New York Rangers News: Sauer Progressing; Practice Notes

by Bryan Winters on Oct 17, 2011 6:18 PM EDT in New York Rangers News

The New York Rangers landed in Vancouver late this afternoon, and held an afternoon practice before tomorrow's game. Wojtek Wolski and Michael Sauer were the first two players to hit the ice, and both showed signed of improvement.

Although, it is unlikely that both of them will suit up tomorrow against the Canucks. According to Andrew Gross, Sauer didn't have much power on his shot during drills, but has been working his way back. He stated "I'm taking it in steps...today was another step". It's definitely good news to see Sauer skating again, but the timetable for his return is still unknown.

Tortorella also commented on the recently demoted Mats Zuccarello. He stated that Zuccarello never did anything wrong, he just wasn't getting enough ice time up on the big club. Torts stated that he would get better ice time, and develop a bit quicker down in Connecticut. Here's a quote for the coach: "I had problems getting him on the ice...made decision that I wanted to use Artie more on the power play."

Follow after the jump for more.

Along with that, Tortorella also stated that he wanted more "jam" on this current road trip, and he believes Kris Newbury can provide it. With his recent spark in the AHL, including a hat trick, Torts is hoping he can provide the same "spark" for the Rangers.

Here's what the coach had to say about Newbury: "I like the way the handles himself. He's a little bit old time. He deserves the opportunity." Newbury also stated that he went into games this season thinking he would be the best player, and it surely worked in his favor.

Also, with the recent call-up of Brendan Bell, Torts stated that he wasn't sure if Bell will play or not. He said that they currently have eight defensemen on the trip, so it is still undecided if he will play.

I will close out this post with today's practice lines, which most likely resemble tomorrow night's starters.

Derek Stepan | Brad Richards | Marian Gaborik

Brandon Dubisnky | Artem Anisimov | Ryan Callahan

Ruslan Fedotenko | Brian Boyle | Brandon Prust

Mike Rupp | Kris Newbury | Wojtek Wolski

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Comments

Great

While the Rangers are busy “Jamming” on this road trip, opponents will enjoy “Scoring”

by dar9898 on Oct 17, 2011 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

In jam we trust...

Good steady jam + less penalties equals more ES scoring chances which improve probability of winning… assuming no bed shitting by dmen and Hank being Hank.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 6:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

silly me

i thought scoring ability improved scoring chances

by dar9898 on Oct 17, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions

He's a 4th liner

His job is to win face-offs and throw the body. You are acting like he’s playing on the top line.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 6:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Need to maintain puck control and play hard. You want a team full of Zherdevs?

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

No

I want a team with 4 lines that can play real minutes. Not a 4th line that plays 4 minutes a game in which they’re a complete liability on the ice. Otherwise, teams with 4 lines like the Canucks will roll all of their faster, more skilled lines and wear out the Rangers. They’ll also be able to get favorable matchups when they want them, especially at home.

by dar9898 on Oct 17, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Who said that Newbury was a liability? If he can’t score or defend he would not be a professional hockey player.

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Oct 17, 2011 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Right I was making a huge assumption that a 29 year old AHL-er was in the AHL and not the NHL for some reason past the prime of his career.
He and Rupp together are a liability

by dar9898 on Oct 17, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

And do you really think everyone on an NHL roster can score or defend? Derek Boogaard has not been gone for that long…

and Rupp is on the active roster

by dar9898 on Oct 17, 2011 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe mike rupp has his name on the cup, do you dar?

by GAThingy on Oct 18, 2011 7:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

So does Avery :)

"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 18, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn't think he got his on Detroit

He didn’t play in the playoffs for them.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Oct 18, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, that’s upsetting.

He was on a cup winning team though. Not saying it means anything at all (it doesn’t), just that he was.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

haha

being on a winning roster or winning for that matter does not make one talented

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Playing on an NHL team..ever is a benchmark for talent. Your talking differences between the most elite of the best of the best. Don’t forget that Dar Dar Binks.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 3:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Well absolutely. Any of these guys are better than 99.99% of the world at what they do.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I highly doubt Newbury will have any impact one way or another

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 6:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Newbury’s face made me tgink of 94 for a sec and do a double take.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 6:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Me too. He’s like a mix of Boog and Gilroy.

"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers

by Joe1969 on Oct 17, 2011 7:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

That was exactly the first thing I though when I saw that picture. I was like why is there a picture of Boogaard on a story about our most recent practice.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 17, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

If we could stay out of the box for ten consecutive minutes

We could easily take on Vancouver….before they realize that the Rangers have no defense and release the Ginger Twins from Hell

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Oct 17, 2011 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

well that would require them to play the formula that makes them successful: hitting and forechecking. Instead of chasing the opponent that result in penalties they have to be aggressive. although the refs started the last game off right away by giving Dubi an infamous ticky tack penalty in the first minutes of the game. funny, we don’t seem to get those calls our way.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 6:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Kesler is unfortunately playing tomorrow

hope he’ll be rusty. It could get ugly when the second and third pairings are on vs the Sedin line or Kesler.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 6:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Didn’t he turtle it during playoffs?

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

he was more injured than anybody knew… he was a monster up until his hip injury… he single handedly beat the Preds…

and generally any guy who ever returns of any injury returns against the rangers and has a monster game…

@clalicata17

by Clalicata17 on Oct 17, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

At the time it was tough to tell how much was injury versus ineffectiveness.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yea turtle is definitely not the right word. Regardless of what caused it, he kept trying and battling he just wasn’t putting up the numbers that he did against CHI and especially NSH.

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Oct 17, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

He was one

of, I think it was 4 or 5 players getting shots to play. ( Kes, Bieksa on his knee at least once, Ehrhoff and his shoulder. Edler had his fingers( 2 ) taped and frozen the last two games from being broken by a slash.)

His play on a rush where Marchand got around him easily was a perfect example of how he was not right. Turtle is definitely the wrong word! ;-)

Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Ghandi. I think he was a Canucks fan...
@Vancitydan Writer at Nucks Misconduct

by vancitydan on Oct 18, 2011 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

So mant Canucks did turtle it when Boston turned up the intensity in the finals I must have confused him with the others. My bad.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 4:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Nice. Wrong. but welcome to your opinions of the team that outhit all others in the playoffs, by over 150 hits. Its one thing to play that way, but another when everyone is packing injuries that would have them out of a regular season game. Boston was healthier. They were far from tougher, but they won, so people seem to think that is why.

You must place a lot of faith in Marchand trying to get Daniel a penalty? The rest stood up well while injured.

But that was last year, and not worth arguing with you about. Enjoy the game tonight!

by vancitydan on Oct 18, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I do get it

Superficially, sorta correct.

But, for example, in Game 7, the Canucks outhit the Bruins 47 to 27! It was the narrative though, wasn’t it?

Peace

by vancitydan on Oct 18, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

as much as I agree with torts

For sending MZA down for more ice time, if he could run even 3 consistent lines for ya know, maybe 2 periods, zuccs would get maybe 10+ mins of ice time

by tommydrum33 on Oct 17, 2011 6:37 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

Agreed, but that is hard to do with a steadt parade to the penalty box.

PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
I am gonna F-n kill Giroux!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary

by nathansfamous on Oct 17, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Three or less penalties tomorrow or its 0-2-2

Nothing stupid… please.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’ll predict now, that 4th line does absolutely nothing in 5 min of ES time, and at least 3 trade hicomments are made about what a stiff Wolski is.

Nothing like being built to fail.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 6:52 PM EDT reply actions

Kyle Turris is still available in Phoenix and we know how Sather works over the Maloney family

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Oct 17, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions

The Korpedo trade was a win for Maloney

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

by nhl_legendz on Oct 17, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Agreed. The trade Wolski comments piss me off.

Yeah, he doesn’t give the best effort, but you don’t trade a guy who can put up 60 points in a contract year 3 games into the season.

And you don’t put him on a line with grit guys either. I rather see a line of Wolski-EC-MZA. At least they might be able to get something going.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Doubt he has much or any trade value due to his cap hit anyway

might as well see if he’ll give the Rangers anything. I don’t think he will, but time will tell.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

With his skill, he can produce with Richie and Gabby. It also lets Zucs and Step play together, and those two played well on a line together last year.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I personally think Stepan is the better fit than Wolski

on a line with Richards and Gabby. Wolski can play say on a third line and get pp time and wind up playing 15-16 minutes a night.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree that he’s a better fit, but I think when you put him on the 1st line with BR and Gabs it essentially takes away the ability of us rolling 4 lines, which will come back to haunt us.

Unless of course we move Boyle up to play with WW and MZA, and let Rupp slide in on the 4th.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

In an ideal world, we could keep the top three lines as they are, and get Rupp outta here, and play Wooly, EC, and Zuc as an alternate skill line.

by CrazyRangerFan on Oct 17, 2011 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess you can do that

I’m not sure whether Torts is a MZA guy or not. Boyle needs to pick up his game. I guess you could go with a Wolski-Boyle-Prust line and hope it works out like the Prucha-Betts-Ward line did in ’05-06.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Moshe and George

Doesn’t Wolski have to earn top 6/9 minutes? I get your point about 4th line being leftovers. But Torts would rather roll 3 that he has faith in. To be honest, I’m not opposed and think staying out of box will help it work.

I’m not sure how you fix this..but Torts feels the need for a win and is going with his guys.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Torts did roll four lines for the most part last year

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Really…maybe four combos of playerd. I remember pack line and boyle line. The other two were somewhat fungible..better said..he didnt play 12 forwards consistently.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 7:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Very few teams roll 4 lines. Torts may play his 4th line less than others, but we are only talking a couple of minutes here.

by NTB on Oct 17, 2011 8:01 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

Sure, to a degree.

Here’s the breakdown of ES ice time so far this year: 14:34, 13:50, 11:07, 7:13

He’s not even rolling 3 right now. He used Boyle’s line for 6 minutes at ES against the Isles. That’s not getting it done.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Is that a function of all the time shorthanded (assume Boyle/Feds got TOI via PK).

Not sure what compatables would look like with 5-6 more minutes at ES.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 8:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Against the Isles, maybe partially, but Anisimov and Callahan logged more PK minutes and more ES minutes as well.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Ideal ES TOI distribution would be..

35% 1st unit gabby
30% 2nd unit pack
20% 3rd unit boyle
15% 4th unit ???

If they limit penalties.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 9:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

What’s wrong with this distribution?

by NTB on Oct 17, 2011 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

The distribution’s ok (would prefer more 3rd line time, but I’ll accept penalties as an excuse), but it’s being weighted by the first game a bunch (hooray small samples).

Boyle’s gotten 8 and 6 minutes the last two games as a 3rd liner. We can’t be that shallow on offense.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

instead of blaming fans for calling players stiffs, how about blaming the player? I keep hearing that WW is a 60 pt player. then why is he on his 3rd team in 5 years? you mean to tell me that the Avs and Yutes, 2 of the biggest offensive powerhouse teams in the league (kidding, lol) could not use a 60 pt player? BTW, my definition of “stiff” is someone who vastly underperforms based on their skillset. So in other words if a player scores 3 goals but tries and is playing to abilities then I don’t consider them a “stiff.” WW and EC are the Ranger poster boys for “stiffs.” we can agree to disagree. Zherdev was in the same mold. That’s why that 60 pt player is not in the league anymore. there are reasons. WW should have been bought out. he had more value that way.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think anyone is arguing that he doesn’t underperform. People are just arguing that, despite that, he has talent AND he’s in a contract year.

Put him on a line with two skilled guys and he’ll do well.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m not against that idea, anything to help the team, even if it means trading one of my favorite players like Dubi to get a legitimate impact offensive D then I am for it. but I did want to clarify my definition of “stiff.” if WW puts up 60 pts then I would love it and praise him. maybe his injury is bad luck but didn’t he supposedly go through all this training to avoid such injuries?

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Well injuries can’t really be avoided. Some of these guys train all day and are in amazing shape. It happens.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

not disputing that but it did not do WW any favors with Torts I’m sure.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry..I’ll never understand the logic of preferring a guy who will score 3 goals because he’s trying as hard as he can but isn’t not good enough to score more, over a guy w/ the same ice time who will score 15 but could probably score 30 if he tried harder. It’s still 12 more goals, with the upside that if one day it clicks, you have 27 more.

To that end, I don’t understand why Philly would dream of keeping Shelley over Zherdev, other than Shelley being good in the room. I get it’s something that GMs feel is important when building an NHL team, but I don’t agree at all.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

George, I said that to clarify my definition of stiff, nothing more. But I will say that if WW is not a top 6 player then he will not be the player you think he is and the 3 goal guy might me better serving the team with the 10 minutes he’s going to play. the traditional 4th line does serve a purpose as the MZA for Newbury swap would indicate.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Traditionally, you’re right, but I feel a modern day 4th line is Feds-Boyle-Prust, and they’re failing to build a proper 3rd line that can suppliment the offense.

Obviously, I’m not a member of NHL staff, so they know something I don’t. Just seems like they’re missing an opportunity.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I wanted a 3rd line of MZA-Boyle-Prust and a 4th of Feds-Rupp-Weise. no reason why those lines could not provide offense. don’t underestimate Boyle’s and Prust’s offensive potential when they have a skilled disher. and Weise was on the cusp of doing good things. he can score occasionally.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm confused

You want a 4th line of all wingers and no center? And only one talented player, none of which is a particularly strong skater?

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Rupp played center for the Pens and even had a better than 50% face-off %. granted it was with limited minutes but he did score 10 goals last year.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Rupp can play center.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

not well

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Tortorella (rightfully) buries Boyle and Prust in the defensive zone. He’d never in a million years put Zuke with them (who he buries in the offensive zone when around the team)

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I then think that Torts is not giving them the opportunity to show their offensive skills. why can’t you have a line that can play both zones? opponents can’t score if we have the puck.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Who would you rather start in the offensive zone, Richards or Boyle?

That’s basically what it comes down to. You need lines that can be trusted in the defensive zone, and you’re not going to use your high-skill players to do so.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Incidentally, we do have a line that plays in both zones. It’s Anisimov’s, who gets the hardest competition regardless of where they start. (but obviously weighted towards defensive zone, since that’s where other teams use their offensive players)

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

obvious to the first question. ok to the 2nd point but you have said numerous times that traditional line set-ups are passe, so why not have a “3rd line” that can play both ends of the ice? if you put Stepan in the middle of Boyle and Prust (I like him just fine on the 1st line like I always wanted) I think they would do really well offensively. I’m not saying MZA would help them as much but I think they would at least make the opponent wary of them. it would have given the team more line depth IMO.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Because it's not all about offense.

They need a strong defensive line too.

Proudly suffering as a Ranger fan.

by Tripodi on Oct 18, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree, MZA-Boyle-Prust would provide enough defense, IMO.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you really want MZA out there with the offensive powerhouses of the world?

Feds-Boyle-Prust is a perfectly fine defensive line that does their job surprisingly well. The way Torts utilizes Boyle and Prust would make it impossible for Zucs to cater to his strengths.

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 18, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

he’s one player on the ice. he would give the other 2 more puck control. if you have the puck then the other team can’t score. presumably you would have a defensive D pairing if they are on the ice against a top line.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

One player on the ice whose role contrasts the others on the ice…
It simply doesn’t make sense to put MZA with Boyle and Prust simply doesn’t sense.

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 18, 2011 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

take out that last simply doesn’t sense….

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 18, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

ok noted. I was told it didn’t make any sense to put Stepan with BR and Gaby. that making Stepan a wing was a big mistake. I was told over and over again. sometimes you think outside the box. just sayin. you could be right. guess we’ll never find out though.

by Richter1994 on Oct 19, 2011 6:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I still think it’s a mistake.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 19, 2011 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Stepan? nah. :). it will help him down the road too. he’ll go back to center at some point.

by Richter1994 on Oct 19, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree completely.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree entirely with that sentiment you just brought up. The only problem I see with keeping the slacker who scores 15 goals is that his work ethic may be contagious and others on the team are like if he can dog it so can I.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 18, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

and that’s why they don’t stick even though they can put up pts. it’s not all about the #s (sorry George, lol).

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry..but we’re supposed to have a disciplinarian as a coach right now. If one guy working at 75% can disrupt the work ethic of an entire team, then what the hell do we have that coach for?

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

to do the post-game press conferences :).

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

it's more about wolski not fitting on this team

than anything—the lack of effort doesn’t help his cause with fans

by Town on Oct 18, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

i bet newbury IS a decent player when he plays on a good line

Newbury – Richards – Gaborik

I bet he would do ALMOST outstanding.
but I like Step there. he’s good there. this is his time to shine

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

by -19-AgainstAll on Oct 17, 2011 8:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

uhm

I don’t know how to respond to this

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Oct 17, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny stuff

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember when I drank on Monday night…but back then you had to disconnect phone to get online. And i needed the phone to either call an ex girlfriend and cry about missing her or call who i was dating and either beg for late night hook up or say mean things I’d have to apologize for next day…to be young again.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 8:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

See, I'll defend the idea.

It’s a question of whether we’re better with Newbury-Richards-Gaborik & Wolski-Stepan-Rupp (assuming Wolski plays), or Stepan-Richards-Gaborik & Wolski-Newbury-Rupp.

I’d argue mightily for the first group. Heck, people said all offseason that BR needs grit on his wing, be it Dubi, Fedotenko or Boyle. Is Newbury that much different? Yeah, he’s got a bit less offensive skill than that group, but it’s not like he’s completely offensively inept either.

It’s even better with Wolski-Stepan-Christensen, because then Step has two wings who can put the puck in the net when they’re rolling.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I appreciate the defence but even im having trouble believing it. it doesnt matter who’s up there br aand gab will get that Guy big points.

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

by -19-AgainstAll on Oct 17, 2011 8:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

That’s exactly the point. BR’s wing is going to produce almost regardless, but that other line needs the help to be productive. Step can be that help.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 17, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Newbury would slow the line down and has no ability to play those minutes.

At best he could play on the third line.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

glad u understand I’m kidding. newbury blows and THIS is going to break that kids streak. its like torts brought him up to rub his coach sack on his face and is saying listen kid you still suck regardless of your numbers on the whale so know your place in the hockey world.

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

by -19-AgainstAll on Oct 17, 2011 8:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Well, it would allow us to roll 4 lines, with the other 3 all being somewhat decent as well.

And I honestly believe anyone could play well with those two, so I guess it couldn’t be too bad.

And don’t listen to people laughing your suggestions off. You’re contributing discussion and idea and thats a positive thing, regardless of how some people act.

If they can’t respond with anything constructive, they shouldn’t respond at all.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Honestly.. I was just trying to use some self deprecating humor to work thru deep seeded issues I have.

Honestly.. I was just trying to use some self deprecating humor to work thru deep seeded issues I have.I think this team has three lines that will get heavy minutes until a fourth that makes sense is established. If Torts wants Jam go Rupp/Newbury/Avery.I think Zucc/Wolski are talents but don’t they need a center to fit their style? I don’t think that person is EC..could they pull a trade for a Dominic Moore type?

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 8:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

SWEAR TO GOD I DIDNT TYPE IT LIKE THAT

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 9:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Used to happen to me all the time.. Its the “..”

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I bounce back and forth between my droid and wifes IPAD..both pose different posting issues.

On a personal note, you have been fired up last two nights..upset about start or is school a bitch? Not prying, but your normally a bit more even keel…I like piss and vinegar so by all means keep it up.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 9:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Haha, 3 midterms and a 2 papers the last 2 days, I’m a bit on edge.

My apologies to everyone here.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I feel you. I have 2 midterms and a lab report all within the next couple days.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 18, 2011 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Keep up the hard work men.

Enjoy yourselves… but remember the unemployment rate for college grads with 4 year degree is 5% right now…15% without it.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 4:51 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Say what you want about Steve Downie, but he would fit in nicely beside BR and Gaborik and wouldn’t take a lot to get in a trade.

I understand that I am grasping at straws, but you mentioned trading for a Dominic Moore type and the idea lingered.

The guy is a quintessential fit for what we were looking for the top line.

Offensively capable, can defend the two superstars, and grind it in the corners.

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 17, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought he was joking

my goodness. Relax yourself.

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

guy above you didn’t.

no disrespect meant. I’ve just seen way too many people alienated from these types of sites for dissenting opinions.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 17, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Ahh okay

by graves9 on Oct 17, 2011 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Newbury can’t be any worse than P.A. Parenteau…

by purinton on Oct 18, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Meaning, PA’s been doing very well with his slowness and “AHL hands” on a line with two solid players. The Ranger line is much better than the Islander top line.

by purinton on Oct 18, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed completely, except that BR-Gaborik aren’t much better than Tavares-Moulson. Tavares is the best of the 4, making the argument pretty darn close. If offered the Isles guys for ours, I take theirs every day of the week, even before considering the cap savings.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

George, you think Tavares right now is better than BR? Really? up late at night with the kids? lol. maybe he will eventually but not now. Gaby has been his explosive self since the start of the season, not counting that lazy penalty he took in the 3rd.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes, I do. I don’t doubt Richards ability, but I think Tavares has more.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm with George

I’d take Tavares over BR any day of the week and twice on Sunday

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Oct 18, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Even with the step down from Gaborik to Moulson

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m with George. I’d take JT over BR any day.

Nothing against BR, he’s great, but JT is something really special.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

if you’re talking about if you had a choice going forward then yes. but right at this moment? no, that’s a stretch. JT has to do it over 80 some-odd games before we start anointing any accolades on a player. obviously going forward JT has tremendous upside and is the real deal, no question. but for this season I take BR.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

JTs age makes it a no brainer

He’s a 70-80 point guy now with 90 point potential. He’s only good one way but who cares with that production.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

He’s only currently good one way, and Richards isn’t exactly a defensive stalwart.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

again if you’re talking from this point forward then it’s not even a discussion. it would be JT. Maybe our JT will be in the conversation at some point. one can only hope.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

JTs age makes it a no brainer

He’s a 70-80 point guy now with 90 point potential. He’s only good one way but who cares with that production.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

lol

Proudly suffering as a Ranger fan.

by Tripodi on Oct 18, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

personally

I enjoy the “far out” comments. gets ppl talking and thinking and thats exactly the purpose of the comment section

by nhl_legendz on Oct 17, 2011 9:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

With a coach like Torts..

Nothing is off the table.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 17, 2011 9:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

haha

Yea 24/7 should be tv gold.

by nhl_legendz on Oct 17, 2011 11:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

When is that supposed to start anyway?

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 17, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Dec. 14th. It’s gonna be awesome.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 18, 2011 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

#12 Carl Hagelin

by The Blue Seats on Oct 17, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Newbury is a career AHLer. But he might be the kind of guy we need right now on that 4th line. Hopefully he’s under the impression we called him up because he’s been tearing it up for the Whale and goes really hard tomorrow thinking he has a chance to earn a real spot with this team. If he gets more than 8 minutes of ice time i’d be shocked though.

We are going to go to Philadelphia... and we are going to win.- Glen Sather

by RichieToGabbySCORE on Oct 17, 2011 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

regardless

I think newbury is the kind of player that needs to go hard. Got jam? But ya, we won’t see much of newbury tomorrow or really ever. He’s just the guy that’s going to be sitting on the bench, torts basically said that when he said zucc is being sent down cuz he’s not getting the proper TOI.

by nhl_legendz on Oct 17, 2011 11:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I wanted to ask

I see you guys talking about Newbury and the like, and what you need on the 4th line. What was so bad about Dale Weise?

He has been getting better every game, has played them all, is part of a 4th line with Lapierre and Volpatti that the coach says “is making it hard for me to break them up” and “forcing me to play them more”.

That after being dropped in at the very end of camp.

Was he that bad? If so, which guy(s) are they that “were just playing better than him” back then, and have not been, by Tort’s recent panning of his 4th. now?

by vancitydan on Oct 18, 2011 12:27 AM EDT reply actions

Nobody. Honestly we were all upset that we didn’t keep Weise. We called them stupid for letting him go to keep Erik Christensen. He was probably never going to be a superstar or anything but we were all left scratching our heads when he could’ve easily made the club over Christensen.

Also if you haven’t seen this yet it’s hilarious. I was actually at this game so I didn’t even see it until I got back and saw it when someone posted it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I2oZ-kHtgc

by EricBrat20 on Oct 18, 2011 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I saw that when it happened on the highlights. Some bast@rd on the bench loosened his bottle

no doubt.

Honestly, he has not been a world beater, but he has been noticeable and better every game. I like how he finishes every check, and look forward to seeing if the rumour of his hands is real. Christensen has a little better proven NHL “hands” at this time, I guess was the thinking.

But if he does not finish his checks, he is not doing what the fourth liner is supposed to do, right? He just becomes the nail for someone like Weise, instead of the hammer…

by vancitydan on Oct 18, 2011 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Glen Sather prefers to have a millionaire goon on his 4th line

beyond that, the Rangers rotate a cast of mis-matched players on the last trio. Weise wasn’t going to play over Rupp and the team had a logjam of more skilled players

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions

That too. I’m tired of us going out and spending 1+mil on 4th enforcers every year. We don’t need a guy who is supposed to go out there and fight as his main job we have plenty of guys who are more than willing to stand up for guys and have skill to back it up.

by EricBrat20 on Oct 18, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I completely agree. Thats why a guy like Newburry is preferable to Rupp. While I do believe that Rupp is a better player than Newburry, while playing 8 min a night I don’t see him being 1 mil more valuable to the team.

Id much rather see Sather bringing up the guys in our system that project to be 4th liners come up making close to the league minimum than signing other teams 4th liners to 1M+ deals.

by Berthe on Oct 18, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Amen. Hallelujah.

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by George E. Ays on Oct 18, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. Those 1 mils add up for sure.

If you overspend by 1 mil on 3 fourth lines, its the difference between a Wolski and a Parise.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I can’t speak for all Ranger fans, but most of us on here would have loved for us to keep Weise over Christensen or Rupp.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Oct 18, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions

certainly over EC.

by Richter1994 on Oct 18, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

+1 I can’t stand EC

Absolute Worst Ranger Fan!!!!!!....yet incredibly realistic and usually correct.

by earthworm on Oct 18, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

What have your defensive pairings seen over the first 3 games?

Contributor at Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 18, 2011 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

1st 2 games:
Girardi-McDonagh
Sauer-Erixon
Del Zotto-Eminger

Last game:
Girardi – McDonagh
Del Zotto – Erixon
Eminger – Woywitka

by dar9898 on Oct 18, 2011 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks!!

Contributor at Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 18, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Thank you for not laughing at 3rd pairing…most of are stll crying over seeing it on paper.

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Oct 18, 2011 4:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

been

Contributor at Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 18, 2011 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

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