Rangers Analysis: Hello Rangers who are you?
by xcdudesquad on Aug 6, 2009 9:49 PM EDT
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PrintNow that all the drama *cough cough Nikolai Zherdev cough cough* has seemed to end, all that mostly remains before training camp is the signing of Brandon Dubinsky, as well as whatever The Overlord Glen Sather decides to do with the remaining cap (which should be around 3-4 million depending on how much Dubi takes). This is the time where the Rangers are transferred to the hands of Head Coach John Tortorella before training camp begins. An idea for what this rag tag group of hockey players will become is formed in this time. But looking at this team there are plenty of unanswered questions.
1. Who will be the number one center this team needs?
2. What are the lines going to be
2a. What is the fourth line going to be (because as we all know Rangers fans are nit picky and a seemingly unimportant line of 3 players that will probably get 3-6 minutes of ice time a night will get elevated to be more important than the 1st line)?
3. Can this team finally make the next step and get past the 2nd round in the playoffs?
4. What type of offensive is this team going to run?
5. Can we score more than last year?
6. Will Henrik Lundqvist step up and finally have that elite 40 win season we all know he is possible of having?
7. Will Staal and Girardi take the next step in their developments and become elite defensemen?
8. Will the two rookie defensemen prove to be HUGE liabilities or future Norris winners?
9. Can we stay healthy?
10. Will Chris Drury finally show us those clutch goals he was famous for in Buffalo?
...and the list goes on.
Well no one can argue that this team is completely different than last year. Here's what last year's lines may have looked like:
Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev
Antropov-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Dubinsky-Korpikoski
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
And this is what this year's may look like:
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Lisin-Anisimov-Kotalik
Brashear-(Aranson/Boyle)-Voros
Wow. What a huge change. Personally I don't mind the change, but this team still lacks a number 1 center. Sorry Brandon Dubinsky, you are good but you aren't a number one center (yet). This team can surprise us, so its too tough to say if they will be a good team. I think they will be a 6-8th seed again and lose in the first or second round of the playoffs. Hopefully Tortorella encourages this team to score and can get this team to do just that. What I see is a bunch of goal scorers with not many people to set these guys up. Hopefully Wade Redden-Michal Rozsival and run the point on the PP (with Kotalik) and fix the Power Play. Hank can step up, but I'm worried about the Olympics. Stephen Valiquette will become much more important this year. He can play goalie, let him start more than 10 games! In the end the only way this team will succeed is if everyone steps up. We can, and we better will. We are Rangers, that is what we are and nothing else, but this team needs to show us that. When they do finally show us that, all the questions will be solved.
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Torts likes to roll with 3 lines anyway
I like Boyle. He has size and scoring potential.
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!
by The American Mr.Hockey on Aug 6, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
For the same reason Boyle makes it
Byers should too. 4th line attitude with scoring potential.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
First Post Ever.......
anyways this is what I think the lines would look like.
Avery-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Drury-Kotalik
Lisin-Anisimov-Callahan
Brashear-Boyle-Byers
Remember at the end of the playoffs when Dubi and Avery had good success together with Antropov on the wing? They created scoring chances galore and I can only see that improving with Gaborik with them now. Drury, Higgins, and Kotalik just seem like they would have an immense amount of chemistry(only speculation). The third line really doesnt seem to have any chemistry with their styles, but it could work never know. and I see Boyle and Byers on the 4th line because Id rather see youth and I think they have a tad bit more scoring touch than Arnason and Voros.
Cally on 3rd line?
I’ll be shocked if Callahan is on the 3rd line(at least to start the season). We’ve read article after article about Callahan being a Tort’s favorite with more ice time planned for him. There’s no way, if that’s at all true, Tort’s will drop him to the 3rd line.
Anyhow, it’s all just guesswork for now. For me the big questions going into this season are:
How many of the “kids” are ready to fill the holes presently in the line-up? And fill them well?
Who’s going to make up for all the PK’ing we lost? We know the importance of special teams especially with penalty box frequenters like Avery, Brashear and possibly Voros.
Where’s the defense? Unless we have 2, maybe 3, youngsters ready to step in and play a solid NHL game “The King” is going to under pressure he’s never seen before.
well...
If thats the case then Drury and Kotalik will be on the 3rd line and Anismov and Cally on the second. I just cant see them splitting up Drury and Kotalik at the beginning of the season at least.
and thank you jim.
by CrazyRangerFan on Aug 7, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 7, 2009 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
You wanna get nuts...come on, let's get nuts.
Wow…a lot of great questions.
1) Drury, maybe mix in Dubinsky on Drury’s off nights.
2) Avery – Drury – Gaborik
Higgins/Kotalik – Dubinsky – Callahan
Lisin – Anisimov – Kotalik/Higgins
Brashear – Betts/Boyle -Boyle/Byers
*I’m still holding out for Betts…Long shot, but we’ve got the money now and 2a)he’d be a great addition to our 4th and penalty kill.
3) I think we can make it past the second the round. However; Henrik MUST be healthy and rested, most of our team must be healthy as well, and our two rookie defensemen must really step up to the plate.
4) We all know that Tort’s is about taking chances. Look forward to a lot of odd man rushes at both ends of the ice, and look forward to an exhausted Henrik by mid-season. As long as we score more times than they do, I guess we’ll win some games. Either way it’s going to be more exciting than last season.
5) That’s almost impossible not to accomplish.
6) No, with the odd man rushes and the Olympics…Look to Valiquette to make or break us. I’m not saying he’s not going to win 30+, but don’t look for him to have his best season after he medals again and is exhausted(I’m predicting the Ruskies to take it).
7) They will take a step, but not the major step everyone is hoping for. Staal is only 20. He has a long way to go before becoming “elite”, but this is still going to be a great season for both. Both D-men need to step up offensively, and need to be a little more consistent. Both have shown brilliance, but are a little flakey under pressure situations. I love both in our zone, but their offense is definitely lacking.
8) I don’t think they will be either, but be right in the middle. That’s what we need right now though. I think we need to put Redden and Rosival under pressure. Give them the chance to lead this season, if they want it. Girardi and Staal are more than capable of stepping up though and TCB. I don’t think our two rookie d-men are going to be either that great or that bad.
9) We have to….otherwise Voros is back in the lineup taking every unnecessary penalty he can be involved in.
Finally 10) He has, and will continue to show us why he is our captain. Now that Gomez or Naslund isn’t in the picture, look for Dru to step up and really take a leadership role. He needs the pressure, and when most eye’s are on him..you can be sure there will be magic. I also like that we got Gaborik, so that all of the scoring pressure isn’t on him.
I like most of your lines, but no voros…and switch Drury and Dubinsky. Great article though.
Batman reference....
freakin sweet
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 7, 2009 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I do not think that there is any doubt that the Rangers are Faster, Bigger and Stronger
However, how does that transfer into Wins and losses.
My main questions are:
Will there be a positive chemistry?
And how many games does Gaborik play?
I think Dubinsky will put up 60 points this year. He played great with JJ in his rookie year and really impressed.
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!
by The American Mr.Hockey on Aug 7, 2009 12:32 AM EDT reply actions
questions and lines
firstly:
Kotalik and Drury are going to play together.
Much of the reason Kotalik is here is to bring back some game with Drury.
And Voros is highly questionable…..
I think more likely than the lines you have suggested we’ll see:
Higgins — Dubinsky - Gaborik - complete game, heart, scoring w/ speed & fire
Lisin — Drury - Kotalik - complete game w speed and chemistry
Avery — Anisimov - Callahan - toughness in smaller wings, play making ability abounds
Brashear — Boyle - Byers ( / Voros ? ) - bang, bang, you’re dead
and, except for your question,
“7. Will Staal and Girardi take the next step in their developments and become elite defensemen?”
and
you left out the defensemen:
the defense is pretty tough to call (especially with a lot of rumors of Roszival’s being dealt)
I think Redden will have a big year, as will Staal and Girardi.
We have a good chance of seeing new guys: Gilroy, Del Zooto, and Heikkinen.
Potter, Sanguinetti, Sauer, and others have shot at making the team
…. as does Rozsival
……
Hmm, what are the chances of Callahan moving to the off wing, with Gaborik or the reverse, I can't see any better line mate
Callahan-Anisimov-Gaborik
The brief stint (12 seconds Anisimov played lasy year) impressed me, if Dubinsky dosen’t mesh with Gaborik I can see him filling in.
Avery-Dubinsky-Kotalik
Lisin/Grachev-Drury-Higgins
Lets face it Lisin may pan out, but he might not Grachev (Sadly haven;t seen much of him though) will be next in line if he does not
Brashear-(Aranson/Boyle)-?
Don’t know much about the 4th line, but am pretty sure Voros will not be there
Defense
Girard-Redden
If Redden picks up Girard would make a good mate
Staal-Sanguinetti or any of the other close rookies for that matter ( In any event I do wonder about Sanguinetti, haven’t heard much of him, but I do remember Delzotto in preseason from last year, was far more impressed with him, but have not seen much of any of the rookie, its a shame a few of those games can’t be broadcast 4 or 5 a year would be great.
Rosival-Gilroy
I Remember seeing Rosival play well in last years playoff’s hopefully he will pick up again.
by Rangers Bleed Blue on Aug 7, 2009 4:29 AM EDT reply actions
Tackling points randomly
Richards rumors aside, Dubinsky will be given every opportunity to be the #1 center. But don’t be surprised if Anisimov ends up playing with Gaborik as the 1st line center.
Callahan isn’t going to play 3rd line, but those might be his linemates. Drury-Kotalik-Avery may see 3rd line ice time at even strength b/c they’re all integral parts of the PP (and Drury the PK). Drury’s not going to get 25min a game, and with PK duties also I could see that line being the one that is actually the 3rd line, though technically the 2nd line. If that makes sense.
Henrik’s not going to win 40 games this year unless he’s something ridiculous like 40-15. They don’t need him to win 40 either.
The offense will definitely be improved. Goal differential will be the interesting stat to watch. They were -8 last year, but outperformed the projected W-L despite that.
Rookie D-men are what they are. I doubt anyone will step in and have Norris written all over them, at least not right away. They’ll make mistakes, but they should hold their own. Keep in mind that whoever makes the team out of camp is not a guarantee to finish the season, they have a bunch of D prospects, you might see a few of them get opportunities.
Can we stay healthy really means “Can Gaborik stay healthy.” Only God knows, and he might even be tired of figuring it out.
This team might be a year away. They’ll be competitive, make the playoffs, and be a pain in the ass for anyone, as we’ve seen Henrik can damn near win a playoff series by himself. If Redden can get 40pts and Rozsival the same, they’ll be really dangerous. I think 2nd round is a good goal, with conference finals the goal in 2010-2011.
q and a
1. Who will be the number one center this team needs?
*unfortunately, i don’t think we can make a trade for one…we should save cap room to sign girardi and staal next year and also make a run at marc savard so he can end his career where he started it, as a ranger. Thus, for this year, I’d put dubes, as long as we actually re-sign him, on the first line and hope he plays like he did with jagr as a rookie.
2. What are the lines going to be
*way to early to tell as there are so many changes, too many RWs, and no true first line C or LW so we need to wait and see what chemistry develops during training camp. Here’s my best guesses right now:
avery-dubinsky-gaborik
kotalik-drury-callahan
higgins-ansimov-lisin
brashear-boyle-byers
healthy scratch: voros
staal-girardi
roszival-redden
veteran dman signing/potter/sauer
healthy scratch: one of the 5/6/7 dman (I’d sign a veteran dman for around 1/1.5mill and then play him with potter or sauer, who have the most nhl experience of all our D prospects. It even might end up being Potter and Sauer who start, while the vet sits. And I know everyone loves Gilroy and thinks he going to start immediately, but I think he would benefit immensely from a year of professional hockey in the AHL)
2a. What is the fourth line going to be (because as we all know Rangers fans are nit picky and a seemingly unimportant line of 3 players that will probably get 3-6 minutes of ice time a night will get elevated to be more important than the 1st line)?
*see above
3. Can this team finally make the next step and get past the 2nd round in the playoffs?
*i’ll cheer like hell for them to, but i don’t see this team doing it…UNLESS all our kids (dubinsky, callahan, lisin, boyle, byers, staal, girardi, potter, sauer, or whomever else starts on D) all step up and develop quickly and suprise us like that 05/06 team after the lockout. This is a team more getting ready for the future.
4. What type of offensive is this team going to run?
*up-tempo, attacking, and hopefully one that actually shoots the puck rather than pass all day
5. Can we score more than last year?
*we better well should with torts system as long as we stay healthy
6. Will Henrik Lundqvist step up and finally have that elite 40 win season we all know he is possible of having?
*as long as he gets some rest cuz we all have seen him get worn down the past few years especially in 05/06 because of the olympics. we also need to support him defensively.
7. Will Staal and Girardi take the next step in their developments and become elite defensemen?
*i almost hope it takes one more year so we can afford to resign both of them next year when they are RFAs. And Staal is a hell of lot more likely to be elite, Girardi is a solid but not spectacular defenseman.
8. Will the two rookie defensemen prove to be HUGE liabilities or future Norris winners?
*for this year, i just want solidness…let’s save the future norris talk for gilroy, mcdonagh, and del zotto
9. Can we stay healthy?
*who knows? I thought the mets were going to stay healthy this year and contend for a pennant.
10. Will Chris Drury finally show us those clutch goals he was famous for in Buffalo?
*no, but we don’t need him to be that…we need solid veteran leadership from him.
by brodeur hearts avery on Aug 7, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions
Love the name, welcome to the Banter!
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 7, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Look at this based on anticipated goal production
Then see how this team compares.
1st line 08-90 vs. 09-10: A full season of Gaborik is probably worth 10 more goals than Zherdev, but Higgins is 5-10 worse than Naslund, so this years first line is ~5 goals better.
2nd line 08-09 vs. 09-10: At best Avery is ~10 goal worse than Antropov. Drury’s production will likely remain constant. So unless Callahan makes some major improvement this years line is ~10 goals worse.
3rd line 08-09 vs. 09-10: Last years line probably would have been good for 30-35 goals. This year Kotalik is good for 20, but the other two are HUGE question marks.They would have to combine for 10-15 to equal the production of last years group. That’s probably doable.
4th line 08-09 vs. 09-10: This is where it gets ugly. Last year’s group is worth ~20 goals. (With Voros included) This years group is probably only worth ~15. But more than the loss of goals (not a big deal from your 4th line) is the uselessness of this line. All they can do is fight. It’s not a good skating line, it’s not a good defensive line, and you lost your two best PK guys which hurts your overall defense. Plus, this line cost more money and a draft pick.
So let’s recap. This lineup is ~10 goal worse than last years line up. Even if Callahan, Lisin, and Asinimov, produce more than expected, this line up only equals the offensive production of last years bad offensive team. The team defense is worse, they are going to be playing a less defensively responsible game, and the PK is worse. Not to mention that Paul Mara is being replaced by ? All in all, this team is worse than last year and at only a minimal savings in payroll. This is really bad!
And before anyone talks about Tortarella playing a more offensive system, remember this: He is not a miracle worker. He can not magically make mediocre offensive players better because he plays an aggressive forecheck or because he yells in practice. Renney played a defensive system because he knew he didn’t have the guns. Torts still doesn’t have the guns but wants to do things his way. Good luck with that!
Prediction: 10th place
Higgins
is not 10 goals worse than Naslund, his career average is 24 goals per 82.. He’ll at least match his production. Gaborik may be 25 goals better than Zherdev if healthy.
Antropov was only there part of the year, so it’s not like it’s a 1 to 1 swap replacing him. He replaced Dawes, who wasn’t exactly Mr. Offense. Kotalik is the answer on this line, he’ll be the one playing with Drury.
3rd line is Callahan, Anisimov who should rate to 10 goals, and Lisin, who had 13 in 48 games last year. They will easily combined for 10-15 goals. This line will exceed last years.
Since Voros is still here, I’ll concentrate on the Betts-Sjostrom-Orr combo, which was 14 goals. Brashear-Boyle-Byers should match that production. Higgins is a PK guy, he replaces Sjostrom. Betts will be replaced by Dubinsky, who wasn’t chopped liver on the PK.
So no, I don’t think the team projects 10 goals worse, I’d say they’re at least 25 goals better.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Another unanswered ?
With Naslund & Gomez gone, who becomes the alternates? I’d have to guess that Callahan gets one…if Betts would return to the team, he’d get the other (since he wore it during last year when Gomez was hurt). Any ideas?
Redden or Rozi(Unfortunately), and Avery! Woot! I think they’ll alternate Dubi and Calli when Sean’s suspended.
by WalkerNYRanger on Aug 7, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm ...
1. Who will be the number one center this team needs?
Dubinsky would do fine but I think Torts is going to go with Drury
2. What are the lines going to be
Kotalik – Drury © – Gaborik (A) (This line will be deadly)
Higgins – Dubinsky – Callahan (This all hard working line will RACK UP POINTS!!)
Avery – Anisimov – Lisin (I think the youngins will spark Avery’s scoring touch)
Brash – Boyle – Byers (The Wu-Tang Killa B’s … scoring potential that will kick your ass)
Defense …
Rozi – Redden
Staal (A) – Girardi
Gilroy /Sauer – Veteran D-Man (Chelios sounds cheap to me .. haha)
3. Can this team finally make the next step and get past the 2nd round in the playoffs?
I would like to see that happen … but I have to be realistic … 2nd round 6 games
4. What type of offensive is this team going to run?
Torts said it would be a Firewagon type of Hockey … speed, skill and force
5. Can we score more than last year?
Definetly
6. Will Henrik Lundqvist step up and finally have that elite 40 win season we all know he is possible of having?
I don’t think so … olympics might kick his ass a bit and tire him out
7. Will Staal and Girardi take the next step in their developments and become elite defensemen?
I would say so, Staal is like a thourough bred, it’s in his blood.
Girardi could eventually be.
8. Will the two rookie defensemen prove to be HUGE liabilities or future Norris winners?
with the word on McDonagh, Baranka, Del Zotto, Heikkinen and Sanguinetti … there’s no telling.
9. Can we stay healthy? Olympics might hurt us … but I will say yes.
10. Will Chris Drury finally show us those clutch goals he was famous for in Buffalo?
He has and will … this year he’ll definetly prove it.
Drury ©
Haha loved the copyright. :) I agree with everything you said. Especially the “Definitely” on whether we can score more on last year.
"Malik now." "6 foot 6, 238, not a noted goal scorer but he's gonna give it a shot here." "Malik has not scored this year. In on Kolzig, faked it....SCORES"
Ehhh
I’m cautiously optimistic about scoring more. Everyone needs to have career years, but hey it can happen.
Well, even more than the players efforts I hope this system Tortorella will start can result in better chances than the fruitless dump-and-chase Renney saw them doing so much.
"Malik now." "6 foot 6, 238, not a noted goal scorer but he's gonna give it a shot here." "Malik has not scored this year. In on Kolzig, faked it....SCORES"
I might post this 3 more dozen times before Oct 2nd.
The current lines, w/ their career goals per 82:
Higgins (24.4) – Dubinsky (13.02) – Gaborik (35.7) = 73.1
Avery (14.2) – Drury (24.8) – Kotalik (22.2) = 61.2
Lisin (18.9) – Anisimov (0.00) – Callahan (18.9) = 37.8
Brashear (7.0) – Boyle – (18.2) – Byers (0.0) – 0.0 = 25.2
Staal (2.5) – Girardi (5.8) – 8.3
Redden (9.3) – Rozsival (8.0) – 17.3
Gilroy – Sangs – 0.0
So the roster, as it stands – they average 222.9 goals per 82 games, which is 12 more than last year. But it’s more optimistic than that even.
Dubinsky will likely increase production if he gets 1st line ice time. Say +5
Callahan is coming off a big year and was more productive under Tortorella than Renney. Give him +5 to get to last years total.
Anisimov will score more than 0. Say +10
So will the guys on the 3rd pair. Say +6
Boyle won’t score 18, but say he keeps his 8 goals a year. -10
Lisin also hasn’t played a full year, so say he matches last year total of 13. -5
So that’s another 11 goals. So they project to 234 goals, 24 more than last year, or about 1 more per 3 games. That’s a fairly significant increase, and that’s assuming average years.
If they actually have career years, they’ll be a very good offensive team.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Oops
And I forgot to add whatever Byers production will be (or whoever the 4th line RW is). So even better.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I like your approach
But I have a few issues.
You are projecting Lisin based on a very small sample size. The same is true for Boyle and nobody projects him as a scorer.
Brashear’s production has declined since the lockout, and as old as he is, using his entire career average doesn’t make sense. If you look at his past four seasons, he projects around 3 goals. Redden is in a similar spot as it looks like 10 goals a year is behind him. He is more likely to be around 5-7.
I also question Drury. His two 30 goal season, which are anomalies, inflate his average production by 3.5 goals. My guess is he’s good for 20-22 goals this year.
These aren’t big discrepancies, but I think these numbers reflect a best case scenario. It’s more likely to project them at around 214, +/- 15.
Obviously it's imperfect
There are a lot of issues beyond yours., I tried to tackle a few but it’s an inexact at best, young players stand to improve, old guys stand to regress….it’s tough to really nail it down but it’s a good starting point, I think.
I covered the anomalies that are Boyle and Lisin. 4th line RW projects to some number greater than zero. I get 22.4 per 82 if you take out the 30 goal seasons for Drury, but one could argue the 18 season was an anomaly too, so taking that out you’re at 22.8, a loss of 2 goals.
Dubinsky, getting full 1st line ice time should score more than his career average, probably 20 or so.
Anisimov is a prospect with 1st/2nd line future, I think 10 goals is a realistic expectation and if he manages to fight his way on to Gaborik’s line he could do some damage
As for the defense, the 25.6 number for the top 4 probably projects to close, Redden likely won’t get 9 but Staal and Girardi should get more than 8 between them, so i think it’ll wash. And it’s near impossible for the 3rd line D pair not to score a number greater than zero.
When it comes down to it all though, I’d much rather this team where you’re not completely sure where you’re getting but the upside is great, rather than last years team, which we already know wasn’t good enough. Are they winning the cup? 99% not. But I like that they’ve gotten younger, faster, and stronger across the board. It’s a good start.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
and I say that the first 3 lines could all have career years. Kotalik has a wonderful shot, playing with Drury … they’ll both rekindle what they had in Buffalo (no homo), not to mention Gaborik on the same line … Monsterous! I see them all having career years and Gaborik breaking Jagr’s team records. Cally, Duby and Higgs, so much potential to not have their best years. The only if’s I have are with the 3rd line. Avery with a full year will definetly get it going and I see A.A. and Lisin clicking together. 4th line … I wouldn’t be shocked if added some goals.
I see them all having career years and Gaborik breaking Jagr’s team records.
Nooooo! Long live Jagr!!!
"Malik now." "6 foot 6, 238, not a noted goal scorer but he's gonna give it a shot here." "Malik has not scored this year. In on Kolzig, faked it....SCORES"
if we dont score more...
than we might as well throw in the towel. come on, u guys watched those games last year. if we got more than 3 goals it was like an offensive explosion. and if we get lucky enough to have a healthy gabby(and he seemed really healthy at the end of last season) then we should be just fine. defense on the other hand
Gaborik isn't scoring 50
And Kotalik and Higgins do not compensate for the lost offensive production from Zherdev, Antropov, and Naslund. So unless Callahan is ready to become a superstar, or Asinimov or Lisin are amazing, you’d better have a towel in hand.
Not replacing Antropov
You didn’t have a whole season of Antropov to replace. It’s 2/3 Dawes + 1/3 Antropov. Kotalik will match that. Higgins will match Naslund +/- 3 goals. Gaborik will beat Zherdev.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll even assume that Gaborik = Zherdev + Gomez
But if that’s the case then the best case scenario is the offense is just as anemic as it was last year, with Lisin and Asinimov as big question marks. With a weaker 4th line, weaker penalty killing, and Mara’s spot to fill on D, how is this team better?
Anisimov
Is a question, ok.
Lisin scored 13 goals last year in 48 games. Even if that production stays stagnant it’s better than Korpikoski.
The 4th line is not going to lose much offensively For all the fan favoritism for Orr, he blew offensively. Brashear is a career 7 goals per 82. Boyle scored 4 in 28 games with the kings last year, that’s a 12 goal pace, which is better than anything Betts ever did. The 4th line RW will be the question here, but Sjostrom wasn’t Mogilny skating around, he’s still only about 8 goals a year. I liked Betts and Sjostrom as much as anyway but they were still 4th liners.
The PK will not lose much. Keep in mind the PK was insane last year, the best percentage since the lockout. Even with Betts and Sjostrom in standed to regress back at least a little bit, 88% is not sustainable. Higgins will kill penalties, as will Dubinsky. They still have Lundqvist. They should still be a top 10 PK.
Mara is a loss, but the kids that are down projected to be 1st pair guys, and they have more than a couple of them.
See above also. Just career average years from everyone is 12 goals better, and that’s with 4 big fat zeros for career averages.
by George E. Ays on Aug 7, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't get it.
I could see Gabby going 39-77-116 in his first season.
by WalkerNYRanger on Aug 7, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you left someone out.
Gomez tied for the most points on our team. Who are we replacing him with?
Anisimov
People should not expect Anisimov to be a first or second line center in his rookie year. Yes he has been good in Hartford. However, seeing a couple games in person i was skeptical of his speed and strength. No question he has good hockey smarts and has hands for a tall guy,but he gets pushed off the puck quite a bit and just can’t keep up with some of the AHL speed. Remember when Dawes was sent to Hartford he was a point per game guy but when he came back to the Rangers the production was gone. I think Anisimov will be a great third line center but don’t think he can be a top 6 forward until he gets accustomed to NHL level play.
Kotalik and Higgins
Could be very underrated huge signings this offseason. I’m sure Kotalik got a little too much, but we did only give him a 500K raise. He needs to find some chemistry fast with someone (most likely Drury) and net between 20-25 goals, or more!
Higgins needs to shake last year’s injury off and get some swagga back! He can net 30 goals if he’s healthy and confident. He did almost do it 2 years ago. Unfortunately a guy coming off an injury year is going to be playing on our first line, but hey if a group of rag tag college kids could be the mean red Russians in ’80, then this team can compete!
I say we are a little better on scoring (5 to 10 goals higher). In the end all that matters is getting hot at the right time and Hank not getting worn down after the olympics. Well that stuff needs to be cemented with solid play this whole year and just having the 2 c’s: chemistry and confidence. I’m cautiously optimistic about this group, but emphasizing the optimistic. We won’t win the division, but we will be competing hard in the 2nd round of the playoffs and hopefully in the ECF.
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| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Rangers
|
54 | 36 | 13 | 5 | 77 |
|
Philadelphia
|
56 | 31 | 18 | 7 | 69 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
56 | 32 | 19 | 5 | 69 |
|
New Jersey
|
55 | 31 | 20 | 4 | 66 |
|
New York Islanders
|
55 | 23 | 24 | 8 | 54 |
(updated 2.14.2012 at 8:54 AM EST)
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|
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|
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Pittsburgh
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Tue 02/21 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
New York Islanders
|
Fri 02/24 | 7:00 PM EST |
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Washington
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Philadelphia
|
Sat 02/11 | W 5 - 2 |
|
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New Jersey
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Tue 02/07 | L 0 - 1 |
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Philadelphia
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Sun 02/05 | W 5 - 2 |
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