The New York Rangers Are Finding Ways To Get It Done

by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2011 9:33 AM EST in New York Rangers Analysis

For nearly two full periods the New York Rangers weren't playing their style of hockey. They were getting outworked in the corners, they played panicked in the defensive zone and they didn't hit the double-digit marks in shots until the tail end of the second period.

But this Rangers team is talented enough to survive a stretch like that, and put a team home with just 20 minutes of solid play. And while it's not ideal, and the Rangers seriously need to focus on starting off games with a little more jump, it's pretty remarkable what this team can do.

Marian Gaborik scored two goals and added an assist (giving him 601 career points), Artem Anisimov notched a goal and an assist and Derek Stepan gobbled up three assists in a decisive 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Give Henrik Lundqvist (who earned the Broadway Hat) a ton of credit for keeping the Rangers in the game early despite the team's slow start.

Join me after the jump for more.

There are other positives to take from the win as well. Michael Del Zotto played an inspired 21 minutes of hockey last night, and defended very well in his own zone. Give Dan Girardi the same props, except he did it for eight more minutes, compiling nearly 30 minutes of ice time once again.

Carl Hagelin scored another shorthanded goal (his second of the season) and isn't just proving he belongs in the NHL, but is proving he deserves more ice time. John Tortorella can't ask for much more from the speedy winger, and the Rangers have been benefiting from his play.

And what about Stu Bickel? The defenseman made his NHL debut last night, and not only picked up an assist on Hagelin's goal but also played a very solid 12 minutes of hockey last night. I'm still not thrilled with Bickle or Tim Erixon's ice time (Erixon only played 10 minutes), since the bottom pair getting less than 15 minutes is forcing guys like Girardi to pick up the slack, but so be it. It's the nature of the beast with all these injuries, and for right now, the other options are limited.

Basically, the Rangers are doing what they have to do to win games. I put games like this to the "last year test," where I try and think about whether or not last year's Rangers would have won this game after the slow start. My honest guess? Probably not.

Last year's team didn't have vintage Gaborik, who is just three goals away from hitting last year's mark of 22. Last year's team didn't have Brad Richards -- who despite no points in the win over the Devils has been a critical part of the Rangers' offense. Last year's team didn't have guys like Stepan and Anisimov filling the secondary scoring roles along with Ryan Callahan.

In the end, the Rangers are winning big games. It's almost expected at this point. And don't all elite teams expect to win every game they play?

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Well I thought Ansimov and Stepan both did pretty well last year. This year is just a continuation of their play with some nice growth added in.

I guess Hagelin is this year’s version of what Prust was last year?

I suppose that Richards offsets the decline in production from Boyle and Dubinsky.

So after tallying some of the big pluses and minuses on offense, I guess you’re left with Gaborik returning back to his 09-10 form.

It’s scary to think how good the defense can really be if they get their original blueline back at some point this year. At the very least it’s gotta help control the shot and possession metrics better and hopefully offset any mean regression from the goalies.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 10:09 AM EST reply actions

I’m beginning to think Hagelin might be the steal of the 07 draft at 168 overall in the 6th round.

by smitty046 on Dec 21, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

wayyyyyy to early to suggest that.

"I was reloading my weapon"- Artem Anisimov on 24/7
"Your the dirtiest player in the league!"- Scott Hartnell to Matt Cooke
"The universe is big....." -Ilya Bryzgalov

by RichieToGabbySCORE on Dec 21, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Yes

Both Stepan and Anisimov did well last year. But this year Anisimov is on pace for 55 points and Stepan is on pace for 63. Those are pretty significant increases from the year before.

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by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Oh yeah they’ve become vital contributers. Although how much of their increase is tied to Gaborik’s rebound? They’re both on pace for roughly the same amount of goals as last season so is their growth in overall points more correlated to the guy who’s back to 40 goal form?

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

Chicken and Egg.

How much of Gaborik’s rebound is because of the work Anisimov’s done in the defensive end and Stepan’s done in setting him up? Not to mention the question of how much of their success is related to Tortorella using Richards for power v power instead.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

We talked so much in the preseason about

not using RIchards power vs power for RICHARDS. The effect it’s having on the GAS line however, brilliant.

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.

"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII

"Tortorelli sounds like a kind of pasta… an unforgiving, stubborn, chewy, flavorless pasta that demands ‘jam’ from other pastas." - Dig Deep

by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions

It’s a fair point, but then again, we had thousands of comments in the preseason, and if you can find one that predicted a line of Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik will be the offensive engine of the team, I’ll be amazed.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

I think you’d find maybe Stepan playing Gaborik and Richards proposals since Richards-Gaborik was thought to be a forgone conclusion and Artie was slated as part of the Pack Line.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, there’s plenty of Step-BR-Gaborik stuff, that I know. Richter1994 wouldn’t shut up about it. lol

But yeah, the expectation was the Pack line would eat the power matchups and BR/Gaborik would then beat up the softies. Except then Richards still got the power matchups, Anisimov went to the 4th line, and all hell broke loose.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

For the record, Richards-Gaborik-Stepan is deadly in NHL12. In Be A GM mode Gaborik won the Rocket Richard in seaosn 1 with 60+ and Stepan had 35 goals. So far about 35 games into season 2 Gaborik has 24 goals and Stepan has 20.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

I’m willing to bet it’s all connected in some way. Anisimov releases Gaborik from some defensive duties, Stepan is very adept at finding Gaborik in the open, especially in 2 on 1s. And I’d be surprised if Gaborik isn’t getting more scoring chances (as compared to last year) in better shooting areas that have pumped his shooting % up dramatically from last year.

And yes, the beauty of having 2 decent scoring lines is that it can create favorable matchup issues for one of the lines.

I’m just not all that surprised that Anisimov and Stepan have grown, even if Stepan is still defying reasonable projections as more of a goal scorer in the NHL than he was in NCAA. Anisimov I never doubted. His previous history suggested he adapts to higher levels of competition very quickly.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

And I’d be surprised if Gaborik isn’t getting more scoring chances (as compared to last year)

He was as of my last update in mid-November. I haven’t had much time to compile lately, but I’m sure it’s still the case. Thing is, he gets chances at such a ridiculous rate, I’d be surprised if he could really improve it much.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions

If he was a bit better at one on one vs a defenseman moves I’m sure he could get a few more chances. Otherwise yeah, seems to be doing just about all you could ask for.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

I really think that the reason Gaborik is performing better is not so much his linemates but his shoulder. I think when he came back from his shoulder separation he stayed away from the high traffic areas because he didnt want to risk re-injuring it. I think it also robbed him of some power from his shot.

Now he is playing in traffic (like I encourage my students to) and not simply staying along the boards. I am not going to say its not the fact that he is playing with talent instead of Christensen, but I really think that shoulder injury derailed his season last year.

by Berthe on Dec 21, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

You're Either

1. a hockey camp instructor who tells players to be unafraid of the slot, or
2. a mean schoolteacher who tells kids to go play in traffic.

by cmont on Dec 21, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

I have not had the chance to watch that many games this season. I rely instead on recaps from this site to stay up on how they play. It seems it has been a common theme that the team finds itself towards the end of games. Is this because the Rangers are elevating their game or are their competition getting worn down? Is it great conditioning or increased focus that lead to their increased play towards the end of games?

Of course this may be imaginary and their is no statiscal proof that they play better towards the end of games, I will let the statistical posters correct me if this is the case.

by upstatenyr on Dec 21, 2011 10:11 AM EST reply actions

They score a lot more in the 2nd and 3rd periods than the 1st. That much is true.

I’m sure George has more in depth numbers when it comes to shots and puck possession.

by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Dec 21, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

I can run scoring chance stuff, I don’t have period by period shot breakdowns.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone wanna bet...

That Staal plays in the Winter Classic?

by l.whit7873 on Dec 21, 2011 11:03 AM EST reply actions

I wouldn't take those odds

the Rangers have no reason to rush him for the game. I’d rather him miss it and be healthy than play in it and be injured further.

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.

"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII

"Tortorelli sounds like a kind of pasta… an unforgiving, stubborn, chewy, flavorless pasta that demands ‘jam’ from other pastas." - Dig Deep

by Joe Fortunato on Dec 21, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

on Girardi

i love the guy and hes been a stud for us going back even a year or two. we would be lost without him. but i dont give him all that many props for last nights game. he wasnt that aufukl either, turning it up a notch in the latter period just like everyone else on the team. but for a better part of 2 periods, he looked ver lost against that first line. he was picking up his stick while the devils scored their frst goal, and in general looked extremely flat and slow against kovalchuck. made him look silly on a few plays

by nhl21 on Dec 21, 2011 11:10 AM EST reply actions

Hagelin, Boyle, and Mitchell really deserve a lot of credit right now. They’ve done nothing but come in and be possession monsters from the get go. Having a line like theirs that starts in the defensive zone 60% of the time and is still running teams over in terms of shots is so incredibly valuable.

It gives the other lines more starts and more opportunities to work from the offensive zone, it takes pressure off the defense for stretches at a time, and dare I say, creates momentum for the team every time they’re out there.

Wolski replacing Mitchell would be a shame, though Wolski’s been decent by possession metrics himself.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions

I suggested swapping WW in for Mitchell

You have historically been proponent of WW (especially at ES production). Are you worried about the d-zone starts he would get…or just in a “if its not broke don’t fix it” with Hags/BB/Mitchell?

by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 21, 2011 11:55 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

Ain't broke.

I want Wolski back in the lineup, just not for Mitchell.

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by George E. Ays on Dec 21, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Cally being out those first ten minutes might of had something to do with the flat start. Once he got back into the game the rangers started getting the puck in the devils end instead of playing in their own zone the entire 1st period

by ImMike88 on Dec 21, 2011 12:05 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

A "don't forget" item

Just wanted to point out the not one, but TWO absolutely destructive checks thrown by Boyle last night. He steamrolled two Devils while just continuing on his merry way! He may not be as talented or fast as some of the other guys, but you can bet, if he keeps these hits up, thhe opposition won’t be too happy to try to stop him when he’s got a head of steam up!!! He’s a BIG sucker, he has to hurt whoever he hits!! That has to help the team.

by miatajay on Dec 21, 2011 12:11 PM EST reply actions

this

I saw those plays and they’re great. He’s not scoring like last year but if he keeps playing like that, the chances will come. Guys try to stand him up and he puts them on their back. Now if he could only manage to keep the puck

by nhl21 on Dec 21, 2011 7:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I still wanna see Hagelin Richards Calli

And dump Dubi with Boyle and Mitchell

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

by -19-AgainstAll on Dec 21, 2011 12:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Looks like....

….you might get your wish:

Original Post: According to Pat Leonard and Andrew Gross, Carl Hagelin is skating with Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan at practice today like he did at the end of the game last night.

Brandon Dubinsky is with Brian Boyle and John Mitchell

by dbmaven on Dec 21, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Hope he keeps it come game time

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

by -19-AgainstAll on Dec 21, 2011 12:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Dubinsky Boyle Mitchell

As an opponent you cannot want to play that line. Even if they’re not going to light up the scoreboard they are going to beat the crap out of you. When 6-1, 185 is the small guy on the line, you know it could hurt out there.

Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!

by Broheem NJ on Dec 21, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

+1000, I wanted that too.

by Richter1994 on Dec 21, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

I think

Gabby and Richards not gelling (you gellin?) Early on this season was prolly the best thing that could’ve happened. It made 2 really good scoring lines, and Gabby has his confidence back. A confident, happy Gabby is a dangerous one. Not saying though it couldn’t have happened with BR eventually. Love this team. It seems that unless tge other team is spot on ridiculously perfect ( or we flat out suck) we are in every game, leading or not. Think others may or not realize now.. they gotta put us away, because if we hang around, we’ll find a way to win

R.I.P Derek

Rangers FTW!

by BleedsRangerBlue on Dec 21, 2011 3:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Exactly. The idea was to have Richards & Gabby on a single line and play well together, but because it didn’t work well right off the bat it’s benefited the Rangers to have two solid scoring lines.

I always felt that Stepan worked well with Gabby, but putting Anisimov with the first line has really done well and now that Hagelin has been pushed up to the 2nd line with Cally & Richards, we have a dangerous side that can do well and possibly make a big run in the playoffs this year.

by NYR #35 Richter on Dec 21, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

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