 for 22 in the last 4 which is a whopping 31.8% which would be 6th in the league. Also because it is early most teams, including ours are inflated, but if we maintained the 22.6% we are at right now it would have been 6th in the league last year. In comparing it to last year if we had the % we have right now for that number of chances we would have scored 30 more goals last season which would have to translate into a lot more points over the course of the year.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly my point. I like when you agree with me, lol
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it would happen more if you used statistics to back it up, or if you were just right more often, lol.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not always easy to back up opinions with stats, plus you are so damn argumentative, LOL!
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quickness
I was ablke to attend last nights game, my son’s first, and noticed the quickness this team has over last year. Not the speed, there were guys who could motor, but the quickness on the puck, the opposing player.. Drury, Callahan, Dubinsky all seem to just be faster, even Redden has looked better in this aspect. The conidtioning of this team is also a great factor. In the third Toronto looked gassed and the Rangers skated them to death in the offensive zone.
by nomore1940 on Oct 13, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
its all that Tortorella conditioning
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by Joe Fortunato on Oct 13, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Hockey Times was dead on.......
I wonder what all those great writers at the Hockey Times who predicted the Rangers to finish 13th in the East are saying now……Torts has these boys playing inspired hockey and even Redden is scoring…..I don’t know what else to say.
by blueshirts1623 on Oct 13, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s easy, we say thank you, Hockey Gods, and we enjoy the ride, lol
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're saying it's only 6 games so far...
Not a bad thing to say. Every aspect of this team seems to be firing on all cylinders. Hopefully this continues, even when one aspect or another struggles.
Gilroy was on fire and has slipped a little. I think he’s just trying to do too much. Of all the defenseman not named Stall, he’s the one I worry about the least.
by NYdemo on Oct 13, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll admit that I’m getting excited. Not only have we won 5 in a row but those five were against some good teams. I can’t say I’m surprised though. I picked them for 4th overall in the conference.
This team is exciting to watch again. I jumped up a few times watching the game last night and was yelling and screaming.
All that being said. I am willing to forfeit that it is early in the season and lots of things could happen. My prediction is that within the next several games, lets say by the time they’ve played 4 more that the second line will be clicking like the first line has. They have been oh so close so far. When that happens, I’ll be willing to officially think about being a top team in the league.
Rule #1. Cardio. Rule #2 Double Tap.
by CTRangersFan on Oct 13, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You make a good point, it would be good to see that 2nd line going, beyond Callahan, who in my mind has been maybe the 2nd best player on the ice for the Rangers the first 6 games
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m excited as hell, the style of play this year is so much fun to watch & beyond refreshing. I do have to temper it with the fact that it’s a long season & an olympic year, but early returns are promising. Think the AA line is going to thrive, Avery is really opening things up for Artie. Redden has stepped it up so far, I really think last years abysmal season motivated him & he has something to prove. Higgins will pot one soon and then that line will get rolling. The young D has been great, would like a veteran 7th to keep the fire lit & the occasional spell or injury. Overall, good times for Ranger fans.
by cmf1994 on Oct 13, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This team has a killer instinct it has been lacking for years. It’s nice to see a full 60 minute effort out of this team consistently for once.
by nickynut81 on Oct 13, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i agree Avery is really moving things along for this 3rd line, i also feel as if the second line has just been unlucky but will start netting them soon. And Redden? This is going to be some year if he starts to play like that. The thing is Redden has that type of scoring skill, i just scratch my head sometimes because he hardly pinches and if he was to more often(wisely of coarse) this team will have 3 big Defensive scorers in MDZ, Gilroy, and Redden. This team is going places guys.
by louielounz1 on Oct 13, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember what I said on your show Jim?
I told you to give a Redden a chance this year. Torts was gonna whip him into shape, and he’s been playing like a better Veteran. I’m not saying he’ll have 20 plus goals or anything but he’s shown alot of difference on the ice in the first 6 games. Also, another quick little prediction… NYR goes 4-1 over the next fives games, San Jose is gonna be a big and close game but in the end they’ll lose by a goal. LA, TOR, NJ, MTL will all be great games and teh Rangers will dominate. Also, watch for Gilroy to make better moves on the ice and show why he’s playing at the NHL level. He’s a rookie and he’ll make some mistakes but what other choices do we have. It’s a learning process.
by AveryGod on Oct 13, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think overconfidence and exhaustion are the big things to fight against this season. If they think they’re unbeatable and play lazy, I have no doubt that they’ll slip. Luckily, it seems like Torts (especially after that timeout in the Devils game) will make sure that that kind of behavior doesn’t last too long. With the Olympics, I hope Vally is ready for a bigger workload post-Olympics. Still, this team is so much more exciting than any Tom Renney team.
by DC Ranger on Oct 13, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure exhaustion is going to be a problem with this team. Torts is running Herb Brooks-like practices and their stamina is higher than I’ve ever seen. Can someone find stats on third period +/- avg. from last year compared to this year?
Look at last night, they played a fast-paced physical game on Sunday and the very next day score 4 goals in the third. I am in love with this team.
by DJ Wuss on Oct 13, 2009 2:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Olympics is up to 7 games in 13 days. Beyond the exhaustion is the fatigue on the body. Hocky is physical and bruises need time to heal.
I’m not worried about it, but it has to be managed and hopefully key players can stay healthy most of the season.
The depth of this team should help us.
Conditioning is an edge we have now. Other teams will work on conditioning andit may not be as much as an edge as the season moves forward. I think we have alot more then just conditioning in our favor. We have talent and solid coaching.
by CTrangerfan on Oct 13, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed . . .
add on to that another point about the PK. Yes it hasn’t dropped off much without Betts and Sjostrom but they were basically 4th line players logging all those hard minutes. We’re killing penalties now with 1st, 2nd & 3rd line guys and the 4th hardly sees the ice. That may show up this spring. I like how they seem to be disciplined about 20-30 second shifts though. That helps.
by 2mn8tr on Oct 13, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rangers were outscored 81-68 in 3rd periods last season, and its 12-3 in their favor this year.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if our biggest problem is overconfidence, thats a good thing right haha?
oh and avery should get the other A. and im being serious.
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Oct 13, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
avery..
or maybe staal.. i mean his defensive game is second to none. maybe some others are just as good but not better but avery is also a good fit
by kiop900 on Oct 13, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
avery staal dubi gaborik girardi
one of em
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Oct 13, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For what its worth....
I tell you… Vinny prospal is electric. I love more than anything seeing him so fired up when he’s part of a goal. Its that fire and drive that is defining this team this year. They’re hungry and they want to show you that they are the team we’ve hoped for.
As for my boy avery.. Skating on the third line? (This is what I’ve gathered. I don’t know for sure havnt been able to catch the games) I think he will definately lift the play for AA just as he has so far. He creates by distraction and he knows where to be. He’s dangerous. And having firepower from all 3 lines is what makes a team dangerous. I’m excited. I don’t care if its six games. They could have lost all 6 but to see the fire and style of play is what its about that makes me confident they can win this year.
by BK! on Oct 13, 2009 3:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Like I said
The Rangers will make it far this year, I think we can gauge how good of a team we are within next weeks games against San Jose, New Jersey and Montreal. If we can come away with 2 of 3 of those games … then we should know if we’re a serious team in the league period! I for one know that we are and still stick to the idea of Gaborik breaking Jagrs records as a Ranger.
by Poe678 on Oct 13, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think beating the caps in washington, getting a shutout against the ducks, and than beating toronto 7-2 shows how good of a team we are haha
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Oct 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont think anyone in the league is gauging themselves on NJ and Montreal right now as they have both been average and we should come out with at least 2 of those games…LA tomorrow is a tougher test than maybe all 3 of those games as they are hot, winning 4 straight.
For Gabby to break Jagr’s records he would have to keep this pace and play all 82, not an easy thing for him to do on either front. Just goes to show how great a year Jagr had when he put up 123 pts.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve noticed that Torts has placed him in front of the net a lot, so he wouldn’t risk being injured as much. I do believe that Gaborik will play a full year. I agree that LA is one of the tougher teams to play … but look at Gaboriks stats against LA
Career vs Los Angeles 24 GMS 16 G 10 A 26 PTS +5 5 PPG 7 PPA 1SHG 2 GW
I honestly think that the Ranger will pull away with the win against the Kings. I expect the Powerplay to get going very soon! 5 fowards on a powerplay?! Leathal!!
by Poe678 on Oct 14, 2009 6:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont want to get on people too hard but this blind love of the 3rd period and crediting conditioning is short sided. Yes they have been great in the 3rd period this year, but if it was all about conditioning where has that conditioning been when they have been dominated in 2nd periods like they were last night or against Ottawa. Taking 1 period off and hanging your goalie out to dry just so you can look good in the 3rd is not a formula for success against good teams.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Every team is going to play bad periods here and there, the Rangers have played 2 truly bad periods this season, the two you mentioned.
And I’ll warn you now, you are going to hate the story I have for Thursday, although I did use some stats.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes everyone will play bad periods, but we also shouldnt pucker up and focus solely on the great 3rd period as if the bad ones dont matter because if that is pitt or philly or a quality offensive team that 2nd period probably gets 3 or 4 goals as well as Hank played in it. i am sure i will enjoy the story on thursday and i do agree we have been excellent in the 3rd, but we cant afford to rely on that every night. As a Yankee fan I have been spoiled this year by all the late game wins, but it doesnt mean it is enjoyable to sort of sleep through the early innings and bank on a comeback in innings 7-9 as they did vs Pavano the other night. We are better conditioned that we have been in a long time and probably better than about any team in the NHL, but to me, and i would assume to Torts that means we should be stepping on the gas the whole game not just in spurts.
Those werent the only 2 bad periods, but yes they were the worst two.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good thing we are 5-1, I would hate to see you at 1-5, lol
Learning to play hard 60 minutes every night is part of the growing pains.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 13, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This team is a rebuild and I for one thought we would feel a lot more growing pains. I think our defense will get better. They have been improving and I think there is more to come. They have been improving on the power play and I think that will get even better as well. Thier PK is good… but alot of that is Henrik. I hope they can improve that.
Rangers are finding all kinds of ways to score and that is huge. It’s not just one guy or line. They are hard to defend against. I think the second line has potential to generate more offense as well.
Other teams will imporve and I’m sure we’ll have some tough stretches.
This Rangers team has huge upside. Pitt and Washington are very simillar to last year and are great teams. I’m already convinced we can hang with the top teams in the east.
by CTrangerfan on Oct 13, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i see. so because we are 5-1 criticism is not something we should do. ok, noted.
by mleetch352 on Oct 13, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem with criticism… and the season just started but… This is not anything like last years team that could only score 1 or 2 goals a game.
And the team has had some bad peiriods and shifts.. but they look pretty good.. and I think they still have room for improvement.
by CTrangerfan on Oct 13, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
think they are pointing out that u are nitpicking just a tad instead of just letting us get giddy about the current state of affairs with our dquad
by Conway on Oct 13, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t say you can’t criticize, everyone has that right, and some do it better than others. You just seem to enjoy pissing on everyone’s charcoal.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 14, 2009 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the power play
numbers are only 14th because they went 0/9 in the first 2 games but in those games were playing very well on the PP just didnt have it down like they do now
by kiop900 on Oct 13, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets not get ahead of ourselves
I love what’s been going on these 6 games but don’t forget, we started off 5-0 (or 5-1 through 6 games) last year as well
by bluecheese999 on Oct 13, 2009 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
While the records are the same, the style of play sure hasn’t been. Last year they accomplished this playing a more defensive style, and this year playing a more aggressive offensive style.
Offensively the Rangers were good in October last year, scoring around 2.8 goals per game. I’m not trying to discredit the two teams but it is only 6 games, you’re right, so let’s see how the level of play continues through the month right now.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Oct 13, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
last year when u looked at our roster u knew scoring was goin to be an issue. if u have to rely on zheredev for consistent goal scoring, your allready in trouble.
different team different style and i see no reason to be all amped up about them
by Conway on Oct 13, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't notice if anyone commented on the Title.
very clever!
by 2mn8tr on Oct 13, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's a fact
The Rangers play every Saturday until February 13. Don’t make weekend plans people
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Oct 13, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well, except the 31st of this month. Damn you Halloween.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Oct 13, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good stuff.. i like saturday games. i can have some friends over, open up some beers. wait im 17..
so i can have some friends over, drink some koolaid
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Oct 13, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we start the Rozival death watch? His days are numbered.
by earthworm on Oct 13, 2009 9:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
rosi hasnt played that bad the last few games IMO. i think last game he actually played well
by Conway on Oct 13, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his contract makes him odd man out privided Redden continues to play well
by earthworm on Oct 13, 2009 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i have to say ive tried to take his contract out of the equation when watching him this year. hes played well as of late and hope he keeps it up. not his fault sather tossed all that $ at him
by Conway on Oct 13, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rosy has been by far the worst defenseman. As usual. Redden hasn’t played bad at all, but rosy was awful in Washington, hence the benching. He actually bounced back and had a decent effort against the Ducks. But still, worst of the six.
by DJ Wuss on Oct 14, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since being benched Rozy has played better. Hopefully he’ll continue to improve. Redden looks good right now. I think Renny’s style took alot out of him.
It’s hard to swallow the salaries.. but if stop looking at the price (and it’s time). Our defense looks pretty good with a lot of potential to get better.
Can’t wait to see how they handle washington and pitt again.
by CTrangerfan on Oct 14, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i understand not looking at the price when evaluating his performance.
but realistically, in a cap world, the price is an issue. when this season ends and we need to resign staal/girardi, rozi has to go, even if he plays well
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Oct 14, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pittsburgh
|
69 | 41 | 23 | 5 | 87 |
|
New Jersey
|
68 | 41 | 24 | 3 | 85 |
|
Philadelphia
|
69 | 36 | 28 | 5 | 77 |
|
New York Rangers
|
70 | 31 | 30 | 9 | 71 |
|
New York Islanders
|
70 | 29 | 32 | 9 | 67 |
(updated 3.17.2010 at 8:57 AM EDT)
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
St. Louis
|
Thu 03/18 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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@
Boston
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Sun 03/21 | 12:30 PM EDT |
|
New York Islanders
|
Wed 03/24 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Thu 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
@
Toronto
|
Sat 03/27 | 7:00 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
|
Montreal
|
Tue 03/16 | L 1 - 3 |
|
Philadelphia
|
Sun 03/14 | W 3 - 1 |
|
@
Atlanta
|
Fri 03/12 | W 5 - 2 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Wed 03/10 | L 3 - 6 |
|
Buffalo
|
Sun 03/07 | OT - L 1 - 2 |
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