Marian Gaborik Is Quickly Entering The "Elite" Level
by Kevin Power on Nov 12, 2011 10:00 AM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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Marian Gaborik is back to being his lethal self this season with 9 goals, 6 assists and 15 points in only 14 games. Gaby has been flying from the get go, but lately Marian has been paired with Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan and it seems like his game has gone up to another level. Gaby has been making plays, heading to the net and putting up more shots on goal. To me, Marian Gaborik has moved up to another tier of play, Gaby should be listed among the elite players in the game today.
Now we all know that Gaborik has elite goal scoring ability, but in my eyes an elite player is a player that makes his linemates better and look at how Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov have played since being paired with the Slovakian Sniper. Anisimov has 6 assists and Derek Stepan with seven points in the last 5 games, I know, I know small sample sizes but one other aspect of Gaborik's elite status is that every time he's on the ice, you notice him, he's gets into the passing lanes and drives the play forward and puts the Rangers in a position to create offense
In the offseason the Rangers went out to get Brad Richards to be the top playmaker that Gaborik has not had in the entirety of his career and for the first few games the plan seemed to work, but with the Rangers offense struggling coach John Tortorella decided to break up the offensive duo to try and spread out the offense and while Torts tried to find the right match for Gaby it seems that he's found the right combination with Stepan and Anisimov.
Marian Gaborik has been the Rangers best forward 15 games in and is starting to really get into a groove offensively that will vault him into the elite status of NHLers with names like Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and both Sedin Twins.
I think Gaby is realizing his potential as one of the top players in the league and is going to soon exceed it, what do you guys think
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I wrote a fan post on December 23rd stating that the Rangers should trade him before he declines further at that point which had to do more with his ability to stay healthy. I wanted to send him to LA for a package starting with Brayden Schenn. It is obvious that he was hurt last year or that something was wrong. While we cannot predict any player’s health going forward, if Gaby stays relatively healthy then he’s playing the way elite players play and there aren’t many others who would be better to have. I will not say I was 100% wrong because if we got Schenn and let’s say Dustin Brown and a high pick then it wouldn’t be the end of the world. But there’s not many that can play like Gaby when he’s healthy so let’s say I am thrilled to be wrong with the way he’s playing now. Let’s pray he stays healthy for the better part of his remaining contract. he has been just great to this point and he deserved much better from a stats point of view last night.
Last Year
…if we got Schenn and let’s say Dustin Brown and a high pick then it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Ok first of all Gaborik wouldn’t be able to fetch all of that on his own.
But secondly, all health issues aside (which were really minimal last year given his history), he just suffered bad luck all last year. His shooting% was the lowest it had ever been in a year where he played the majority of games, and same goes with his overall shots. His shot% is back to his career average now, and he is also on pace to eclipse 250+ shots with ease.
Couple that with Torts’ superb useage of his minutes against middle-six competition and slightly offensive zone starts, and I don’t see a reason why Gaborik will slow down much at all.
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i'm still convinced it was his shoulder
his shot did not have anything on it…his snipes from the slot and the circles that he could usually snap past goalies were just floaters that were easy to stop. It also caused him to play tentatively.
When gabby is scoring, most of his goals are from in front of the net. He was nowhere near the front of the net for most of last season. In his first season with the rangers and this year, he probably gained 10 lbs of muscle in the off season.
It’s understated, but a lot of his game is in the dirty areas. For every beautiful snipe he has, he has two garbage goals he got from being in the right place at the right time like great scorers always are.
his shot really had nothing on it last year, that is absolutely correct.
by Richter1994 on Nov 12, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
why do you say that Rob? the Kings were looking for a sniper. they gave up Schenn and Simmonds for Mike Richards so I don’t know why you would say that about an elite sniper. don’t forget, I said that back in Dec, 2010 so it was not know at that time he would only score 20-odd goals. sell high, not low.
by Richter1994 on Nov 12, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Well
You said Schenn, Brown, AND a high pick. Gaborik just simply isn’t worth that because Schenn alone is basically worth a first round pick. I’d also say Gaborik is worth only a little more than Brown because Brown plays more of a two-way game against the oppositions toughest competition.
Also, Gaborik wasn’t an elite goal scorer last year, so theres that. And I doubt the Rangers even ever thought of trading him, let alone the Kings trading their captain.
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I understand what you’re saying. I do. But again, I said this in December, very early in the season. who would you rather have playing at optimal levels? Gaby or Mike Richards? Gaby, and it’s not even close as much as I like Mike Richards. Gaby is potentially a game-changer and Richards is not. Did you see the opportunities Gaby created by himself last night? that was Ovechkin-like. he was a threat every time he was on the ice. That costs a lot more than Schenn and Simmonds for MR, again, IMO. But you are right about the Rangers not considering it which means they may have known that he was playing hurt. My post to trade Gaby focused on his injury history. You can’t score if you’re wearing civilian clothes in the press box.
by Richter1994 on Nov 12, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
his issues last year were way more then bad luck, that's for damn sure.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
His fiancé left him around January, left the states as well. I’m guessing some of his problems last year were influenced by personal issues along with his injuries
by teknics on Nov 12, 2011 1:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The best part of this for me is that he’s proving to do it by himself and not needing to lean on Richards to get him going. This should remind everyone that Gabby is still an elite talent in the NHL and last year was clearly a fluke.
by CrazyRangerFan on Nov 12, 2011 10:56 AM EST reply actions
Great write up
I have to agree. Watching Gaborik play right now is not only exciting and encouraging, it is a real joy for a Rangers fan. He is taking great shots, creating scoring opportunities for himself and for his linemates, he is absolutely flying around on the ice, and he is becoming the player we all knew and loved two years ago.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
IMO
he’s even better this year. Some of his passes on the power play and even even strength are just beautiful and show a true playmaker’s vision. I don’t think he showed that part of his game two seasons ago, even though he was lighting the lamp.
I can’t disagree with you on that point. He is truly a force of nature this year and he looks like he is clicking with his teammates. Two years ago it may have been the case of him doing his own thing but this year it looks like he is really part of the team and its culture.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Gaborik’s always been able to pass the puck—he simply didn’t have anyone to pass to the past two years other than Prospal and on some occasion Dubinsky. Both Stepan and Anisimov have proven that they can finish plays, and that makes the GAS line so much more dangerous since teams can’t simply double-team Gaborik and force a turnover or giveaway when he tries to make a move when one isn’t there.
last night was one of his best games yet this season
And he didn’t even score. He was everywhere Making plays. The pass to MDZ was amazing. It’s crazy right now for Gabby. He’s playing better then 2 years ago and it’s due to the simple fact he’s not just a solo sniper out there, he’s a playmaker and a line mate
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
Gabby,,stay healthy!!! ..Please!
You are a real plus to a team.in everything you do.And Rangers need you to score!..I pray
that you don,t get hurt and that this season will be your very BEST!!!
i think two years ago he was mainly a goal scorer (and for most of his career) bc he didnt have any clear playmaker to real get him the puck and vice versa. he came to the rangers and probably wasnt sure exactly what he had in this team. and we all talk about richards but who saw stepan and AA starting to show flashes of a very competent offensive line for us? 15 games in this season has been a nice surprise, lets hope we can keep it up!
LETS GO RANGERS!!
(btw Kevin, great article)
quick question..
what do you guys think (realistically) is his ceiling? i mean hes 29, he has at least 3-4 more years of this type of production, could he finally break 90 points? 100?
No to 100
I doubt he ever breaks 100 given his age – if he can keep it around a point-per-game in all reality we should be really pleased as fans.
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This quantifies my statement of over a week ago...
Marian Gaborik will be the 2011-2012 Hart Trophy winner. There’s no doubt about it.
The key is that Gabi has played with several different forwards, and hasn’t missed a beat.15 points in 15 games is great production, and satisfies the opposing coaches enough for them to put key defenders on his line.
Right along side him for MVP should be Derek Stepan. I’d said he should be on the line with Gaborik, and has not disappointed. He has been stellar, and he’s also grown defensively as well. I could see Stepan and Anisimov as Selke co-winners this year.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk
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by Danz10 on Nov 12, 2011 12:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I am not understating Gaby’s play at all or the accolades he deserves but the King is this team’s MVP and has been since the lockout, IMO. But I totally agree that Gaby is playing on a very high and different level right now. Last night’s game was an indicator of how great he can be.
I respectfully disagree...
Our two top players are both shining brightly, but my nod would be for Gaborik. King has been great, no questions asked. But Gaborik has been outworking even his own sometimes off night work ethic. One thing about since he’s been in New York, he so often didn’t play defense. He’s been far better at it thus far; although he is not up for the Selke, he really has been better defensively. His line has been exceptional, and he not only leads in points, he’s actually leading them on the ice.
Gaborik has been better in every facet of the game this season thus far.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk
"Thanks, Chris. Enjoy your retirement."
by Danz10 on Nov 13, 2011 3:24 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree my friend that’s a nice problem to have, arguing who is the MVP because it means that several players are playing at a high level, which is great. But let me ask you. Do you not agree that the first 9 games of the year that it was the King that got them most of those points by himself? To me, the goalie is the only single player on the ice that can win a game by himself. That’s why it was a priority for the Preds to re-sign Rinne, who to me is a top 3 goalie in the league, along with King and Hiller (not Miller, lol). I mean maybe we are splitting hairs but the King can win games regardless of what the rest of the team is doing on the ice. The Canucks game is proof of that. That was 100% King. Even on Friday night. The King made big saves to keep the score tied at 1. Gaby deserved much better stats-wise in that game as he was dominant. Not good but dominant. He created opportunities for himself and others left and right all night. But really had no effect on the scoreboard in comparison to his play. He could have easily had 4 pts on Friday night (he had none which isn’t fair). The goalie position gives elite goalies a leg up on MVP discussions because they can win games by themselves. So, I am fine with your pick for MVP and I made a case for mine. it’s a great problem to have, lol.
Agreed on the top three goalies
Lundqvist, Rinne, and Hiller are certainly at the top of the food chain. Pavelec has been silently making a case for himself, but he’s still very young and playing behind a mediocre defense in Winnipeg. Vokoun put up great numbers down in Florida—I wonder how he’ll do in a bigger market (we’ll see this season).
Miller had one year which he posted good numbers and rid his Olympic performance to a Vezina. Luongo is too streaky, and Vancouver fans have been calling for his head most of the year.
There’s a reason elite goalies earn elite contracts. There’s also a reason sub-elite goalies earn elite contracts (see Luongo, DiPietro). Rinne straight up earned his contract, as did Lundqvist and Hiller.
I agree with you. Luongo is way overrated. He kept my following statement alive that I said a few years ago: The Canucks will never win a Cup with Luongo in nets. And Roberto was true to that statement last year. If the Americans had put more pressure on Mr. Lu in the Olympics then Roberto would not have won a gold medal either. He was flopping around like a fish out of water and handling the puck like it was the plague. I’ve said it many times, if you look over the period from the lockout until now, there is no one better over that # of years taken as a whole than the King. First ever in NHL history to win at least 30 games in his first 6 years in the league. I don’t want to predict the future for injury jinxing reasons. :).
That’s what I was saying. Putting up the numbers he was while playing for Florida was a testament to his skill, not the team around him.
absolutely true. The Flyers signed the wrong goalie. Bryz for $50M vs. Vokoun for $2M. priceless, lol.
To be fair, Vokoun sought out the capitals. He took a huge paycut because he wanted to do was win a cup and probably could have received a similar salary to Byz if he signed with a different team.
by Zuppa Di Pesce on Nov 13, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
The answer to your question from me...
is yes and no. King was stellar, through and through. By himself, not quite. Those Kings, Isles, Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Leafs, and Sharks teams is loaded: not so much the Ducks and Senators (they seriously caught the Rangers, overconfident). I say Gaby is my choice because the doesn’t get a point without his tying goal against the Kings. Made the Isles game closer than it should’ve been. He iced the Canucks game. He made the Flames game great. The team collectively were cold against the Oilers, Jets, and Leafs. He started heating up again against Senators. He and Biron beat the Sharks. He lead his line against the Ducks, Canadiens, Jets, and Sens. He hasn’t been the best forward every night, but he has been among the best players just about every night.
Are both worthy of the nod? Sure. Would I be disappointed if it were Lundquist and not Gaborik…Hell No! Both, IMO can honestly make a great case for MVP this season, thus far.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk
"Thanks, Chris. Enjoy your retirement."
Gaborik for Nash??????
checkout the fan post………………..
Eh, what?
What does it take for people to be content with Gaborik?
Trade him when he is playing poorly! Trade him when he is hurt! Trade him when he is playing amazing!
Do you guys understand what no trade clauses and no movement clauses are?
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Though Nash is a great player
I wouldn’t trade Gabby for him even if Nash’s extremely large contract would allow it
by Guess Who's Back? on Nov 12, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
5 hat tricks, 7 blocked shots, and a 40 save shutout each game
R.I.P Derek
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Nov 12, 2011 5:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Funny
Not that long ago I can remember a good number of people here looking to lynch Gaborik because of last years performance. Now he is the greatest thing since sliced bread!!! The same thing happened with MDZ………..now look at him!! Gaborik is one of the elite players in the league with a skill level that doesn’t come around that often. If he can stay healthy and focused, be paired with compatible linemates……there is no limit to what he can do. Top it all off, he doesn’t come across as an asshole like many of the other elite in the league do. I expect a huge season from Gaborik this year.
Gabby was clearly injured last year. His speed and creativity through the neutral zone and at the top of the circles has been pure art.
I think, so far, he’s playing better than he did two years ago. In my opinion, Torts’ system has made him a more three-dimensional player.
Let’s just hope he stays healthy because with him we can contend for the cup. Without him, we’re just an honorable, gritty team with lots of character.
d
Gaborik has always been able to shoot, pass, and win one-on-one situations. He’s also always been responsible defensively (having been brought up in Lemaire’s trap system in Minnesota). The one thing he was missing was gritty play (which isn’t required for a player of his caliber, but provides more weapons to his arsenal), of which he’s been powering his way to the net and mucking it in the corners. While Gaborik had most of the tools prior to landing in New York, Torts may be close to turning Gaborik into a total package.
you can see a commitment to that part of his game
he is at least 20 lbs heavier than he was in minny where he was pure speed and shot
He’ll never be Ovechkin-like in regard to physicality, but it will be a lot harder now to muscle him off the puck or to box him out of a play.
Ovechkin’s strength is really all in his legs, he launches his hits upwards. With gabby’s bionic hip and the right training regimen he could do similar.
Honestly it’s not really needed considering the rest of our team is “grit”
by teknics on Nov 12, 2011 4:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I liked one specific play from gabby. I think it was right after we made it 3-1. He got the puck on carolinas blueline, our team went to change or was just behind on the play and Carolina had all 5 players back. Gabby showed that his confidence is back by not even hesitating to enter the zone and weave through 3 defenders before finally being forced to lose the puck (which he smartly slid to the corner)
Last year he would’ve dumped it, skated up the boards and lost it, or cycled back. This year he’s confident in his ability to shred defenses and get to his favorite spot in the high slot.
He is exciting to watch when he’s confident in himself.
by teknics on Nov 12, 2011 4:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Did You See . . .
. . . Gabby’s grin when the kid that did the ceremonial puck-drop ran off before Cally could shake his young hand? The captain tried to chase the lad down but to no avail.
Last year, Gabby didn’t smile at all. He looks so relaxed now. It’s really refreshing to see.
Just more proof to me that some of gabby’s problems last year was due to his personal problems (his fiancé, who he’d been dating for 6-7 yrs, left him and moved back to Slovakia around Jan/feb)
You could tell last year sometimes his head was just not in the game.
by teknics on Nov 12, 2011 6:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He’s also lost his best friend in Demitra and another good friend in Boogey over the last year.
"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!!!
remember vs Toronto
When Gabby won that 1 vs 4 battle behind the net and still got a shot off on goal? Last year that doesn’t happen.
R.I.P Derek
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Nov 12, 2011 6:00 PM EST via mobile reply actions
There was one point last night.....
…..where Gaborik had the puck and accelerated with it, fired a wicked wrister on goal forcing Ward into a tough save………I can’t recall what point in the game it was; 2nd or 3rd period but his sheer ability to go from zero to top speed and blast that shot …. its really awesome to watch his skill in full display.
This is the most dangerous I’ve ever seen him, save for his 5 goal shellacking of our Rangers a few years ago.
I was one of the people calling for his head over the summer. But now I believe he was hampered by injury last year; good chance his break up with his fiancee hurt him………oh wait I gotta go…
…the microwave just beeped. My words are all warmed up and ready for me to eat them….
Go Gabby…Go Rangers.
okay gotta
Anyone Else . . .
. . . getting the NHL Network free? As I am? Never used to happen, ’cept for one- or two-week trials. Good coverage! And P.J. Stock an analyst!
1994 Semis Game 7 "in 60" . . .
. . . on MSG now. Includes Leetch spin-o-rama, late Zelepukin goal, and Matteau’s double OT wraparound.
But how do you define "elite"
By my definition…he has been a superstar but is moving up to elite status
"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
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by Kevin Power on Nov 12, 2011 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
"elite'
has become such an ambiguous word that has sort of lost it’s meaning when describing professional athletes—while he’s always been an elite player, I think the level he has reached this season is “dominant”
@btown46
He’s had seasons before where he has played better than he is now.
He was Elite, lost it for a bit, and now he’s all healed up and has his confidence back.
"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!!!
dar....
….everyone here knows Gaborik is an elite player, and has been his entire career. But you have to admit, in the ‘what have you done for me lately’ arena of pro sports, last year had to leave a bad taste in peoples’ mouths. He was a shadow of what he’s been the first two months of this season. Afraid to get dirty; afraid of contact; and the shot had nothing on it.
Obviously there was a nagging injury involved….also he’s beefed up and you can see it on the ice. The guy is downright strong in the corners and very difficult to take off the puck.
This is the real Gaborik, and may it last for the next several seasons…..
Hey man I think it’s great that he’s doing great this season and i’m really happy for him. But I think his tenure in New York will be looked at negatively if he doesn’t perform in the playoffs. Granted he played very well in the 03’ playoffs but he needs to perform like this if this team wants to go deep this year. Also, not to mention we will definitely need Staal back to go deep but that’s another story.
We are going to go to Philadelphia... and we are going to win.- Glen Sather
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Nov 12, 2011 11:13 PM EST reply actions
Marian Gaborik Is Quickly Entering The “Elite” Level
Your writing is quickly entering the "elite’ level!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
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Gee…thanks Brandon
"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 Nov 13, 2011 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
As a writer here I feel like I should boost the morale! I call it the anti-Tortorella method!
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We brought you on
Because we knew Dig Deep wouldn’t wear the cheerleader costume
"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 Nov 13, 2011 1:14 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Gaborik has been an elite player every year he's been healthy
I’m not sure he had to ‘emerge’ to be an elite player. He just had to get healthy as well as rid himself of whatever off the ice crap he was dealing with last year. It seems he’s a dude that takes that sort of stuff to the games with him and it affects his play.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
When wasnt Gaborik elite?
If I show this article to 29 other teams, they will laugh. Gaborik’s always been an elite talent.
Honestly, why does this fanbase have such a hard time knowing its own players talent levels? This is why we glorify Callahan and Dubinsky. Dubinsky is more talented between the two but theyre fringe 2nd liners on Cup teams. Solid 3rd liners.
Even Gaborik’s SCOUTING REPORT under Career Potential says “Elite Scoring Winger”
Hes always had an elite shot, hes got elite speed, and to the guy who said he was more of a goalscorer in 09-10 than passer, he finished with more assists than goals. Gaborik’s always been an underrated passer.
The ONLY thing I agree with thats been said is how much more of a complete player Gaborik has become under Tortorella. Hes much grittier. Hes always been a top 10 offensive player, and an above average defensive player (he played under Lemaire). If you disagree, you didnt watch enough of him in Minnesota. Im probably the only Ranger fan who did. His first year he was given much more leeway defensively which is why it may appear as if he wasnt good defensively.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 12:08 PM EST reply actions
yes he has elite talent….but there’s a difference between having elite talent and being an elite player as I highlighted in the story
"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 Nov 13, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
How exactly wasnt he an elite player before?
Nik Zherdev better suits your point. Hes got elite skills, but hes not an elite player.
Marian Gaborik has been elite for nearly his entire career. Are you really going to cite last year (an obvious exception, not the rule) as why this is so?
If you do, then im honestly done posting here.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Is Ovechkin not elite anymore?
Theres been a consistent decrease in the last 3 years for him in points. Is he not “elite” anymore too?
What is your reasoning behind Gaborik?
Are you someone who only considers 10 players at most to be considered, “elite”?
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Here you go
Now we all know that Gaborik has elite goal scoring ability, but in my eyes an elite player is a player that makes his linemates better and look at how Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov have played since being paired with the Slovakian Sniper. Anisimov has 6 assists and Derek Stepan with seven points in the last 5 games, I know, I know small sample sizes but one other aspect of Gaborik’s elite status is that every time he’s on the ice, you notice him, he’s gets into the passing lanes and drives the play forward and puts the Rangers in a position to create offense
"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
Where are 50 point players in this league “fringe 2nd liners?”
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by George E. Ays on Nov 13, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
In the 80’s.
"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!!!
the mid 80s Oilers?
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
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A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
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Did they score 50 from the 2nd line? They were getting top line minutes last year buddy.
The more you play, youre bound to get points.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Anisimov was the catalyst for the Pack Line last year just as much as he is a catalyst for playing with Stepan and Gaborik. They create offense from his defense.
If you expect Boyle to hit 20 goals again or Prust to get 30 points, youre an idiot.
This was a grinding team last year. Dubinsky got TOP MINUTES. Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan was our TOP LINE last year. Of course theyre going to get points. They averaged TOP LINE MINUTES.
Wake up fellas.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
When they were 40-45 point 2nd liners, they were still second liners.
You understand that the ~180th best forward in the league each year (i.e, the worst 2nd liner) puts up 30 points, right?
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by George E. Ays on Nov 13, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
you really think Dubinsky is a 2nd liner on Boston last year? Chicago in 2010? Pittsburgh in 09?
…. Detroit in 08? Anaheim in 07? do I continue?
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Boston yes. Chicago yes. Pittsburgh yes. Detroit yes.
You’ve seen the wings on those teams, right? You’re asking if Dubinsky is as good or better than the likes of Kris Versteeg, Chris Kunitz (twice!), Mikael Samuelsson, and a 42 year old Mark Recchi.
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by George E. Ays on Nov 13, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Recchi has a solid year. The Bruins are the only team where it’s even debatable if Dubinsky’s could crack the top 6.
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by George E. Ays on Nov 14, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
False
Versteeg was actually on the THIRD line in Chicago most of that season and in the playoffs. Kunitz shifted on the 2nd and 3rd lines on both teams. Samuelsson also shifted on the 2nd and 3rd line. Mostly on the third.
Recchi is a HOFer.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 14, 2011 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
Fine.
Is Dubinsky as good or better than Tomas Kopecky or Andrew Ladd.
Better than Ruslan Fedotenko or a 39 yr old Bill Guerin
Dan Cleary or Valteri Filppula
I just picked the top guys by ice time and production. Those are the other wings on those teams that got decent ice time.
Yes Recchi’s a HOFer. I’m not asking if Dubinsky was better than 1994 Mark Recchi.
The point holds…look at the forwards on those teams. If you don’t think Dubinsky’s at least the 6th best forward, then I don’t know how to help you.
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by George E. Ays on Nov 14, 2011 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Gaborik has easily been Sather's best free agent acquisition.
The guy deserves more cred.
Its a rebound year for him. He had injuries last year, no other elite talent (Richards) in the lineup, didnt play his game, his fiance left him and two of his best friends died in the offseason. He also sealed our playoff fate on the backcheck.
This shouldnt be that much of a surprise.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 12:11 PM EST reply actions
Demitra and boogey died this offseason
by teknics on Nov 13, 2011 10:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gaborik doesnt make excuses when things dont go well and hes a great team player.
The guy deserves a lot more cred than just a guy who can score when hes healthy. Theres more to him than that.
by MyNameIsJohnnyMotto on Nov 13, 2011 12:16 PM EST reply actions
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