Random Ranger Thoughts and Notes
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jan 14, 2011 9:01 AM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
Email
Print
A few things to talk about on an off day:
I haven't seen anything from Ryan McDonagh that tells me he isn't ready to play in the NHL. I know its only been four games, but I would argue that three of those four games (Dallas, St. Louis, Vancouver) are some of their best defensive efforts of the year. Not saying it's all McDonagh, but he has definitely been a part of it. In my opinion, the Rangers should be in no hurry to make any deals for a veteran defenseman. Let the next three or four weeks play themselves out, and unless someone on the roster proves to be a liability, play the kids. The experience of a playoff race will be invaluable.
I think Mats Zuccarello is here to stay. Whenever he is on the ice, something exciting seems to happen. He isn't afraid to work the corners, and moves the puck about as well as anyone on the team.
With the addition of Wojtek Wolski, the power play problems are going to work themselves out. Matt Gilroy on the point is going to help as well. My biggest concern in the second half is face-offs. Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan have just been abysmal, and Brian Boyle hasn't been much better of late.
Henrik Lundqvist is averaging a shutout for every 5.66 starts, by far his career best average. His season best for shutouts is the ten he had in 2007-08, and its within reach at his current pace.
The Rangers are 26-16-3. They did not hit 26 wins last year until February 6th.
After Crosby slew-footed Ryan Callahan, Subban slew-footed Brandon Dubinsky, and Marc Staal took one in the jewels last night, with no calls on any of them, it would be difficult to argue with anyone who says the Rangers don't get a fair shake from the officials. I definitely look for the Rangers to administer their own justice on Subban in Montreal on Saturday night.
I'm guessing Martin Biron starts in Montreal on Saturday night, with Hank playing Sunday at home against Philadelphia. Biron's only played four times since the beginning of December, and with the Rangers headed into a stretch of five games in seven nights, Saturday night is probably the perfect time to get Biron some work.
Anybody miss Rozsival yet?
I can't say enough about Brandon Dubinsky this year. With apologies to Ryan Callahan, is Dubi the Rangers most complete player now? Tough argument, and probably has no right or wrong answer.
You guys are doing an awesome job in the game threads, and I've come to find out that a lot of people come in and read the game threads after the games are over just to see the conversations. Give yourselves a stick salute, you deserve it.
Jesse Spector from the NY Daily News is going to join us Monday night on Blueshirt Banter Radio.
Going to ask a favor of you guys: If you are on Twitter, put your Twitter name in your signature, this way I can make sure I am following all of you. I'm @blueshirtbanter so make sure you follow me for all site updates and other randomness.
How great is that picture of Henrik saluting the fans last night?
Have a great weekend everyone, see you all in the threads.
53 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
With apologies to Ryan Callahan, is Dubi the Rangers most complete player now?
Maybe he’s not the most complete, he’s certainly their best player right now though. He’s got a gear Callahan doesn’t have.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
Duby definitely has a gear just about nobody else on the team has, possibly even Prust/Callahan...
….and he’s been in it since he got snubbed for the All-Star Game. He’s flying all over the ice, getting IT done everywhere on the ice. I say IT in capital letters because I can’t label a specific thing… it’s more like everything. At this rate he’s either gonna burn himself out come April (ala Thornton), or shut all the haters up for good… only time will tell.
I’ve always thought Dubinsky was better, talent-wise. Callahan leads by example and does all the small things to win, which was where he was ahead of Dubinsky. Now that Dubinsky’s upgraded that part of his game, I don’t think it’s a question.
Unfortunately Callahan going down doesn’t help his case. Until then it seemed like his skill was finally beginning to catch up to his effort.
Dubi vs Cally
I think that Cally does a great job of showing up, and giving his all night in and night out, and as you’ve said he “does all the small things to win”. George hit on the head when he said Dubi has another gear. Cally will bust his hump to hold the line, but Dubi looks to break through it. Dubi is emerging into the type of player you can look to for a big play or a goal when we really need it, and someone that oppossing defenses have to worry about when he’s on the ice.
The thing I’ve liked most about Dubi’s game is he’s carrying the puck again, and bringing back the dangles. That’s something I know Torts wasn’t a fan of, but the way Dubi’s been playing I don’t think there’s much he can say. Hopefully Dubi goes after Subban himself, now that the scoring is coming, I hope he gets a little bit more of his edge back too. I understand that you can’t be spending the whole game in the box when you’re a top player, but I think this would be worth the five, and if Dubi can keep up the toughness he’ll remain the ‘complete" player I always thought he’d be.
by BuckarooClub on Jan 14, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Dubi
is reminding me of Mike Richards in a way. Dominating games, piling up points, and can handle himself physically.
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Jan 14, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Torts minds the dangles. I remember him saying something to the effect of, that when Dubi plays center he “glides,” and doesn’t skate. I actually saw what he was talking about a few weeks ago when Dubinsky had a shift in the middle.
its hard to say. Last season, before his move to wing, when our offense was completely stagnant, Dubi used to try to dangle and beat the man in the neutral zone alot more, and Torts would sit him down quickly when it didn’t work. I can’t say that it was always the safe or smart play – but the way our offense was back then, it didn’t seem like the worst idea, since it atleast gave us a CHANCE of getting an odd man rush moving into the zone – something we seldom saw. After getting sat down a couple times, Dubi gave up on them, but now they’re back, hopefully for good. I think it adds another element to his game.
by BuckarooClub on Jan 15, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
Torts for Jack Adams
Anyone think Torts should be in the discussion for the Jack Adams? Given the way the Ranger’s have weathered injuries to significant players and the infusion of youth this year I think he should at least be in the running. It seems the media (non-NY) is finally starting to take notice that the Rangers are legit this year. Maybe this discussion will begin to permeate their awareness.
On another note, Gaborik has looked solid the last few games. It’s only a matter of time before he’s back to form. He’s getting chances left and right, the goals will come.
absolutely. to me he deserves it more than anyone else.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
most definitely agree...
though i have heard a lot about the Craig Ramsay from ATL….seeing how that team was pretty much nothing last year.
and turned Byfuglien into a legit Norris contender….
but by all means i really hope Torts gets it.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 14, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
as good as the win was last night, let's keep things in perspective
montreal buzzed the rangers in the third period the other night through the third period, and i saw every d pair have issues getting it out once pressure was applied
this is not something that’s just going to go away, either, if they play teams with an aggressive forecheck
i think in a year or, more likely, two (provided the world doesn’t end in december 2012) this is a team that will be a legit cup contender, right now they need to learn and build on wins like last night’s, and learn lessons when they get pressured about how to respond
i’m just happy as hell this is a team i can feel good about again
@joereiter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?"
Many teams have the same issue...
I think we have thrived on applying that very pressure. It’s the teams that can counter that pressure that don’t have those problems.
The top line in general has looked solid since Wolski arrived. From what I’ve been seeing, Wolski and Stepan have been setting each other up for a lot of scoring chances, and Gaborik’s been getting his fair share as well. With the way Gabs has been playing, he’s bound to break out of his slump any day now.
One thing I’ve noticed about Wolski is his willingness to shoot. He’ll look for the pass, but he won’t force it. If he has an open shooting lane, he takes it with virtually no hesitation. Gaborik’s hesitating less lately, that’s bound to be a good sign.
Great win last night! They definitely earned that one, especially Hank. He looked ecstatic getting another SO, probably the most I’ve seen him yet.
our d is learrning and growing let it be without rozi there theres no bad or stupid habbits for the young guys see. i see people thinking a run for the cup sign richards get vet dman they need to slow down work with what we have. i would love a cup run but not breaking up this team is a must. lets not do we we have in the past .wait for the off season then pick up ufa . i think the only players i would trade would be avery prospal if he ever plays again whit, ec
I agree that we should not trade for a veteran D and play the kids (unless we can rent a star vet very cheap, which isn’t likely). McD has been fine, Gilroy seems to have straigtened himself out, Sauer has been solid all year, Sauer has been appropriately recognized as an all star and Girardi is having his best year. And even Eminger hasn’t been bad for the last few weeks. And if one or two of those falter, we have in the wings the possibility of MDZ getting straightened out and ValTank doesn’t seem to be far off (and some on this site like pushing Kundratek and he may not be the end of the world either if we need to turn to him). And if we really, really want a vet D, we can always recall Redden now that we made some cap space (just kidding).
As for Wolski being the answer on the PP, I am not convinced, but he does help.
I have nothing more to add..except Dubinsky sucks! *sarcasm alert*
let’s hope Sather signs both he and Cally to long term deals…
I agree, no more veteran moves, although some more “depth” moves to fill the AHL wouldn’t be a bad idea.
"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"
Thoughts on adding a defenseman
Some good thoughts, the one place, I’d disagree (or atleast offer a differing opinion) is on the defense. Right now I think our defenses play might be a case off all the boats rising on the same tide. The only defenseman who we’ve been able to count on solid play from since the beginning of the season is Dan Girardi. The defense has seemed better of late, but the bluelines resurgance happened at the same time as Hank stepping his game back up the level of royality. Hank has been there on the second and third chances, getting a pad on the puck. We look great when he looks great.
Bringing in a veteran defenseman now, while we’re up, is great insurance that we can maintain solid play from our blueline. If things stop going our way, it would be good to have a guy who rally the troops and keep the focus from our young defense. Rather then waiting to hit a snag, and overpaying for someone to save the ship when it happens, I wouldn’t mind seeing us try to find what the guy who can fill that void now, and have him as part of the squad BEFORE we need him.
We’ve got alot of assets so making the right move shouldn’t bankrupt the farm. It’s no secret that we’ve got alot of 2nd and 3rd liners, if we have to move someone there will be another body ready to take their place.
Question about Avery ice time
Avery seems to be playinge excellent hockey of late-working hard, controlling the puck, setting up solid scoring chance. Why doesnt he get more ice time? Comments?
by RangerFanInChicago on Jan 14, 2011 10:55 AM EST reply actions
Whatever they say, he and Torts are "Frienemies" at best
Aves has been playing great, but so have alot of other guys. IMO Torts isn’t going to use Aves any more then he has to while he’s here. I was suprised when I saw he only had six minutes last night, because he seemed to be getting more time then that. I guess I just noticed every one of those 6 minutes he got.
by BuckarooClub on Jan 14, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
He was good in the game against Carolina and in St Louis. Last night though he slipped back to some of his old bad habits with a couple of sloppy turnovers in his own end and in general wasn’t skating much.
When the choices were Frolov and Avery on the 1st line I didn’t necessarily mind having a focused Avery on the 1st because things seemed to happen more between him and Gaborik than with Frolov.
Now that Wolski’s playing and looking like a better fit skill-wise it’s tough to justify Avery getting a lot of ice time over anybody on the top 3 lines on either wing.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 14, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
He’s not as good/getting outplayed by everyone above him.
Dubinsky – Stepan – MZA – all have more offensive skill than Avery
Wolski – Anisimov – Gaborik – see above.
Fedotenko – Boyle – Prust – all have more defensive skill than Avery
That said, there’s nothing wrong with Avery getting 4th line minutes.
There are few teams that can match the skill level of our 4th line, and even if they’re not getting 10-12 minutes, the 6-8 minutes that they are getting give our skill guys a breather, while putting pressure on the other team to maintain it’s intensity, because it runs the risk of having the tide turned on them.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jan 14, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
I think the Rangers bottom 6 compares favorably to any other team in the league right now. The top 6 is still middle of the pack, but I’d take Prust-Boyle-Feds over almost any 3rd line in the NHL.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 14, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
now...cant say much cuz i only see a very limited amount of flyers games...
unless against us or on VS/NHLN…..but richards on the 3rd line?
i don’t know how that can be the case…
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 15, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
when cally comes back
I think the lines will be:
Gabby-Stephan-Wolfman
Dubi-AA-Cally
Prust-BB-Fedex
Avery-Drury-MZA
So who do you expect Avery to get ice time over? I could see torts possibly swapping Cally and MZA on occasion for more balance, but he should pretty much be able to roll 4 lines. With our PP looking more like Gabby-Dubi-Wolf, then maybe he gets some second shift PP time, but I think that will be for Cally/AA/Stephan. Can’t see Avery on the PK either. Also, if any of our other LTIR folks resurface, who’s the odd man out? Who leaves for Christensen, Prospol or Boogie?
by bleed'n blue on Jan 14, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody
and I do mean NOBODY should leave for Derek Boogard
by The Last Shall Become First on Jan 14, 2011 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
honestly if prospal comes back it wouldnt shock me to see mza go down. not that he deserves it or anything but we need a mix of skill and grit. we cant run with 3-4 skill lines, it just wont work.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
MZA probably has more value than Avery right now, even with his improved play on the fourth line. It is nearly impossible to see Zuke getting sent down this season in my opinion.
I'm only 18, but know more about sports than you'd expect!
Living in the Pacific Northwest, but rocking my Rangers jersey every game.
After reading this post from Jim I became inclined to register and post- just wanted to reiterate how great these threads are! I’m a huge NYR fan and have turned to this site as my go-to lunchtime reading over nhl.com and nyrangers.com, and it’s largely due to the excellent conversations that churn up. You all rock. Potvin sucks!
nice for you to join us :) welcome
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
hope to see u in the Game Threads
"If I had the Rangers payroll, I'd make the playoffs every year" Glen Sather
It took them 30 years to implement the forward pass and 70 to mandate helmets thus making all hockey players who wear helmets and visors as well as goalies who wear masks and pads all wimpy cry babies
In Prust We Trust
heh heh heh....
where all the good stuff is.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jan 15, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
Regarding my question about Avery- He still has brain farts here and there and does some stupid things BUT with very limited ice time he is still one of the leading assist guys on the team correct? For a team struggling to score there seems like there should be some way to make better use of him? Though I’m not sure at who’s expense.
He does seem to play best with Gabby and Gabby needs some good set ups these days.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback- good stuff for a Friday afternoon.
by RangerFanInChicago on Jan 14, 2011 1:50 PM EST reply actions
still
Avery isn’t doing cheap shit like Subban, Crosby, , etc. Which is a good thing
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Jan 14, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Sick of the Refs
The Rangers have been slewfooted, speared and interfered with and we just don’t get the calls.
by The Last Shall Become First on Jan 14, 2011 2:19 PM EST reply actions
We get the calls...
they just turn out to be against us, either on the retaliation (Staal) or by seeing what they wanna see (Callahan).
I hope we don’t end up wearing tin-foil hats like Detroit fans do… but something is fishy in Denmark…
HaHaHa
You’re right about that. Spearing is one of the most dangerous and dirty plays in the hockey and figures Staal gets the penalty.
by The Last Shall Become First on Jan 14, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Stall being skewered did make the Not Top 10 on espn. I chuckled
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Jan 14, 2011 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody miss Rozsival yet?
I miss having someone who looked just like Niko Bellic.
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"In Prust we Trust."
by Dig Deep on Jan 14, 2011 3:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
With thoughts towards tomorrow's game...
Being the road team in Hockey Night In Canada leads to a parade to the penalty box. Besides getting screwed in Pittsburgh, I see Montreal as one of the toughest games to stay even strength. It is ridiculous how the refs have been treating us lately, but we will be getting robbed as it is, before we decide to get Subban back. Trust me, the refs won’t miss a thing if a NY player touches a Frenchie in Montreal!
I'm only 18, but know more about sports than you'd expect!
Living in the Pacific Northwest, but rocking my Rangers jersey every game.
no our powerplay is awful!!! we cant get anything done...!!@!
no shots…. no screens tipss.. etc.. we work it well but no creativity down low.. and work the shots like we grind all game. we need to find the threads and work it througgh them and get more shots to our stars.. there no creativity fake shots. screeens tips, rebounds no shooting come on we need to work on that big time.. weve lost too many one goal games bc of our powerplay……
i would like to see drury out there on the powerplay in front.. and dubi.. zucc. wolski. gabroik.. feds.. or boyle in front with one d man.. or stepan up front not on the point what a waste..!
Del Zotto
The Rangers have been a third period team. They struggle to get points on the board, mainly I believe because they aren’t getting the rush going. Del Zotto used to make these swift neutral zone key passes which may contribute to the team rush. Is Del Zotto an unsung offensive asset? Do we miss him?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blueshirt Banter
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
New Jersey
|
Wed 05/23 | 8:00 PM EDT |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Fri 05/25 | TBA |
|
New Jersey
|
Sun 05/27 | TBA |
Last 5 Games
|
@
New Jersey
|
Mon 05/21 | L 1 - 4 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Sat 05/19 | W 3 - 0 |
|
New Jersey
|
Wed 05/16 | L 2 - 3 |
|
New Jersey
|
Mon 05/14 | W 3 - 0 |
|
Washington
|
Sat 05/12 | W 2 - 1 |
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Monday’s Three Stars: Parise scores, Brodeur saves in Game 4 Devils win
- Zach Parise, Devils respond after a quiet Game 3 to even series with Rangers in Game 4
- Mike Rupp shoves Brodeur, sparks Game 4 chaos as Devils, Rangers coaches squabble (VIDEO)
- Devils try to even series with Rangers; watch the ‘Sandley Cup’ get built (Playoff Puck Previews)
- Sean Avery: Not in NHL playoffs, getting a handle on semi-nude modeling (PHOTO)
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Brodeur, Parise lead Devils to 4-1 win over rattled Rangers; East final tied 2-2
- Brodeur, Parise lead Devils to 4-1 win over rattled Rangers; East final tied 2-2
- Wild prospects lead Saint John past Edmonton
- Labrie stars in Admirals 1-0 overtime win over IceCaps; Norfolk leads series 3-0
- Frattin scores twice, including winner, as Marlies defeat Barons 5-3 in Game 3
