Everyone Stepping Up For The New York Rangers
by Joe Fortunato on Dec 23, 2011 10:12 AM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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PrintIn another complete team effort the New York Rangers walked away with their 20th win of the season, this time over the New York Islanders.
And as the Rangers battle for first place in the division tonight when they host the Philadelphia Flyers, it's hard to pick any one player who has made the biggest difference in this season's early success.
Sure, you can select Henrik Lundqvist, who might be the odds-on favorite simply because of his position. I don't think anyone could argue to heavily against Lundqvist, especially with the numbers he's boasting early in the year. Lundqvist has a sparkling 2.03 GAA, a 93.4 SV% and 13 wins under his belt already this young season.
But any credit given to Lundqvist has to take into account Martin Biron (seven wins, 1.84 GAA, 93.3 SV% in nine games this season) and the defense in front of both goalkeepers. Which brings us to the next selection, after the jump.
Dan Girardi is another name you simply can't leave off the list. In a season which started in pure panic with the Marc Staal injury, Girardi was a main factor in righting the ship and keeping the defense steady despite being without the team's top defender. But, akin to the situation with Lundqvist, while Girardi deserves a lot of credit, so does another young defender.
When Girardi stepped up into the No. 1 defenseman role, someone needed to replace him at the No. 2 spot. That player was Ryan McDonagh, who has been playing on Girardi's side all year and has played a vital role on the Rangers' defensive success.
But how can you leave off Marian Gaborik? The Rangers' snipe is two goals away from last year's total, and his 20 goals is tied for best in the NHL. Gaborik has been the main source of offense for the Rangers this year, but he also hasn't done it alone.
How can you talk about Gaborik without talking about Artem Anisimov (22 points), Ryan Callahan (23 points), Derek Stepan (24 points) and Brad Richards (26 points) as well? All five of those players have added the much-needed "secondary scoring." I only use parentheses around secondary scoring because there have been times when all four of those players have lead the scoring charge.
Essentially, it hasn't been one person or one thing. And on elite teams, that's generally the case.
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If only Dubinsky and Boyle could get going
Joe is right on the mark. Top six are killing it and D is playing very well.
If these two start getting some production and end up beween 12-20 goals each it this team will be tough to defend.
Wolski/Boyle/Dubinsky would be a heck of a third line. But someone would need to play out of position as Dubi and WW are both LW.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 23, 2011 10:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Dubinsky could play center
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by Joe Fortunato on Dec 23, 2011 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Boyle can play wing also.
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by George E. Ays on Dec 23, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
I know Dubi can play center..
Don’t recall Boyle at wing except for preseason.
Interesting combo of talents.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 23, 2011 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
According to Torts he can’t do anything right when he has a microphone on. So just take that thing off of him and he can play anywhere.
He is capable playing wing but if I had my choice I’d put him at center, his two-way game is very strong and his size is great in the middle.
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Although a wolski/boyle/dubinsky line would be pretty good offensively, I think I would rather see a Mitchell/Boyle/ Dubi line. My memory may be failing me but every time they were on the ice last night they got the puck deep and worked the boards. They may not score many goals but they are going to work the opposing teams defense down.
by BroadwayBlue30 on Dec 23, 2011 11:26 AM EST reply actions
even if the rangers are overachiving a bit (not saying they are)
It’s still fantastic to see such a young, skillful, functional team
@btown46
i hope to god no. and i dont think so. he enjoys playing here and everyone on the team loves him. not to mention why go for a starting gig now? hes getting older and as wll as hes been this season, hes had starting gigs before and it hasnt worked well. hopefully hed rather spend his next few years here trying to win a cup.
Really tough to say.
He might like it here. If he’s looking for a Cup, there’s not a lot of teams with enough talent to contend that will need a starter, and he won’t necessarily be the best option. Vancouver will have to make a decision with Schneider at some point, Kings have a pending Halak/Price situation there, and now that Rinne is locked up, you have to wonder if Lindback will be available.
So you have a bunch of young guys that could be available who may be better options.
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by George E. Ays on Dec 23, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
The fact he signed here cheap on the first minute of free agency, to me, shows he wants to be here.
Def wouldnt mind anOther year or two of crazy eyes.
by teknics on Dec 23, 2011 12:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Totally personally I don’t see a market for Biron being a starter, their are other way better options out there for teams to look at. Plus I don’t know if Marty would want to be a starter, he’s had problems as a starter when he got older, and he’s only older now so I don’t see how he gets a starting gig anywhere.
by CrazyRangerFan on Dec 23, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking about that earlier today actually, and I’m kind of torn. I would hope he’d want to stay here, especially if he continues to get starts at the rate he has this year. Plus, he seems to enjoy the rangers, and they might be on the cusp of a very special team. With that said, I could possibly see him wanting to get one more starting gig with a team like the lightning….
by Peter North Stars on Dec 23, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe one more year for Biron.
At some point a young goalie prospect should be groomed over next 2-3 years. Unless they view back up to Hank as being a veteran fit since he’ll only play in 20-22 per season.
Love having Biron.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 23, 2011 12:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Was at the game. They played fantastic.
Really pleased with Stralman’s decisions with the puck and with Hagelin’s speed and effort.
Dubi’s goal was beastly.
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You naughty boy, we missed you last night. Will you be in the GT tonight?
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 23, 2011 12:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I hope so! Have to grab last minute presents for some family members… I like to do things in the eleventh hour. Brings out the clutch in me.
I saw there was only 300 comments in the GT last night. Weeeeeaak sauce.
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It was shameful
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Dec 23, 2011 12:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Had a flight into florida last night so dvr'd the game to watch on slingbox.
Dubi’s goal was great just made a couple of the same mistakes. here’s a couple that stood out.
Rangers had a 4 on 3 and his cross ice pass gets intercepted and isles had numbers going the other way.
He had a bad angle but hit the outside of the net on a split second 2 on 1. He has to try to atleast hit the net and if not generate a rebound.
Also, Erixon had a terrible giveaway but other than that played well.
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by RichieToGabbySCORE on Dec 23, 2011 12:24 PM EST reply actions
Unsung heroes
While they’re obviously not the keys, the solid play by replacements on the blue line — Stralman, Erixon, Bickel — has been huge. Being able to maintain good defensive play without Staal, Sauer and now Eminger has been really important. And MDZ would be looking like comeback player of the year (+20?!) if not for #10.
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