New York Rangers Analysis: The Emergence Of Ryan McDonagh

by Joe Fortunato on Oct 11, 2011 10:31 AM EDT in New York Rangers Analysis

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers hits David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Yesterday we talked about how big if an impact the Marc Staal injury has had on Dan Girardi. And when John Tortorella deploys Girardi, he's generally putting Ryan McDonagh out there with him.

McDonagh started last year with the Connecticut Whale, became a mid-season call-up and never looked back. He's been a mainstay on the New York Rangers' defensive corps since then, but he's never been leaned on as heavily as he is right now.

McDonagh is averaging nearly 27 minutes a night, compared to Girardi's 31. McDonagh has blocked three shots, but he's also been important in another category: takeaways vs. giveaways. McDonagh has three takeaways to his name so far this season, he hasn't given the puck away once.

McDonagh also has a point on the year, thanks to a brilliant pass to Brad Richards for the Rangers' tying goal against Anaheim on Saturday.

Join me after the jump for more.

McDonagh, like Girardi, is the other leg of the penalty kill. McDonagh has averaged 4:14 of ice time when the Rangers are down a man, and he's excelled in that role. McDonagh also averaged 29 seconds of ice time with the man advantage, but that's not a role he's going to be expected to fill this year.

Esentially, McDonagh has looked at home on the first defensive pairing, which is a great thing for the Rangers. The 22-yar-old defenseman has made some spectacular plays, highlighted by his brilliant poke-ckeck to end a Los Angeles Kings' three-on-one.

Although it's only been two games, McDonagh has been tasking with going up against the opposing team's top lines. That's no easy task when going against the Ducks and the Kings, where both sides have top lines that among the most dangerous in the NHL.

It really makes you wonder how deep the Rangers' defense will become once Staal returns, since it would push McDonagh down to the second pairing to group with either Tim Erixon (if he stays) or Michael Del Zotto.

And while McDonagh can certianly add some offense (nine points in 40 games last year) that's not an aspect of his game to expect to develop this year. McDonagh was Mr. Everything for Wisconsin in the NCAA ranks, that includes playing the point of the power play. I do fully expect McDonagh to start putting up offense numbers, but maybe not this year.

Either way, his defense has given the Rangers something to be excited about.

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I like McD for sure and wouldnt get rid of him for no body but i miss staal. There was so much hype for this team. Guess we psyched ourselves up for this team to be unstoppable and watching them not win every game is confusing some of us.

"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards

by -19-AgainstAll on Oct 11, 2011 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

Did you just demote Sauer to 3rd pair somewhere in there? :\

by Randomness25 on Oct 11, 2011 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Long term, it would be in our benefit if Sauer couldn’t crack the top 4 behind Staal-Girardi-McDonagh-Erixon.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 11, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Long term, sure. But it’s implied here that it would be as soon as Staal returns. I’m sure as hell hoping that Staal isn’t out ‘long term’. :\

by Randomness25 on Oct 11, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps, but at this point Sauer is without a doubt better than Erixon.

It’s not even close.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Man…Staal-Girardi-McDonagh-Erixon…I should just run over Lundqvist before each game…I am not sold on McDonagh as being anything more that a mediocre defensemen that gets caught in the wave of “new Ranger blood” hype. Its ironic too how the above article fails to mention his idiotic penalty the first game, much like Ranger management did (I am all for second/third/fourth/ chances – this is just an observation). However, if Del Zotto does not have two hands on his stick at all times, they are fairly quick to mention it.

I think the Ranger defense works well as a conglomerate, with the help of the forwards. There is not one guy who really sticks out as all that tremendous but together they get the job done, for the most part.

by purinton on Oct 11, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Was your first comment suppose to mean they’re soft? If so you are way off base, with Erixon being an exception. It doesn’t take a Chara or Pronger to be tough in front of your goalie.

This is only my personal opinion, but considering McDonagh has played consistently better than mediocre throughout the entirety of his young career what could possibly be indicating to you that he will only regress from this point forward?

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Oct 11, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Firstly – yes, I do have concerns about soft play. I know that Chara and Pronger are the extremes, but there needs to be more gusto, more passion when it comes to that stuff.

Secondly, after reading your response and some of the other ones, I think I have to reevaluate my notion of what a defensemen does, should do, and what comprises a good defensemen. I may be archaic in my thought that you have your offensive guys and the guys who throw the body around and make it difficult to set up shop in front. Basically, if you are not putting up points, then you should be making it miserable to be in the defensive zone. The Ranger defensemen are sound defensively – there is no discounting that.

I am excited about McIlrath. I think he’s exactly what the Rangers need. I hate to be that guy but I still look to ’94 as an example. Two huge offensive talents (that may not be matched again in Leetch and Zubov), two sound defensive guys with an edge (Lidster and Karpotsev/Lowe), and two bruisers in Beukeboom and Wells.

by purinton on Oct 11, 2011 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Although he does put up a load of points offensively, Lidströms defense is not very physical but he does get the puck most of the time. While I like a good hit now and then, the most important thing is that the Dman gets the puck. And I think McDonagh is good at that, especially considering his lack of experience at NHL level.

And the D corps from -94 was sick, Leetch is probably the best defender ever to wear a Rangers jersey. But Erixon and del Zotto could both become elite offensive defenders, altough not as good as Leetch/Zubov. (don’t think we’ll ever see 2 defenders match their skill on the Rangers). Along with Staal/Giiradi/McDonagh/Sauer, this could be a D crops that will turn out to be awesome once the younger ones gets more experience.

by humanindustry on Oct 12, 2011 3:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Don’t forget about Leetch and James Patrick.

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
I am gonna F-n kill Giroux!

by nathansfamous on Oct 12, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

That trade with Montreal to ship Gomez for McD could very well end up as one of the most lopsided trades in a decade. When Staal gets back, the Rangers are going to have two number one pairs and if that happens later rather then sooner, I think this guy is more then capable or handeling first pair competition and minutes, especially if Giradi continues to play like he has been.

~R.I.P. Derek

~Those Caps fans sure think they can make some noise.... too bad their team can't.

by Ranger84 on Oct 11, 2011 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Don’t forget Vtank was part of that trade too, he was rough looking this year but he still could become another good addition to our team or trade bait for a better player.

by teknics on Oct 11, 2011 11:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Oh I didnt forget about him, just didnt mention him because Gomez for McD straight up is a steal, let alone adding Vtank to the equation. I love the Montreal fans that claim they are fine with it because PK is a better player, and I always respond, “how good would your D look with PK paired with McD and an extra 5 mill in cap space” haha.

~R.I.P. Derek

~Those Caps fans sure think they can make some noise.... too bad their team can't.

by Ranger84 on Oct 11, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

…..didn’t Vtank have to go through waivers this year before getting sent to CT Whale? If so, are you surprised no team claimed him?

by MRichter35 on Oct 11, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Vtank looked like a 3rd pair AHLer in preseason

so frankly, no.

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

He was also probably injured.

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
I am gonna F-n kill Giroux!

by nathansfamous on Oct 11, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

maybe

but that’s why i think he wasn’t claimed

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

best athlete on the team

maybe other than gabby

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

best skater does not equal the best athlete

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Oct 11, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

If it did, Avery would be the best.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

what’s your point

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Wouldn't you want to

put Staal on the second pair with Sauer when he gets back and work his way up to first pair minutes? He won’t be in game shape until he has a few games/weeks of practice under his belt.

This line is playing so well that it should be Mcd/Girardi then Staal/sauer and then see what develops.

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

you don’t really have to put him on the 2nd pair… you can just split shifts on the top line… and on the 2nd pairing…

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 11, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Off topic

Bob McKenzie just wrote that with Avery not counting against the cap anymore, the Stars will have to sign a player to stay above the cap floor. Hahahaha!

GET RID OF EC!!!

by M.R.M. on Oct 11, 2011 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

Sad

Look at the rangers, lighting, flyers, and devils- how does a team like Dallas have a chance without that bling, bling dolla, dolla….dolla bills. Yo.

by InxDisgust on Oct 11, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

gaborik and ec for Loui Ericcson. bam, throw them a dman too. I don't care

by InxDisgust on Oct 11, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

wowwwww how much they need?

"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards

by -19-AgainstAll on Oct 11, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I said it before preseason even started… McDonagh when all is said and done will have been the better OVERALL defensemen than Staal… when both of their careers end McD will have the better offensive numbers… I take nothing away from Staal he is an elite shut-down dman, but McD will provide the offense that Staal will not…

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 11, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

And Staal can provide that absolute shut down that McD has not shown the ability to do yet.

We have no idea how McD will pan out. If he’s better than Staal I’ll be ecstatic, but its WAAAYYY to early to tell. He hasn’t even played 50 games in the NHL yet.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

staa/mcD as the first pair

When, if ever, will that happen?

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully by next season.

D corps could look like:
Staal – McDonagh
Sauer – Girardi
MDZ/Erixon – McIlrath

Almost expect a trade to happen at that point.

by Kritikal on Oct 11, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Not so sure about the trade

I think McIIlrath will have to spend at least one full season in the AHL

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

if McDonagh moves up don’t expect Girardi to stick around.

by smitty046 on Oct 11, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Why not?

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Open up some cap space. Especially if Erixon and MDZ perform well this year.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 11, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Doesnt make sense to do that. Staal and McD are both lefty, Girardi and Sauer both righty.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 11, 2011 2:46 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

I would keep the same pairs as we had last year. They worked.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I love McDiesel and Sauer-Power together

I listen to Enter Sandman before taking exams. I wear the exact same jersey every Giants game. The Rangers goal song goes off in my head when I achieve small successes in life.

HEN-RIK

by BombersGmenBlueshirts25 on Oct 11, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I do not know this nuance well

that factor is enough to keep (possibly by next season) your two most talented D men off the ice together? Including one with a little more offense to supplement the other?

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

reply fail

in response to Georgy

by Town on Oct 11, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

If all 4 of them were lefty, they would make it work. Generally speaking though, if you have the availability of having guys play on their natural sides, coaches will leave them on that side.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 11, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

If all progresses as expected (Staal Coming back, Girardi continuing to play well, and McDonagh’s game taking the fast lane to stardom) we may be looking at a cap sticky situation where somebody gets the axe either through trade or UFA… no doubt that Staal is going to ask for upwards of 5.5 mil on his next contract, Girardi will ask for upwards of 5, and McDonagh could be around 4-4.5… let alone what happens with Sauer… if Sauer improves he could be asking 3.5-4…

if the cap doesn’t increase after the next CBA we are going to have to let go of somebody…

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 11, 2011 5:49 PM EDT reply actions

It means they need to be more economical with their choices at the bottom of the roster, i.e, stop paying guys like Rupp $4-700k more than they’re worth

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by George E. Ays on Oct 11, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree… also we have to hope our players agents don’t go all kyle turris on us and request obscene amounts of money based on a small sample size in McD’s case… do you think Girardi… as is… is a 5 mil dman?

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 11, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Well he does eat up a ton of minutes. What do you think he would command on the open market?

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
I am gonna F-n kill Giroux!

by nathansfamous on Oct 11, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

minimum 5 mil per… and that’s a low figure…

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 11, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. It adds up.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 11, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Very happy with his play. For a kid with 1/2 season under his belt he already looks like he is a a true 3-4 D with potential to be more. I can’t see him regressing as he plays to his strengths and don’t see those deteriorating anytime soon. He is already getting tough minutes and assignments which will only help with his development.

Aucune clause de Mouvement

by Blueshirt in Paris on Oct 12, 2011 3:38 AM EDT reply actions

I missed most of the first two games due to being out of the country, but I am thrilled if McD and Girardi are playing the way people say they are playing. McD’s pass on the Richards goal was great.
27 minutes a night is quite a bit for a player in his second pro year (or any dman for that matter). Gotta hope Staal comes back soon for the sake of Girardi/Mcd’s knees.

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 12, 2011 12:03 PM EDT reply actions

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