Rangers Analysis: Getting the Rangers On Track In 10 Not-So-Easy Steps
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 27, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
in New York Rangers Analysis
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PrintThe list of the things that need to be fixed with the Rangers would give Santa's a run for his money. Except for starting goalkeeping, every aspect of their game needs significant work, and we all have opinions on how to fix them. So without further adieu, let's officially kick off the Blueshirt Banter Rangers off-season coverage with our keys for fixing for the Blueshirts:
1. Send Wade Redden to Hartford. Forever. Going to start with the obvious here, Wade Redden simply cannot ever take the ice as a member of the New York Rangers again. He is the biggest disaster in this franchise's history, and he is only going to get worse. This franchise cannot and will not progress with a $6.5M albatross taking up a roster spot in NY every night. Sorry Hartford, we'll have to owe you one.
2. If you can't trade him, buyout Michal Rozsival. Another ridiculous contract, but somewhat more manageable because the Rangers may actually be able to find a trade partner for Rozy, and because Rozy's contract is shorter and for less money than Redden's. I know many people don't like the idea of paying Rozsival for four seasons and getting nothing in return, but according to nhlcapgeek, if the Rangers bought out Rozsival, the numbers would look like this:
|
SEASON |
ACTUAL SALARY |
CAP HIT |
BUYOUT |
SAVINGS |
BUYOUT CAP HIT |
|
2010-2011 |
$4,000,000 |
$5,000,000 |
$1,166,667 |
$2,833,333 |
$2,166,667 |
|
2011-2012 |
$3,000,000 |
$5,000,000 |
$1,166,667 |
$1,833,333 |
$3,166,667 |
|
2012-2013 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,166,667 |
$-1,166,667 |
$1,166,667 |
|
2013-2014 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,166,667 |
$-1,166,667 |
$1,166,667 |
The Rangers could survive with those figures. One year of a bad cap hit won't kill them.
3. Crap or get off the Sanguinetti pot: Bobby Sanguinetti seemed to fall out of favor with the coaching staff early in the season, and never recovered. It's time to either give him a legitimate chance at being on the roster, or use him as a trade chip while he still has value.
4. Resign Erik Christensen, Brandon Prust, Jody Shelley, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. The three forwards listed showed enough to warrant being brought back, Staal is among the top defenseman in the league, and since my plan has the disposal of the two albatross defensemen on the payroll, Girardi should be kept as well.
5. Olli Jokinen was brought here for two reasons: to get Higgins and Kotalik's salary off the books, and provide some scoring. One out of two ain't bad in this case, bye-bye Olli.
6. Learn from "The Del Zotto Principle": While we as fans were excited to see youth finally served on Broadway, truth be told, Zots probably would have been best served with another year in the OHL. This is complete hindsight, which of course is always 20/20. The Rangers need to remain level-headed and not buy their own hype. We believe there are many strong young players in the pipeline, but if it takes another year of development for them to be ready for Broadway, so be it.
7. Find a capable backup for Henrik Lundqvist from Day One. The way the backup goaltending situation was handled this year was inexcusable. If the Rangers were dissatisfied enough with Stephen Valiquette to banish him to Hartford after five starts, why was their no backup plan for a backup? The answer was to ride their thoroughbred until he collapsed, and juggle untested rookies back and forth from Hartford? Finally near the end of the season, Alex Auld was signed. He's a capable backup, and should probably be brought back if the price is right.
8. Bring back Vinny "Bronze God" Prospal, but only if the price is right. John Tortorella has been preaching about getting younger, and the Rangers can probably find someone to give them similar production who is ten years younger.
9. Find a defensemen that can lower the boom in their own zone. The Rangers haven't had one since Ulf Samuelsson, it might be time to replace him. A bone-crunching defenseman forces other teams to think twice about getting too close to the Rangers net. Right now, no one is afraid of the Rangers defense.
10. Use the money this plan frees up wisely. Avoid the Ales Kotalik's of the market, and for the love of Francis, go easy on the No Movement Clauses. If you can get a couple of second-tier type free agents at a good price, go for it.
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9. Find a defensemen that can lower the boom in their own zone. The Rangers haven’t had one since Ulf Samuelsson, it might be time to replace him. A bone-crunching defenseman forces other teams to think twice about getting too close to the Rangers net. Right now, no one is afraid of the Rangers defense.
i think we need this type of defensemen to protect gaborik and not let him get pummeled which would also help give gaborik room on the ice since opposing players would be wary of going after him if we had this type of d-man
How many guys does Gaborik need protecting him?
That was the rational for Brashear, then Prust, and then Shelley, plus in part the reason people wanted Avery on the 1st line with him.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
how many of them actually played on a line with gaborik
brashear was supposed to replace orr and we noe how that turned out…prust added some much needed grit to the team as a whole and shelley was a replacement for brashear which actually worked just not the way we thought it would
by Kevin Power on Apr 27, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Gaborik's a 1st line player
How many enforcers play 1st line? Is Godard playing with Crosby? Brashear (last year) with Ovechkin? Shelley (this year) with Thornton or Healtey? Orr with Kessel?
Brashear obviously sucked…but he was brought in to be Orr, the guy on the 4th line that is waiting in the shadows. That’s the role of those guys, not to play on Gaborik’s line.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
and how many of them actually protected him?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, in the one instance they needed to, zero.
That’s not a justification for bringing more in though, Shelley and Prust were brought in after the incident as a response already.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
thats true
and I will agree with you (surprise surprise) that Shelly and Prust are really all we need for protection
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I will also say that Del Zotto lowered the boom
and will do it much more next year now that he is a little more seasoned.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh yes, he was physical to a fault sometimes, he looked for the hit and left himself exposed defensively. You can live with that mistake from a 19 year old, he’ll certainly improve and learn to pick his spots better.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
It was nice to see
much better than what we saw out of Redden
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup, it’s that willingness to engage. You can be taught positioning, but you have to have an inherent ‘desire’ to be aggressive and be physical.
I’m tellin’ ya, if MDZ wants to keep up with his good buddy Stamkos, and MDZ does the off-season work like Stamkos, he could be a top 2-way guy that will surprise people with some hard hits.
Why does whether Godard plays with Crosby factor in the Rangers deciding who should play with Gaborik? Your top tier players, who do not show an overly aggressive presence, deserve and SHOULD be protected at ALL TIMES while on the ice. Just because no other teams think that way is of no importance whatsoever. Stupid point that is.
All players can play with everyone, regardless of some so-called perception of what line type player a person is thought to be.. Line shuffling is one of Tortorella’s favorite things, there is no reason why an enforcer cannot play with an offensively talented player. It doesn’t have to be every shift, but some. Just to show the opposition that you WILL use an enforcer with the top talent if necessary helps a lot to deter possible physical abuse to the top talent.
I remember Semenko playing alongside Gretzky. I remember Gillies playing alongside Bossy and Trottier. So, it CAN be done. And to protect an obviously non-physical goal scorer should be of tremendous importance to this team.
by bigaudio on Apr 27, 2010 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Just because no other teams think that way is of no importance whatsoever.
I would say that with 29 other teams thinking that way, it’s a fairly relevant point. That you don’t agree with it doesn’t make it stupid.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 – also, I think because the incident with Carcillo was so memorable in a bad way, many are inflating the problem of Gaborik being vulnerable to being intimidated. He stands up for himself most of the time, in fact there was an earlier game against Philly where he dumped Carcillo on his ass, so I don’t think him being pushed around was nearly as much of an issue as Lundqvist getting run was.
sorry but its not a relevant point. What you do for the benefit of your team should not be predicated on what other teams do for the betterment of their team. Sorry, but you’re just wrong on that. Its a concept that is older than the trap, it has always been there, just not utilized in a long time.
Having said that, how could anyone be against protecting the skill players? I guess that doesn’t matter in the cyberworld of hockeyblogs.
by bigaudio on Apr 28, 2010 4:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Who said I was against protecting players? I’m against signing 5 guys like Prust who contribute marginal offensive numbers just for the sake of enforcement.
And no, what you do shouldn’t be predicated on other teams, but at some point you say to yourself “well, there are alot of teams who have had more success than us lately who are employing this, maybe there’s something to it.”
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 28, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Incidentally
For all the line shuffling Torts did, here are the 20 most common line pairing for Gaborik:
20.49% EV 17 DUBINSKY – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
16.11% EV 26 CHRISTENSEN – 17 DUBINSKY – 10 GABORIK
9.84% EV 26 CHRISTENSEN – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
5.83% EV 10 GABORIK – 81 LISIN – 20 PROSPAL
5.22% EV 10 GABORIK – 21 HIGGINS – 20 PROSPAL
4.71% EV 16 AVERY – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
4.36% EV 10 GABORIK – 12 JOKINEN – 20 PROSPAL
3.41% EV 42 ANISIMOV – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
3.32% EV 17 DUBINSKY – 10 GABORIK – 21 HIGGINS
2.86% EV 24 CALLAHAN – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
2.55% EV 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
1.87% EV 10 GABORIK – 12 KOTALIK – 20 PROSPAL
1.19% EV 42 ANISIMOV – 10 GABORIK – 21 HIGGINS
1.08% EV 23 DRURY – 10 GABORIK – 20 PROSPAL
1.04% EV 16 AVERY – 26 CHRISTENSEN – 10 GABORIK
1.03% EV 23 DRURY – 10 GABORIK – 21 HIGGINS
1.01% EV 42 ANISIMOV – 16 AVERY – 10 GABORIK
1.01% EV 26 CHRISTENSEN – 10 GABORIK
0.92% EV 23 DRURY – 17 DUBINSKY – 10 GABORIK
0.82% EV 17 DUBINSKY – 10 GABORIK
You know who you don’t see there? Brashear, Prust, and Shelley. Avery’s the closest thing to an enforcer there, and he spent 3 of every 50 shifts with Gaborik.
So just because you remember Clark Gilles with Bossy (btw, Gilles was a point per game player at one point, so I should hope he was up in the top 6) and other guys from the 80’s that aren’t relevant to today’s game being used up front, doesn’t mean that works today, no matter how stupid you may think that is.
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by George E. Ays on Apr 28, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
you can quote all the computer-generated stats you like, but your statement that because Godard doesn’t get to play with Crosby that Gaborik doesn’t occasionally need to skate with Shelley. That concept it so inane and not very smart or bright, but whatever. Quote some more stats. My point is, just because other teams don’t do it doesn’t mean the Rangers shouldn’t do it. No stats you can spew will justify your statement.
Protecting star players with enforcers is not “80’s”, it is perennial in the NHL, even though most teams don’t do it anymore. It IS a viable option, ESPECIALLY for teams that overall are not very tough. The Penguins (to cite your example) as a team overall have more toughness than the Rangers do, so they do not feel a need for their enforcer to take a shift with Crosby. When an Orpik or a Guerin or a Rupp can step in, a Prospal, a Christensen, a Girardi are much less likely to step in and are much less a threat if they were to step in. But again, just because other teams don’t do something DOES NOT mean my team shouldn’t either, that was my point and i’m sticking to it. To dismiss an idea simply because other teams don’t do it is not very bright conceptually, which I had pointed out.
No, I don’t have any computer-generated stats to back up my statement, so I guess i’m wrong.
The Rangers will never have that overall team toughness that we’d like, so there ARE ways to make that less relevant, and I have no doubts that if done correctly it can be effective and productive.
by bigaudio on May 1, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Its a team concept
Not one player should do all the enforcing, Jody Shelley is only good when he is on the ice, and he gives our other players confidence to play a more aggressive game. The problem with Brashear was he obviously lost a step in his skating ability and was a non factor in protecting his teammates due to being a liability on the ice as a hockey player in general. In his limited ice time he was a -9. Brashear also seemed to lose his invincibility when fighting and was on pace to lose more fights as a Rangeras than he did with Van, Philly, and Wash combined. You don’t need players that go looking for fights every shift. You need players that are skilled enough to play with Gabby, and are willing to engage in the rough stuff if they feel someone is taking advantage of him. If you look at our early to mid 90’s teams they were very skilled, but could play with an edge if the other team decided our important players needed to get hit at every opportunity. The problem with this team for the majority of the season, was they allowed their two most important players Lundqyist, and Gabby on certain nights to get taken advantage of by various opposing players without so much as a response. We all agree their are good penalties and bad penalties. We had no problem taking stupid offensive zone penalties when the opposing player was nowhere near a play that can end up in the back of our net. When a player would take an extra whack at or run Lundquist no Ranger player would so much as look in their direction. Same with Gabby, someone shadowing him gives him a shot, or does everything in his power to make him uncomfortable and the team as a whole did not stick up for him. You need to play with an edge at times, and show teams your willing to battle them anywhere they want. You need to stick up for yourself but you also need your teammates back when you need help. This team was a soft team to play against on most nights which made it easy for the opposition to key on Gabby and Lundquist. The problem the answer is not a one dimensional tough guy who is rarely used and ends up fighting the other team’s enforcer.
I understand we were soft
I also understand needing a defenseman that will clear the crease and protect Lundqvist.
I don’t understand the need for having like 5 different guys who are there to “protect Gaborik.”
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by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s called team toughness. Look at Detroit. Washington and Pitt also. They dont have any enforcers. They have a ton of skilled guys but they ALL stick up for each other. Don’t need a bunch of goons just for “protection”. This is not the 70’s NHL.
We need More guys like Brandon Prust. He’s not an enforcer but he can skate and hit and score the odd goal and will not back down to anyone.
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
This isn't the 70's NHL....
…but our GM still thinks it is about ohhh 1979…..so as long as we have him at the helm, it will be one tough guy and 24 vaginas.
by KingHenrik30 on Apr 27, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
More guys like Prust will make fans happier in that they will hit more, and then when we realize we have a tough guys scoring 10 goals a game, everyone will flip out at the lack of offense.
They don’t need any more Prust’s. More Dubinsky’s, more Callahan’s, ok.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
What i meant was we need more guys with the mentality like Prust. though Cally and Dubi have it also. Lots of heart, willing to get dirty and can mix it up if needed. More goals always help too.
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
A hard hitting d-man is not going to help Gaborik
The kind of players we have to worry about going after him (e.g. Carcillo, Pronger) are not going to be scared off by one defenseman who plays rough. We need one to clear out the front of the crease, and — now this might sound crazy, Torts — someone to perhaps make it the tiniest bit difficult to enter our defensive zone.
1-5: Self-explanatory
6: Might as well keep MDZ as a third pairing for now. Gilroy needs a stay-at-home defenseman to cover him (Girardi did the job pretty well) so he pinch in and create some scoring opportunities.
7: I really liked Chad Johnson while he was called up. Hopefully we keep Auld at most for 1 more year til CJ is ready to handle at least 20-25 games… and work on his five hole.
8: I like Vaclav, we should keep him around maybe one more year, and trade him at the deadline if anything else. He might come cheap, as he does love playing in NY.
9: We have one of those coming through the ranks, his name is Ryan McDonagh. Guy’s pretty big, and hits everything that moves. A real Beukeboom-type.
10: Pretty self-explanatory, it’s what we’ve been thinking and saying for ages.
What a lot of these GMs don’t realize is that in the salary cap world of the NHL, franchises with a lot of home-grown talent will win cups due to entry-level contract restrictions. It’s all about the cap.
On Redden
From what i understand, the collective bargaining agreement says u can’t send a vet to the minors until camp is over. that being said, Redden will at least be here through pre season. let’s hope they send him down at the start of the regular season. they really should have done it last year.
1. Yeah, most important thing for the future. It would allow us to fix the D this off-season and have cap room for next year’s FA class.
2. He can be traded….maybe swap Rosi+4th rounder for a 6th rounder or something. Just get his ass out of here.
3. Sanguinetti needs to be playing in the NHL. Again, bring up Sangs, trade Gilroy (3rd rounder maybe?)
4. Yes to everything, except EC might not have a spot depending on what happens-if Slats gets Plekanec, no spot for EC-I’d rather try to find a decent scoring winger (trade for Sharp/go after Hornqvist-something, unless Grachev has a monster camp) to play next to AA. If we draft a C (Johansen) that isn’t ready, then EC is a 1 year filler at #1 C. or we put Avery/Drury/EC and Shelley/Boyle/Prust if MZA isn’t ready.
Dubi-Plek-Gab (or Dubi/EC/Gab, ?/AA/Cally, Avery/Dru/MZA or Prust etc.
?-AA-Cally
Avery-Drury-MZA/Prust
Shelley-Boyle-Byers or good PK winger
5. Yes, goodbye Olli, and THANK YOU for the awesome photochop face!
6. Problem was we had no better options really-Torts wanted a PP guy, everybody else sucked at it. But yeah, let them develop.
7. Well…I’ll let Greg Wyshynski from PuckDaddy take it away:
bq. King Henrik will be back too, of course, after a summer of rest and relaxation to prepare him for another 70-game/4,000-minute regular season that leaves him with little left in the tank come April; John McCain is quicker high-gloveside than Lundqvist was by the end of the series.
8. I think we can get younger, and more talent, assuming we free up some money. We don’t need him at center, and I think we can easily find more skill/speed/scoring from another winger.
9. No-brainer here. I know some of the guys we’ve mentioned don’t have the stats (I’m sure smurf or maven will bring on the GAON/60 QualComp etc.) we’d like, but damnit, Lundqvist can take care of the puck, we just need people who will clear the crease and not tolerate Henrik getting run over every game. Seidenberg/O’Brien/Exelby etc. Get 2 physical guys, 1 to play with MDZ, 1 to play with Sanguinetti/Gilroy.
10. This off-season money, hoping we take a C (Johansen) in the draft, re-sign everyone from #4, add 1 quality D (Seidenberg), 1 bruiser, and 1 good scoring winger for the 2nd line. Save the leftovers to re-sign Cally/Dubi next off-season.
On #9
You can have both, there are quite a few of the “hammer droppers” that have good numbers in GAON/60 and QualComp, starting of course with Volchenkov, who will be hella-expensive.
Of course, what no one wants to hear is that Redden’s GAON/60 the last two years is 2.09 and 1.80 (the 1.8 was top 20 in the NHL for defenseman), both excellent numbers. The problem with Redden is he gives you zero offense for his money, and of course doesn’t hit anybody. And if you trust Tom Awad’s GVT numbers, here’s something to chew on in terms of defensive value in 09-10:
Exelby 0.4 GVTD
Seidenberg 2.0
O’Brien 3.3
Volchenkov 4.2
Redden 3.9
Rozsival 4.2
Hitting things looks fun, but it’s not always productive in terms of the primary task of preventing goals.
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by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
good point. he wasnt terrible defensively. he also has the king behind him.
but he doesnt give any offensive value and the contract just sucks..
the problem is that he never hits.. and if a forwards knows a dman isnt going to hit him he feels safer and can get into a comfort zone with the puck
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
the problem is that he never hits.. and if a forwards knows a dman isnt going to hit him he feels safer and can get into a comfort zone with the puck
While true, Redden’s shots against rate is also relatively low compared to the rest of the league, so he’s compensating somehow.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not ‘hitting’, it’s engaging physically that’s our problem. How many goals against this season were deflections? A lot, and a bunch off our own guys because they couldn’t clear a lane or got pushed around in the slot.
It’s about boxing players out, keep them from deflecting the puck and Henrik WILL stop it. Keep them from jamming the crease and don’t tolerate shit if they bump Henrik. This has JACK SHIT to do with getting guys who are going to go for the Kasparaitis hip-check at the blue-line.
Take Staal for example-he’s not a hitter, but he’s very physical. He uses his body to engage a player, take the puck, defend the puck, and make a smart outlet.
In watching these playoffs, I haven’t seen anyone I’d rather have than Hamhuis. His positioning is excellent, he can score, and he can hit – and knows when to, i.e. that hip check last night when he leveled Bfuglien.
really? Other than that hipcheck, Hamhuis was horrible last night. Caught out of position numerous times and beaten to the puck on more than a few occasions.
I like Hamhuis as much as anyone, but he’s been brutal so far. Scoring a goal doesn’t really make up for the fact the ice is completely tilted the wrong way when he’s been on thus far.
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by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t mention anything about ‘hammer dropping’-clear the crease, keep guys off of Hank, and win puck battles along the boards.
I’m starting to think you’re actually Glen Sather. Every time somebody mentions replacing Redden/Roszival, you find a stat to defend them. :-)
Well, you mentioned adding two physical guys, I consider them “hammer-droppers,” as generally when people clamor for physical defenseman, they want the guy that will give the “big hit” when needed. What they really need is more guys like Staal, who isn’t necessarily a “physical defenseman,” but technically sound and strong along the boards.
As for Redden and Rozsival, I want them gone the same as anyone else, it’s just for a different reason. Where as most people indict them for their lack of defense, I like to point out that their defense is not the primary issue, as both are fairly decent at preventing goals. The reality is that it’s the lack of offense that is the killer when they’re paid like top end, two-way defenseman.
Redden much more than Rozsival though, Rozsival is better offensively but worse defensively, so he’s a middling 2-way player at this stage. They’re both 2.5-3m defenseman because of this. In a cap era, overpaying for talent is a killer.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
My biggest gripe with Rosi is his puck control. He is like the anti-Leetch when it comes to keeping a puck in at the blue-line, his passing is horrible, and his only weapon, a GOOD shot, he never uses. He’s played much better, and if he doesn’t go I won’t /// my wrists, but for that $$$, he’s not worth it.
Same with Redden, but he doesn’t doesn’t try…at all. I mean we could give Drury the same shit we do Redden because they’re both in the same boat-being paid like top 2-way players when both don’t provide the offense they should, WE KNOW Drury gives a damn.
Quickly on Drury,
He’s a much better player than either Redden or Rozie this year. He had a role change that hurt some of his primary statistics, which of course is the first thing people look at.
He had 24 even strength points, which while a drop is still not the primary source of his lack of offense. I’ll do something more comprehensive at a later date, but the lack of PP time Drury got all season was as big a contributor to his sudden 32 point season as any other factor. So too was his ridiculous 38% offensive zonestart number, which is tough for any to overcome to produce decent offensive numbers.
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by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I know, you don’t need to do a whole analysis, I was just trying to make an arguement between the 2 players and why one gets so much vitriol vs. another who makes a bit more money, yet when you look at it, suffers the same lack of offensive production for that money, yet receives not 1/4 of the same hatred, if any.
Drury is going through somewhat what Stevie Y did. Granted Dru was never/will never be Stevie Y, or the same offensive potential…both were considered offensive players that were turned into defensive specialists at some point in their careers. And with the lack of PP time compared to the rest of his career, his point production is understanable, but he still could/should produce more regardless.
Drury took a ton of heat this year for his lack of offense, which is why I can rattle some of the stuff off the top of my head.
And I understand the argument, but it should be pointed out that Drury was much more valuable to the team this year.
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by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Smurf, I would love to see a fanpost on that stuff
it would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance
by Ahmad Bradshaw on Apr 27, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No Prob.
I’ll get to it at some point before October.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 28, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
there are several financially strapped teams (stars, coyotes, preds) who are more worried about actual dollars than cap hits. those teams dont even use all of their cap room during the season. that means that someone like rozsival who has a 5 mil cap hit for 2 yrs but only 7 mil total might actually interest them. 3.5 mil for 2 yrs in my opinion is still overpaying him, but not even close to the 5 mil per yr his cap hit would imply
by BronxBeliever on Apr 27, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Redden
Jim,
Do you think that Sather would really send Redden to the AHL?
To do so he would be publicly admitting to another tragic contract mistake, and have to violate the sanctity of the “old boys” club by embarrassing a player of Redden’s experience.
http://hockeyplumber.blogspot.com/
Redden
embarrasses himself, the sweater & Sather every time he steps on the ice.
Hypothetical question…
Which would be worse for Sather? Admitting his mistake and moving forward or watching his mistake cripple the team and remind the fan base of the mistake he made every game for another 4 seasons?
by Mike_from_NNJ on Apr 27, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
NINO – STEPAN – GABORIK
KREIDER – ANISIMOV – CALLAHAN
GRACHEV – DUBINSKY – MZA
AVERY – CHRISTENSEN – BYERS
STAAL – MCDONAGH
MDZ – ______ (free agent)
GIRARDI – GILROY/SANGS/POTTER
LUNDQVIST
JOHNSON
thats a talented home grown team who actually cares about the sweater their wearing…
9 of our 12 forwards would be homegrown.. the others would be gabby avery and christensen..
4 of our 6 dman would be (5 if u count girardi.. we got him young) the other would be the FREE AGENT.. or maybe next years draft pick..
and both goalies.. (johnson we got young too)..
i cant dream right??
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
It could happen
Just not next year.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by George E. Ays on Apr 27, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Mcdonagh might be coming here this year
Espect MZA to make the team outta camp, Grachev and Kreider are long shots this year and Stepan is going back to WIS. LOL
Two years from now though Mosh you remind everyone that you called it!
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Unless the coaching change in Wisconsin has an impact, both Stepan and McDonagh will not be here for camp. Neither will Kreider.
Grachev is admittedly a long shot – more likely that he follows the same steps as Anisimov and plays a few games at the end of next season, if he develops.
MZA is a complete unknown. He could get creamed by Pronger (or Myers) in a pre-season game, suffer a concussion and never play another hockey game in his life.
Or he could be the second coming of Theo Fleury. Only time will tell – I hope to see him make the team.
you and millions of others my friend
you an millions of others
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
He could get creamed by Pronger (or Myers) in a pre-season game, suffer a concussion and never play another hockey game in his life.
Have to start calling you the Nostradamus of Negativity.
If you're going to quote
Negative Nelli
then please continue and quote
Positive Polly
he could be the second coming of Theo Fleury. Only time will tell – I hope to see him make the team.
Hopefully he'll be like a Marty St Louis
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually I will disagree with one point here
and it’s number 2. I don’t believe that the Rangers should be buying anyone out. To pay someone to not play makes no sense, and as I have been saying for awhile now Rozsival wasn’t awful the final 20 games or so.
Regardless if you want him off the team that bad then trade him, his contract is much easier to work with than Reddens.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
I agree
I agree with Joe.
Rozsi (while not worth the money) played decent down the stretch. He acctually seemed to play a lot better in the games he wore an “A”. I would have no problem having him there as a 7th D-Man.
He can provide veteran leadership to some of the younger guys and step in from time to time.
If you can trade him for anything of value so be it.
Redden is a different story all together. Dump him on the Wolfpack.
by Mike_from_NNJ on Apr 27, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Rosival wasn’t that bad the last third of the season. I can see him staying for his duration of his contract. 2 more years i believe. I can live with that.
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
So by your logic we should pay him another $10M because for 20 games he didn’t suck? (And I’ll disagree with you there he was unsucky for 8-10 games at best.) Sorry but we should be aspiring for better. Rozsival is an anchor, I want him out. Time for a change.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 27, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Nay
I’m saying that the Rangers should look for trading partners first, and if it doesn’t work out then so be it, but him out. But I don’t want buyout to be the only option
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
$10Mil
is better served as a 7th D-Man than pissed away.
by Mike_from_NNJ on Apr 27, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
he’s only owed 7 mil over the last two years of his contract making him much easier to trade than if his contract had been an even 5 mil over the four years
by BronxBeliever on Apr 27, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
What's the solution?
The current management has made too many mistakes – none of them can be explained or excused. A man who couldn’t pick a capeable coach over a decade, won’t make the necessary changes. I believe that Totorella is a good coach, but has personality and communication problems with his players. My feeling is that he’s going to stay, but if the team is not going to produce, he’ll be replaced, probably by Mike Keanan. My question about him: does he still has the same fire as 16 years ago? So what’s the solution? CHANGE OF THE GUARD! Forget about over the heel mercenaries and build from within. Bring in retired players who were loyal to the team are capeable to lead and demand.
1. As much as I would like to see this… if Sather is here so is Wade.
2. I believe Sather will find a way to Tade Rozi.
3. It is hard to Undersatnd why people fall out of favor with this coaching staff (look at Lisen and AA). Sangs should be looked at, but I have no problem with him being trade bait.
4. Staal needs to be signed. I like all of the others, but all are not esential parts of fixing the problems.
5. I like Oli and wish him a successful carrer with another team.
6. While I agree in not rushing players. I don’t think Del Zotto was hurt by being here this year. I think we’ll see big prgress with hi next year. As he fills out he will become the D-Man we need.
7. This is the one case were I don’t blame managment and coaching. Valiquett was our backup and I don’t remeber anyone being bad with it? He failed in his starts, was sent to hartford to get his confidence back and fell apart. Johnson has promis, but I’d let him play another year in Hartford. Alex is a fine choice for the right proce.
8. Vinny was the deal of the year. If we are counting on him for the future shame on us. One year at a good price Ok.
9. Yes!
10. Rangers will have no choice but to spend prudently as I predict we will stil have Reddens and Druy’s contract in place.
We should resign people who need to be resigned, and do not sign any other free agents. Work within the team and attempt to free room for the year after.
With you on that. Stay away from high priced free agents! Build from within and we’d have alot of cap space in 3 years to build around our core players.
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
The supposed "Voice of Reason"
approves of this plan. ;-)
With one exception.
I consider it beyond reasonable to bury Redden in HFD and buy out Rozsival – as much as that might be the ideal situation.
If someone is interested in Rozsival from a trade perspective – I might even be willing to give up a bit more than I get in return for him.
If no trade is possible, and Redden actually does go away, then I can live, somewhat begrudgingly, with Rozsival.
I’ve said this before – so please bear with the repetition:
Staal – Girardi as a permanent pair.
Rozsival – Gilroy
MDZ – Exelby/Seidenberg (FA at a reasonable cost)
Sanguinetti / Potter – rotate every third game with one of the other 6. Keeps the D corps fresh and prepares you to handle the nagging injuries that will happen.
If Sanguinetti isn’t the guy – or if Gilroy isn’t the guy – then trade either or both while they have some value.
DB did you and I just ... agree!?!?!?!
Run to the bomb shelters! The apocalypse is clearly imminent.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I liked Staal Girardi pairing.
Totally agree on Sangs and Gilroy. I don’t see them fitting in here. I would trade 1 of em to move up in the draft.
Again, I don’t mind Rosival being here another 2 years. Yes I would love to get rid of him but I wouldn’t buy him out.
Redden on the other hand…he’s gotta go. Some way! Any way! Just get rid of him!
Lundqvist-Staal-MDZ-McDonagh-Krieder-Stepan-MZA-Cally-Dubi-Gabby-AA-Grachev.
The core of the 2014 Stanley Cup winners!
by 76 Blueshirt on Apr 27, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
If someone is interested in Rozsival from a trade perspective – I might even be willing to give up a bit more than I get in return for him.
I agree and would be willing to put some value in a package to get rid of either Redin or Rozival. Gilroy comes to mind.
by CTrangerfan on Apr 27, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
to the hills to the hills
honestly though you and I do tend to agree, we just also enjoy some logical debate every now and every time possible :)
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Apr 27, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm 50-50 in this plan
While I totally agree on dumping Redden in Hartford, I think a trade can be struck for Roszival, and otherwise he should not be bought out.
Resignings: Christensen (no), Prust (yes – now!), Shelley (yes), Staal (immediately!) and Girardi (use in a trade. I personally think Roszival and Girardi should be traded together in a package for an upgrade in scoring and one defensive defenseman. Just my opinion.)
Sanguinetti needs to be here this coming season. My suggestion: trade a pick for a player like Andrew Alberts in Vancouver. Adding them to Staal, Sanguinetti, Gilroy and Del Zotto should balance out the D. This does leave one spot open, and that should be filled by the hard hitter that was suggested.
Olli, bye-bye, and take Bronze God with him.
I’m good with keeping Auld.
And, I have one more that was not mentioned…please lift the “C” from Chris Drury. He plays more freely without it, almost the same way that Brian Leetch did.
I Am HockeyMan!!
Not Dolphins, Penguins, or Shoe-Ins...just Rangers, nothin' but Rangers!!
Goaltending
While it would be nice to see much of what is written come true, a real center for Marian, a defencemen who actually hits people and hard, etc.. I think we all agree a proper backup for Henrick is needed. They need to reduce his games and to keep from wearing him down. I was looking at UFA goalies and see Andrew Raycroft is on the list. He was/is on Vancouver and earned just about 500,000 this year. He was not a bad goalie for Boston and won games for a bad Toronto team. He is only 29 and should be able to play 25-30 games giving us a chance to win in those games. if we don’t save Henrick from all these games I fear an injury plaqued season is just around the corner.
1-2) It’s a bit much to ask to get rid of Redden in HFD and buyout Rozsival, one or the other; but preferably the former.
3) Agree, get on board or get rid of him. He has value that can bring back a scorer.
4) Depending on 1-2, Girardi may be a cap casualty, but I agree. All (except the defensemen) will be cap bargains).
5) Goodbye.
6) They don’t have many prospects at the Juniors level that really stand a legitimate chance of making the team. Some prospects, like Sam Klassen and Tomas Kundratek, are too old for Juniors, but will play in the AHL (they are 21).
7) Auld at $750k, play him 15-20 games. The last part is the tough part.
8) Prospal at $2 million is fine by me, anything more, let him walk.
9) Garnet Exelby is cheap, young, and hits.
10) Fixing the defense: dump a contract, resign Staal, Girardi, Potter. Sign Exelby.
MDZ-Staal
Girardi-Potter
Potter / R-Exelby
Gilroy
Rotate Potter/Gilroy in for each defenseman, especially MDZ, so that everyone gets a break.
Well written, Jim
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers for SB Nation.
The Rangers Tribune: A hockey blog dedicated to covering the New York Rangers since 2009.
by Nick Montemagno on Apr 27, 2010 2:49 PM EDT reply actions
The one moment that stands out in my mind with Redden was that game with Florida where even the Panthers crew was wondering what he was trying to accomplish by playing defense on his knees.
good insight!!
i agree with all of the above..!! may i mention the rangers also need some chemistry and a firsy line center . maybe we can get that in the draft or free agency this year by letting jokinen go!! i still feel ths team needs charcter up front like callahan but with better skill wjo can charge the net with all skills hands feet , shot hittting. we need more of that up front w finesse who plays both ends of the ice.
also i wouldnt be shy of calling up many young players from our youth to play..
on d we could call up potter?? he played wll we can use him and sanguentti or heikenen. on d backthere in place of redden and rosival who will be sent down and bought out..
why dont we let the young gun johnson play backup as well???
last but not least this team is a few years out of a cup run if all goes well, more likely 4 to 5 years out. when all there bad contratcs are up and the young have come in and prospered!! so even if we dont make the playoofs for two years with youth i say so be it and lets get this team reorginized and fired up!! the rangers need wingers with talent and skill who do they have i hope they get nino in the draft or another sniper winger who can help gabys other side. or even second line with cally or drury..
Wade Redden can only be banished in Hartford one year of his contract from what I understand. The fact is he will be bought out which will handcuff us even more because its double the time.
And I’m not sure who you are envisioning for this defenseman. The second coming of Rich Pilon? Branden Witt?
Defensively I’d trade the rights to Dan Girardi or hope someone gives him an offer sheet. Play one of the guys in Hartford through a fair tryout including Sangs Heikkanen McDonaugh and Sauer.
Offensively I’d keep it as is and hope that the guys can gel. We have no money to spend, and no one will simply hand us Horton Frolov or whoever else may be available. Sit with the current roster less some minor moves. Offensively only Weiss and Byers look NHL ready and they are 3rd/4th line guys.
Good Post Jim
1. Agree…All the way.
2. You know what at this point, whether he’s traded, bought out or we have to bite the bullet, I’m done on the Rozy subject.
3. I agree on Sangs.
4. These guys must be signed!!!
5. Bye Bye Olli is right.
6. Del Zotto is going to be better and is actually the PP D-Man we needed this year if you ask me.
7. A capable back up would be nice this year, but to the organizations defense he was pretty good the year before.
8. The price could be 2 million and that’s as big as i would go on him.
9. It would be cool to have a Buekaboom defenseman but its not a top priority.
10. Avoid the glorified 3rd liners (who wanna be 1st liners) at all costs.
I dont see Redden sent down and Rosi being bought out. Would love to see it. Best case scenario Redden sent down and Rosi for Souray. Please no Girardi, its Dmen like him that cant move the puck out of the zone that cause GMs to sign Mr Tape to Tape pass at 6.5 for 6 years.
EC go or stay not sure better option than Boyle (waste of a 3rd rounder). Rather see AA go first line. Prust Shelley back. Voros, Avery, Lisin, Boyle and Girardi gone. Vinny and Joker only 1 year and cheap. Staal look him up long term now.
Demitra anyone?
I scrolled through this kinda quickly but I didn’t notice anyone saying anything about Pavol Demitra as a possible first line forward. He has had success with Gaborik in both Minnesota and international competition. I understand that he’s 35 and all but I see him as the most sensible option for the short term considering in 2-3 years we’ll have a ton of talent coming out of the system.
I mentioned him as a 1 year filler to play with Gaborik-I don’t think he’s going to command a lot of money. If we take a C this draft I’d be alright with Demitra for 1 year. Others have mentioned he gets hurt a lot, but for 1 year for a guy with his skill, and playing with Gabby, I’d take a shot at it. Can still re-sign EC who can fill-in if he gets hurt.
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Rangers
|
52 | 34 | 13 | 5 | 73 |
|
Philadelphia
|
54 | 31 | 16 | 7 | 69 |
|
New Jersey
|
54 | 31 | 19 | 4 | 66 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
54 | 30 | 19 | 5 | 65 |
|
New York Islanders
|
53 | 22 | 23 | 8 | 52 |
(updated 2.11.2012 at 8:02 AM EST)
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Washington
|
Sun 02/12 | 12:30 PM EST |
|
@
Boston
|
Tue 02/14 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Chicago
|
Thu 02/16 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Columbus
|
Sun 02/19 | 8:00 PM EST |
|
@
Pittsburgh
|
Tue 02/21 | 7:00 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Sat 02/11 | W 5 - 2 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
Thu 02/09 | OT - W 4 - 3 |
|
New Jersey
|
Tue 02/07 | L 0 - 1 |
|
Philadelphia
|
Sun 02/05 | W 5 - 2 |
|
@
Buffalo
|
Wed 02/01 | SO - W 1 - 0 |
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