New York Rangers Analysis: Searching For A Veteran Defenseman
by Bryan Winters on Jul 13, 2011 5:00 AM EDT
in New York Rangers Analysis
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Glen Sather has made this one of the best off-seasons I can remember for a long time. He bought out past captain Chris Drury, and acquired the top free agent target, Brad Richards. Many people believe there is one important piece that is still missing, a veteran defenseman.
Last season the New York Rangers brought in veteran Bryan McCabe, who they acquired at the trade deadline. However, McCabe did not solve what he was brought in for, which was quarterbacking the powerplay. He was also brought in to be a veteran presence along the blueline. As many of us have noticed, he was not that answer to solving our problems.
Although, in my opinion there is still one name that sticks out to me, Steve Eminger.
Join me after the jump for why I believe Steve Eminger fits this role.
Rather than looking towards the trade market for veteran presence, the Rangers should re-sign current UFA Steve Eminger. Although he was faced with multiple healthy scratches throughout the season, Steve Eminger fits this role perfectly.
With eight seasons of experience within the NHL, Eminger has the ability to mentor and help these young defensemen along the path. Steve Eminger also adds a lot of depth to the roster, and makes the team that much stronger. However, he may fit in as a 7th defenseman but when called upon he can and will get the job done.
In his 65 games with the Rangers last season, Eminger put up 2 goals, and 4 assists. His points may be deceiving, but when he was in the line-up, he was nothing but a shutdown defenseman. He also blocked a total of 103 shots last season, which put him third on the team behind Dan Girardi and Marc Staal.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe Steve Eminger fits this veteran role?
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I don’t believe that just because you put in the time means you are experienced and can help lead. I don’t think Eminger has ever played an important role on a team and don’t see how just being there leads to significant experience that he can bestow on the kids..
McCabe on the other hand has and from all accounts is looked up to by other players. This is the type of player you would want for the ‘kids’ to learn from. Too bad he can’t skate worth a damn anymore. Thought I am not sure I would mind if he were to become the 7th D if the price is right.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jul 13, 2011 5:14 AM EDT reply actions
I think McCabe will cost about 3 million which is 2 million more than he is worth.
Absolute Worst Ranger Fan!!!!!!....yet incredibly realistic and usually correct.
I think Eminger has a role...
I’m just not certain he is a veteran presence and is needed to fill that role. Yes he has played in 9 NHL seasons, but in those 9 seasons he has only played in 90 games more than our current top blueliner, Marc Staal and 50 more than our current veteran Dan Girardi. I’m not quite sure what Eminger would bring that Girardi and Staal couldn’t.
I think our blueline is sufficient with Staal/Girardi, McD/Sauer, Eminger(MDZ)/Erixon for the regular season which would allow Sather time to locate that deal that works in our favor, perhaps at the trade deadline.
When Eminger first came here, I HATED his game. He was soft, indecisive, just awful. Then the light switch went on. Torts must have said to him: play physical. Because when Eminger played physical, he was as good a D as any other on the team. He played damn well. He is a known player, Eminger knows Torts and the team, so I think it makes absolute sense to bring in Steve for one year at $1M. Then he can be paired with Erixon as the 3rd pair where Erixon can take advantage of Eminger’s stay-at-home style of play to go on the offense. This will allow MDZ to go to Hartford and come up when he’s ready. Makes all the sense in the world to me.
Took the words right out of my mouth. He’s low risk, low mainteenace, high reward. He’s consistently dependable wether he’s playing every game or for the first rime in weeks. You can’t find that kind of value for 1 mil
by nhl21 on Jul 13, 2011 6:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Took the words right out of my mouth. He’s low risk, low mainteenace, high reward. He’s consistently dependable wether he’s playing every game or for the first rime in weeks. You can’t find that kind of value for 1 mil
by nhl21 on Jul 13, 2011 7:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
+1. I keep saying this, but when Emi is at his best, he is a really good defenseman. Take a look at the final Ranger / Boston game. Emi was quietly one of the best players on the ice. (He hit, carried the puck, and played well positionally).Emi was originally categorized as an offensive defenseman, but he has steadily improved his defensive skills. He can still move the puck. I think if given the chance at a greater role, he can step up and impress a lot of people. Big upside if he can find his form, consistency, and (lol) ice time. I say give him a chance. He was used as the 7th d-man last year and performed that role well.
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
by nathansfamous on Jul 13, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Generally speaking.
I always notice Eminger when he’s out there though. As I’ve described him in the past, he’s ‘effectively chaotic.’ Almost as if, as people eluded to, Torts told him to go be physical, he wasn’t really sure how, so he just started launching himself into things.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 14, 2011 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
lmao good way to describe it.
"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!!!
Shane O'Brien > Eminger
No doubt O’Brien is the guy. Might cost a bit more money, but would be an incremental upgrade for one year. Slightly less productive on offensive end, but better defensively and has plenty of scrap. Way more playoff experience.
Steve Eminger
411 games played
17 career goals
74 career assists
91 career points
-51 player
328 career penalty minutes
5 career playoff games
Shane O’Brien
379 games played
10 career goals
54 career assists
64 career points
+16 player
688 career penalty minutes (including 3 years > 140)
40 career playoff games
Still hoping 3rd pair ends up being MDZ and Erixon. Would love to see them play well enough in preseason to make Torts keep them up. But if we add a veteran, this is a better option than Eminger.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 6:50 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not meant to be a personal attack, but MDZ and Erixon as a pairing? You might as well put out Ricahrds, Gaborik and a rock on the ice, and let Henrik play 1 on 6. No offense, but if MDZ and Erixon make the team, they absolutely need to be split up; there’s not enough of a ‘defensive’ presence between the two of them. I could see either of them being paired with Girardi, or Sauer.
by callahanisgod on Jul 13, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
You obviously don't know much about Erixon's game.
He’s way more of a two way defender versus Del Zotto. He was almost an even player at 18/19 playing in the SEL. Try to find a write up calling him a defensive liability or “offensive minded” defenseman.
The only reasons to break them up would be to split Sauer and McD and get more equitable playing time between 2nd and 3rd pairing.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 9:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You guys are comfortable going into the season with a McDonagh/Sauer and DelZotto/Erixon as your bottom two pairings? What happens if either McD or Sauer regress at all? What if DelZotto continues to play like he did for mcuh of the year last year and not the year before? What if Erixon isn’t quite ready for the NHL?
Seems like a bunch of pressure for those 4 and not much of anyone to bail them out.
I'm not comfortable
I think there are a few here that certainly sound comfortable, but I’m sure we are going to have a 7th blueliner, very possibly Eminger, and it will be that defenseman’s job to step in for the player that is not performing. I also think it’s very likely we’ll have 2 additional signings with 1 of them cut if they are outplayed in pre-season.
I don’t think Sauer or McD’s games will regress at all. When DelZotto had his good rookie year you could tell there were many defensive holes in his game, and when he tried to concentrate on being better defensively in his sophomore year, it just seem to hurt both aspects, especially his offensive production. I think defensemen like McD and Sauer who are already defensively sound and just need to work on their offensive game will just continue to improve unlike DelZotto who is the other way around. I’m not saying DelZotto won’t improve I just think its harder for him because he is an offensive defensemen who is not that big.
by SaveByRicther on Jul 13, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Not to be argumentative, but...
I don’t recall seeing 1 person predict MDZ would be in CT for his sophomore year. EVERYONE had him penciled in as a starter on the blueline. Every one of us wants to think Sauer and McD will have similar seasons, or even better, but not 1 of us knows with any level of certainty. Bottom line is we need 2 players to be signed that we can be confident can carry NHL minutes. They don’t need to necessarily be top pair minutes but they need to be capable,.
MDZ is not a comparable because it was well known that he was here strictly for offense, and his defensive game needed a lot of work. It was a tradeoff with him, you lived with the lack of D if he got enough back offensively. The lack of offense combined with an increase of assignments brought on by having Eminger/Gilroy as your 6th defenseman created the issues that led to MDZ being sent down. No, it wasn’t predicted, but it wasn’t completely out of the blue either.
Sauer/McD were both defense-first defenseman. It’s much less likely that their defense will decline (though as I said earlier, Sauer’s unlikely to be a +20 again because he was riding percentages a bit.)
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by George E. Ays on Jul 13, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
George, I’m not saying McD, Sauer, or anyone else WILL regress. I’m merely pointing out that it is a real possibility and there needs to be a plan to deal with it. In other words, the team needs depth at the defensive position and to go into the season expecting our depth to have absolutely zero NHL experience would be unwise.
I’m also not in favor of paying big money for an over-the-hill defenseman just to be able to say we have a veteran on the blueline.
I understand. I’m not guaranteeing they won’t regress, that’s impossible to predict.
I looked at young d-men last year. Here’s what I observed:
Looking at the stats, the youngest of this group were given the hardest comp on average, the 2nd hardest teammates, yet relative to their team, they’re pushing the puck the best. Intuitively this would seem correct, the defensemen capable of cracking a lineup at such a young age bring offense, first and foremost. Their defense is usually the raw part of their games, and the numbers bare that out. They have the worst GAON/60 and Corsi/60 rates among the lot. From there you start to see the progression one expects, as the defenseman age, they get harder competition and harder teammates, and it becomes harder for them to push the play. Of note, there are only 5 seasons to go on, so data there is likely higher than normal as a result.
It describes what happened to Del Zotto almost to the letter. They rushed his defensive responsibilities, and his play suffered to the point he got run out of the NHL. Sauer and McDonagh didn’t follow that. They are not offensive players and they showed they can play NHL-level defense against top 4 opponents adequately. As long as Girardi/Staal are around, it’s unlikely their assignments are going to get much more difficult, so their chance of having their play take a downturn is much, much less.
I agree they need depth, preferably depth with experience, whether that’s a 35 year old pro or a guy like Eminger who just as a lot of experience. I’m not sure I trust either anymore than someone like Erixon in a top 4 role though.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 14, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
-1. I don’t see any regression in either Sauers or MCD’s game. I think they will step up and continue to improve. Yes they may have a brain fart(bad game) here or there , but that is to be expected.
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
by nathansfamous on Jul 13, 2011 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I completely agree, I have always thought every time that Eminger came in last season he produced a successful game. I do not know if anyone remembers the Washington game where we won 6-0 in DC. He was put in after being a healthy for the previous games and he had a goal and had a hell of a game. I think Steve Eminger is one of the most underrated players on the Rangers. Great post.
I don’t know if being a “veteran” really helps if you’ve been a floating journyman like Eminger…
But as far as needing one more proven NHL-level D-man goes… I’m all for it. He was solid all year. One of the many pleasant surprises of last season. He hit everything that moved and threw himself in front of shots… he may not contribute on an every day basis, but as a 7th man, he’d fill in perfectly when needed.
Pierre McGuire needs to go away.
by MartyEqualsPansy on Jul 13, 2011 9:30 AM EDT reply actions
Just wanna point this out
We’re all calling Emminger a veteran…but he’s only 27-28 years old, bring him back for another go of it on the bottom pairing he was very serviceable last season
"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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What about Dale Puritan?
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Jul 13, 2011 9:36 AM EDT reply actions
Well Shane O’Brien is as close as it gets….
by The Blue Seats on Jul 13, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Resigning Eminger is like hooking up for the second time with a dumpy ugly chick.
You know how its going to turn out and its the safe bet. But she’s still a dumpy ugly chick. Why not take a chance and look for a dumpy girl with a nice face or an ugly girl with a tight body? Neither is a trophy, but its better than dumpy and ugly.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 9:48 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 3 recs
lmao
"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!!!
having swam in all three of those pools
all i can do is laugh and then hang my head in sadness
@joereiter
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yeah...
I would rather have Redden ….
by XxC17xX on Jul 13, 2011 9:53 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
For however long now, I’ve been reading how the Rangers need this veteran presence on the blue line. If I’m not mistaken, they were at the top, or near the top of goals against last year without this so called presence back there. Now I’m not saying it will hurt them to have a veteran back there, but I just don’t see this dire need for one. I’ll agree with an earlier comment that when Eminger was signed, I scratched my head also. But if he can be resigned for that 7th spot, I think the Rangers will be fine. I think a slightly bigger priority is to find more scoring (no breaking news there) and a HUGE part of that has already been done. Staal & Girardi have been around long enough to be mentioned as possible captains and/or assistant captains. Maybe they don’t have the 7+ years veteran experience, but I think they do just fine. Granted, after Staal & Girardi, the defense is VERY young, but did McDonough, Sauer look out of place? And they each have a year (or close to it) of NHL experience out of the way. They shouldn’t be surprised by anything anymore. And then we all expect Erixon to make the team out of camp and I would imagine Del Zotto is expected to make the team again. This leaves Eminger or McCabe as the 7th man. I would personally prefer Eminger over McCabe. If things get out of control as the season moves forward, then a move can be made. We all know SOMEONE always becomes available during the season, and the Rangers aren’t exactly Carolina where they have to watch their budget. Just my opinion here.
McCabe is no longer here as our 7th man...
And there is a snowball’s chance in hell that he’ll be back.
McCabe can still be a force for a team on the pp. Maybe Montreal or Anaheim someone looking for a scoring defenseman. He is no where near being a 7th defensman, therefore Eminger wins by default.
by louielounz1 on Jul 13, 2011 10:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Expecting this group of 6 to maintain (or in Erixon’s case) or exceed how they played last season may be seen as foolhardy.
True
And it would be naive to think last seasons group were the reason we were near the top in GAA. That stat would be in large part due to our netminder. Last year’s group outplayed their contracts, but it helped a lot that they were backed up by one of the league’s better goalies.
Right
I guess my whole point with this is that the Rangers need more than just a possible 7th Defenseman. They need at least (IMO) a Top-4 solid Defenseman + a 6th/7th reliable defenseman as well. Bringing back Eminger (or someone like him) alone is not enough.
Disagree. Staal-Girardi-McDonagh are certainly capable of top 4 minutes. Sauer I’m less convinced long term, but I don’t think defense necessarily regresses at that age. Yeah, he’s probably not going to be +20 again, but he’s perfectly serviceable as a bottom 4.
Erixon’s a question mark, granted, but he’s seen by the organization as someone who can step in and play top 4 minutes now, so I think 3rd pairing minutes won’t be a problem.
They do need someone to fill out the defense beyond the rookies, but a top-4 solid D-man is not something I consider a need for this team.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 13, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Good point, George—Sauer’s game is much different from Del Zotto’s game, and the 40-goal differential in +/- rating between each player’s first full season with the Rangers underscores that. The “regression” experienced by DZ in year 2 was due more to the fact that his first year wasn’t that hot either in terms of his defensive play. Teams bottled him up and made him defend, and the result was that he looked totally lost last year.
I’m actually looking for Sauer to repeat his success this year, and add a few more points offensively this year. Don’t know how anyone can say that mature-beyond-their-years, poised players like McDonagh and Sauer can be expected to regress. There’s none of the risk-reward style of DZ in their individual games.
Prole art threat.
by greifi griffie on Jul 13, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Skuba, (True) I agree with you...
The rest had more to do with vixtrix giving the blueliners credit for the GAA rather than putting most of that credit on Lundquist’s shoulders.
I disagree
Another year of experience along with the playoff experience will only help those guys develop. Staal & Girardi are already among the top dmen in the league. Sauer & McD are only going to get better.
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!
In a perfect world we would get a great “veteran” defenseman and a great scoring winger before the season starts. This would make us serious Cup contenders. This won’t happen because to get good players you have to give up good players. The Rangers (thankfully) appear to understand that you have to build from within, and add 1 or 2 pieces via free agency every year (i.e. BR and Rupp this offseason). It’s not the time to get that solid veteran D-man. As far as defense goes they’re still in the “developmental phase” and it’s developing along perfectly. Considering and comparing needs of the team: offense vs. defense, I think the greater overall need is slightly tipped to the offensive side. BUT, with the addition of BR (and how that affects the rest of the offense down the line) is yet to be seen. Is it not conceiveable that his addition alone will (at least?) bring our offense up to the same level as our defense (barring a defense let down this upcoming season)? If true, the only question remaining, would the 2011-12 Rangers be Cup contenders? Possibly, given they get “hot” like Philly 2 years ago, etc.). But “on paper” it appears (to me at least) that they’re two players away: one solid experience defensive vet; and one offensive scoring threat. I don’t think (and I hope) we get either THIS offseason (because too high a price, etc.). Can/Should we expect to find these missing pieces next offseason? You better believe it! It appears Sather and Co. are finally getting the process for modern day NHL team building. I hope we stand pat for this offseason (with the exception of perhaps trading some extras like EC for picks), realistically expect to make it to the second round, if not the conference finals, and then snag the Cup in 2012 or 2013 at the latest.
Best Rangers day: May 27, 1994
Worst Rangers day: April 10, 1984
by Stepan the Ice! on Jul 13, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Pros vs cons… Not signing a “veteran” defenseman could potentially allow Marc Staal to step into more of a leadership role (perhaps Girardi too). He’ll be the best defenseman on the team, the second most veteran… He’ll be the strongest presence. I also believe that Del Zotto and Erixon could develop quite well int he NHL this year, if given ample ice time and guidance. A veteran 7th would help with guidance, but surely cut back on ice time. I think a non-presence by a “7th defenseman” could actually benefit Staal/Girardi/MDZ/Erixon particularly, for the reasons above. There is of course the other point of view… That the presence of someone like Eminger would help those four develop. This is all hypothetical and perspective anyways. Beyond the potential benefit of the increased ice time and responsibility, a veteran defenseman is looking at a 1-3m signing. Best case scenario, if we bring someone in for 1m for 1 year, it still puts us that much closer to the ceiling for something I don’t think is a necessity at all. If we ended up with not enough money to sign Dubinsky, Callahan or Boyle, because we signed a 7th defenseman, I would consider that a poor decision.
A 7th D-man is NOT going to cut back on ice time
There’s going to be a 7th D-man regardless, it just depends on who it is. You can’t expect your 6 starters to stay healthy for all 82 games without any rest. A 7th D-man WILL be here, it’s just a matter of whether it’s Eminger or another “serviceable” player with some experience and some ability. It’s very unlikely it will be a MDZ, Erixon, or McIlrath who need playing time to develop.
Anyone up for some trade talks?
What about Komisarek, Bozak and a 3rd round pick for Wolski and the negotiating rights to Brian Boyle?
Komisarek?
We already have Redden, why would we want another AHL calibur Defenseman with an overblown contract
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno, because Toronto doesn’t want him anymore?
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
and we do?
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably not. But I think the guy was posting from a TML fan perspective.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
i know…but even a leaf fan should know thats not a fair deal…Redden for Komisarek is a fair deal for both teams
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Brian Burke will make sure he gets fair market value on any and all acquisitions
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Leafs fans consistently overrate their guys.
They think Bozak is a 1st line center and Schenn + Bozak is a fair trade for Stamkos.
Blehh..
"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!!!
and for all that.
"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"
by feslenraster on Jul 13, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Bozak sounds like ballsack
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 13, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHA
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
by Archie Barberio on Jul 13, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Wolski
In a trade for Tyutin. Bring back his familiar face and send away the $3.8mil Wolski carries as a cap hit. Tyutin makes nearly a million dollars less, has playoff experience here in NYC, and is only 27 years old.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
by Danz10 on Jul 15, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Komisarek hit a rough patch...
After his fight with Lucic he injured his shoulder…tell me something…besides Prust, do you guys have anyone who could tangle with the Lucic’s of the league? At 6’ 4" 240+ pounds Komisarek is still a force. Don’t hold the fact that he is a Yankie against him…we don’t.
Rupp is our heavyweight and he is still a hockey player…Komisarek, just sucks at defense and is just an american wade redden
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, kinda like we missed the Leafs in the playoffs this year.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thats just mean lmao
"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!!!
I don't think that we should BRAGGING about our 5 game cup of coffee in the playoffs
We were too busy getting getting blown away by an Caps team that tossed by their next opponent, we didn’t have much time to notice anyone else.
/scratching head, wondering if I just defended the Maple Leafs
by BuckarooClub on Jul 13, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Komisarek represented his country at the Worlds and you guys call him a bum...
What does that say about who you are???
uhm…the Worlds is a tournament that no one cares about…Mike Komisarek went, good for him, but that doesn’t mean that he’s a good hockey player…hell Al Montoya was team USAs starting goalie, does that mean he’s in the same caliber as Ryan Miller?
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Komisarek stinks like my belly button lint.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
uhm…ok…sure
"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 Jul 13, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
No it just means the guys at the worlds got their asses ousted from the playoffs...
or didn’t make it like the laffs…….for the last 20yrs. And by 20yrs, I mean for what seems like eons since they last made it.
Absolute Worst Ranger Fan!!!!!!....yet incredibly realistic and usually correct.
Thanks for your time and comments guys...
Keep holding out for Lidstrom for Redden…I’ve got my fingers crossed for ya’s.
No problem
Komisarek sucks, peace.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 13, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
We’ve got our fingers crossed for you guys too….enjoy Kessel and a 13th-place finish in the East this year, and remember that sitting in a dark, quiet room always helps someone named Lindros think a little more clearly.
Prole art threat.
by greifi griffie on Jul 13, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you guys stay over .500
by teknics on Jul 13, 2011 1:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
wow talk about a bitter fan
Bc we wouldn’t excpet a trade for komiserik you start taking shots at the rangers. Komi is horrible there’s no debate to that, as well as redden. If you wanna swap them out now were talking, so don’t get angry when opposing teams fans let you know your high salary american dman sucks and will continue to. Leafs are gonna be in the dumps of the eastern conference for years to come, good luck with that buddy.
by klh2009 on Jul 13, 2011 5:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We need to sign Anson Carter @@
R.I.P Derek
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Jul 13, 2011 10:50 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Emminger knows his role
If we are looking for a 7th defenseman (aka a back up, often-scratched player) then Emminger seems to fit the bill. He’s not a cap liability. He understands and accepts that type of role; and he comes out after being a healthy scratch and plays well.
Why pay more for someone who will be tasked to do the same thing?
As for veteran presence, how many years does it take to be considered a “veteran”? Staal and Girardi have faced every top player in the league for the past 2 years +.
As for the comments that our defense played over their heads(and contracts) last year – should we expect less this year? If thats the case then we should expect less from Dubi, Cally, Boyle, Prust and Stepan ??? I dont think so ….
"Shoot the Puck Barry, Shoot the puck !" Bill Chadwick
by RangerFanInChicago on Jul 13, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions
Well said
Our top pair is among the best in the league. Our 2nd pair is solid and only going to get better. The 3rd pair will be allowed to develop given the minutes the top 4 will eat up. No real need for a veteran dman acquisition in my mind. We’ve got two – Staal & Girardi.
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!
"Sophomore slump"
As much as we all wish and want for these young guys to improve on last season, the term was coined because it happens frequently. In fact it happened last season to MDZ. If they continue to play as well, or better, than we should have another fine season defensively but to go into the season unprepared for at least 1 player to show some regression would be unwise.
I’m in favor of resigning Eminger. I think he filled his role perfectly and could/should do so again.
Be a boyscout- always be prepared
I agree that the Sophmore slump usually hits most players. However most of the time it doesnt kick their ass like it did to MDZ. I agree that being prepared for injury or even a slight tail off would be wise. I just dont want to waste cap room on someone that we may or may not use that often- thus Emminger at the right price seems logical.
McCabe simply didnt impress me last year and his defense was subpar at best.
"Shoot the Puck Barry, Shoot the puck !" Bill Chadwick
by RangerFanInChicago on Jul 13, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I completely agree....
Everything I’ve said thus far is fully in support of signing Eminger, or similar… To be able to land a top 4 blueliner would be nice, but may not be necessary. To think we can hold pat with Staal, Girardi, McD, Sauer, MDZ and Erixon is just silly.
The top 4 D
Would be unchanged from about the halfway point of last season. And then I suppose it comes down to whether you think Erixon/MDZ will be better than the combination of Gilroy/Eminger/McCabe. I honestly think that they can be. Relatively speaking, the 5th and 6th D are the ones I would worry least about.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Your missing the point...
There is way too much assumption here that this team, or any team, can get by with 6 NHL ready defenseman. Of all 6 of those defenseman you mentioned, only 3 have played a full season’s worth of NHL games and 1 of those is MDZ who was completely unprepared for NHL duty last season.
It is completely foolish to think those 6 players can play 82 regular season games and any post-season games without injury, illness or drop in performance and not need to be replaced for any extended length of time. Who is going to fill the top 6 role when 1 goes down with an injury? Who is going to fill top 6 minutes when 2 go down with an injury? Who is going to fill top 6 minutes when MDZ loses his confidence…..AGAIN? Who is going to fill in top 6 minutes when Erixon hits that wall at the end of the season from never having to play an NHL schedule?
Obviously
You can’t count on all D to play 82 games a season, nor did I suggest the Ranger should count on having all 6 play 82 games or that they shouldn’t seek an extra NHL ready body on D.
Any significant injury to the top 4 D will weaken the team, but the plan should be to let their best players play as much as possible. In the event of injury that can either use the farm system to fill in or the cost acquiring a bottom pair D is usually not that expensive on the trade market and or look to the waiver wire (think Eriksson from a couple of years ago or McCabe this past year).
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 13, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Join me after the jump.
Seems to be becoming contagious.
by KingHenrik on Jul 13, 2011 11:39 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
It becomes more literal near the end of the season…
by teknics on Jul 13, 2011 1:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What worries me about having two of Del Zotto/Erixon/Valentenko/Kundratek etc. is the amount of minutes that Staal and Girardi will have to shoulder. It seems as though early on, as he should, Tortorella protects and eases the youngersters into important minutes. I believe it took quite a while for Torts to be comfortable enough to play Mcd and Sauer as much as they were at the end of the season. It seems rather aparent that Staal and Girardi in particular were a bit worn down by the end of the year, and starting this year with a bottom 4 of sauer/mcd/del zotto/erixon etc. might put too much of a strain on that top pair from the beginning of the year, and I worry about how much they wear down as the season goes on.
I do however believe a couple years down the road we will almost be able to run out 3 solid d pairs that can play relatively similar minutes, which will be awesome. I just think a guy like Scott Hannan (just throwing him out as an example, not sure I actually want him) at leaast for the beginning of the year, gives torts a little more faith in that 3rd pair and can ease the youngersters in without killing staal and girardi. It seemed to have worked for Sauer and Mcdonough, and it can hopefully work for Erixon, Valentenko, or Kundratek.
by Peter North Stars on Jul 13, 2011 12:17 PM EDT reply actions
Three reasons why McD and Sauer aren't likely to have a sophmore slump:
1) They play stay at home styles and are physical players. Unless they suddenly decide they are Bobby Orr, Torts will drill them with KISS (Keep it simple stupid).
2) They will not be asked to be shut down defenders. Staal and Girardi have that job, their match ups won’t change significantly giving them more equitable match ups.
3) They are not going to be relied on heavily for offense on the power play or even strength. Richards will relieve some of that and they won’t be needed on the power play.
If you look at past Ranger defenseman who struggle in year 2 (Girardi in 2008-2009 & Del Zotto last year) it was all about expectations (their own and coaches).
Girardi had great success his first full season, 10 Goals 18 Assists and an even +/-. He came back and was expected to replicate the offensive production, he ends up with 4 goals 18 assists and a -14 player. Torts takes over and his play picks up again (because he’s being used the right way).
MDZ is a head case, too much time reading press clippings last off season. He never improved on his decision making at his own end of the ice and was pressing to make plays up the ice. Torts used him in the only way he could by accenuating the positives (giving him PP time) and limiting the potential negatives (more favorable match ups). But you can’t fix stupid, so back on the bus for the social director until he figures out the game.
None of these things are going to happen to McD and Sauer, partly because Torts knows what they bring and how to get it out of them. But also because they play traditional defensive roles on a team with well established 1st pairing.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 12:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I would re-sign Eminger – he had a bad start last year but he got it together fairly quickly, he never complained at not playing regularly, and would be inexpensive.
I really liked Valentenko in camp last year and personally hope he makes the team, gets paired with Erixon, giving MDZ the chance to build up his game and confidence in Hartford for a long stretch.
MDZ was awful with the Rangers, went to Hartford, wasn’t great there either, and then got injured. To me, given his confidence and maturity issues, he has to have a lights-out camp to make the club from the outset. (Of course, all this rests on Erixon being NHL-ready, which by all accounts, he is.)
"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
I think you’re right on all counts.
Best Rangers day: May 27, 1994
Worst Rangers day: April 10, 1984
by Stepan the Ice! on Jul 13, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Why do people keep talking about Del Zotto's supposed "maturity issues"
He only just turned 21. 21 year olds to dumb shit. They learn. Some people make better decisions at that age, but it’s part of their personality. Expecting Del Zotto to be like Staal or Jonathan Toews is naive.
His game is what the issue should be. If Tortorella has a problem with a 21 year old acting like an average 21-year-old, then they need to trade Del Zotto and be done with it.
I see your point, but when you have guys on the club at the same age who are possibly mature beyond their years (Stepan, McD, Sauer) it makes him look bad by comparison. You can’t help notice the difference between MDZ and guys who keep their head down, don’t look like they’re on the verge of tears when given some correction, and aren’t twittering about dumb shit. He just seems like he’s got a sense of entitlement.
"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
See, but that’s the thing:
but when you have guys on the club at the same age who are possibly mature beyond their years (Stepan, McD, Sauer) it makes him look bad by comparison.
I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to others. You have to manage people as individuals, taking into account their personalities, strengths, and foibles.
You see guys, 30+ year old professionals twittering (or tweeting or whatever the hell it’s called) dumb shit. People are going to be people, and you have to allow for certain things, and check others.
I, for one, don’t think Del Zotto has shown a sense of entiltlement. Though, for a person to make an NHL squad at 19, you would see how that might arise. He still puts time into improving his game, be it training with Gary Roberts last year or skating with Brab Underhill this year.
I think it’s the decision-making on ice he really needs to develop. And again, that’s one of those things that come with being a defenseman… everyone, including Tortorella, says that it’s the hardest position to play. I think they rushed him, and now are upset at what they perceive, correctly or not, to be a lack of development. Add constantly hearing about his “matturity issues” and I think that would affect anyone.
I posted a very similar analysis on this topic recently, and after reading the many comments from my post and considering the options, I think Steve Eminger is a good fit for the defense. He is a serviceable defensemen who can be brought in at a low price. He also already knows the system and the team, and he can be used in various degrees of defensive responsibilities.
Let's Go Rangers!
"Save by Richter!"
What we need to realize is that most of our defenseman are defensive minded, while this may not be true for MDZ and Erixson(jury is out on him since none of us have seen his play), who knows if they make it out of camp. I love our young d corps but a 7 th dman that isn’t afraid to pinch and has some scoring ability is still needed.
by louielounz1 on Jul 13, 2011 1:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Trade
While I think Emingger could be a serviceable 7th D-man, with the gloat of forwards we have cough – Christensen – Wolski – cough, I think we would be better served to aquire a vet D-man via a trade IMO.
by Mike_from_NNJ on Jul 13, 2011 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm
still trying to figure out how to add *
and not make it BOLD…
by Mike_from_NNJ on Jul 13, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
NYC has a glut of subway riders who bathe and sleep in their own urine and feces, that doesn’t make it a good thing. Just a bunch of stinky people you don’t want to be near.
That’s not what we have… we have three guys that could be expendable for a 7th defenseman (EC, MZA and Avery). However, EC may be the only guy that can plug and play with BR and Gabby. MZA could develop into something worthwhile and Avery (while he had a down year) presents good value to us because of his contract (thank you again, Dallas Stars and Brett Hull). Add in question marks about whether Weise/Hagelin/Thomas are NHL ready.. I don’t see a move getting done until the end of training camp and it will likely be a trade after Redden is sent down.
Wolski is not tradeable. Similar to Boyle situation, unless you can guarantee replacement production with talent at equal or higher level with less question marks.. not worth the risk.
BTW – I’m not stereotyping the NYC subway.. I ride the E train from Penn Station to 53rd and Lexington every day. Believe me, its 50/50 each day whether someone on the train has a doo doo diaper.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 13, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
You ride the easier part...
I get them from Sutphin Blvd., and they’ve had time to absorb the air conditioning. So the heat and the smell can feel like several Zdeno Charas boarding you all at once.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
by Danz10 on Jul 13, 2011 4:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So...
when we don’t have young players in the lineup, ala a few years ago, everyone says we should go with the youth movement.
Now that they are, for some reason we need a vet d-man? nonsnese. the team posted a repsectable GA last year. the games we lost was due to lack of scoring, not poor d play.
bring back Eminger, or similarly priced player and continue the youth movement. let the younglings fight it out in camp for the 5-6 spots.
screw vet. D
Let’s grab Stamkos already … oh wait we had this discussion already . My apologies
by XxC17xX on Jul 13, 2011 7:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Available UFA Defensemen
Who do you guys want:
Craig Rivet
Steve Staois
Tom Preissing
Karlis Skrastins
Jeff Woywitka
Ruslan Salei
Jason Strudwick
Radek Martinek
David Hale
Niclas Wallin
Scott Hannan
Brent Sopel
There’s also obviously Eminger, McCabe and O’Brien
Sopel. Solid character guy who has won a cup and can teach the kids a lot.
Hannan will probably be too expensive.
"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!!!
Hmm.
What’s Per Djoos up to nowadays?
I like to do the stand-up comedy jokes and making funnies.
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