Rangers Analysis: Avery Could Complete Richards-Gaborik Line
by Nick Montemagno on Jul 18, 2011 1:00 PM EDT
in New York Rangers Analysis
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There's still about two months until training camp, but the speculation over who will skate on the left wing on the top line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik has started already. Some have suggested Wojtek Wolski, some have suggested moving Brandon Dubinsky to wing, but I don't feel either of those are the Rangers' best option. Their best option, as the roster stands now, is Sean Avery.
Now with the way John Tortorella jumbles lines, we know that everyone will get a chance to play on that first line with the dynamic duo. Who knows, maybe even Marc Staal and Michael Del Zotto will get a shot there (kidding, obviously). But after all of the jumbling is done, I think Torts may find that Avery is one of his top candidates to complete that line.
Larry Brooks wrote something similar in the New York Post:
Two-man partnerships are all the rage, but Richards and Gaborik will need a left wing to get in on the forecheck, win battles and deliver the puck to his skilled linemates. Brandon Dubinsky is a candidate, but if Tortorella has an open enough mind, Sean Avery will get an opportunity to fill that role.
As I've pointed out in the past, Tortorella has been anything but open-minded when it comes to Avery. Sean hasn't gotten the chance he deserves to succeed, and that has to be frustrating for him. But with Avery having a prior relationship with Richards, as well as experience when playing on a top line (Jagr), I think Tortorella will have no choice but to try it out.
Richards and Gaborik are skilled guys - finesse players - so you won't necessarily see them digging in the corners all of the time. Avery will do that, and in addition to the dirty work, he will keep up with Richie and Gabby and move the puck as well. Avery's capabilities are overlooked by many, and I think he is much more talented than he is given credit for. If he skates on the Richards-Gaborik line, trust me, you will see why.
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I'd rather have someone more skilled
and better on the defensive end than Avery on that line. Sean hasn’t been a impact player since the end of his first run here.He is a 3rd liner at best at this stage. He will never be as good as he was in ‘06-07. I’d give Dubi the first crack on the line as his size and his physical style of play will open up some ice for Richards and Gabby to create their magic. I would also take a look at Stepan on the wing with Anisimov and Cally if Dubi proves to be a fit with Gabby and Brad. If not give him a crack with them.
Avery does have that wicked from behind the net pass to the crease
by Leetch4prezofNYR on Jul 18, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if do or don’t agree with you about avery, but to separate dubi and Callahan is nuts if anything keep them with Artie and give steps a chance with the big boys
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 4:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like that idea Nick, let’s hope Sean can make it work. I really do believe that when its all said and done Dubinsky will be on that line though.
by louielounz1 on Jul 18, 2011 1:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Can we stop with the
player “x” did’t get the chance he “deserves”, wether it be avery or some prospect. Nobody deserves playing time. you earn it. And you earn it in practice as well as games. if avery takes stupid penalties, i have no problem with torts giving him the short leash. Having said that, avery does get some BS calls against him, as well as the plethora of calls not made because it was a cheap shot ON avery, and people seem to get away with doing whatever thet want to him.
by GAThingy on Jul 18, 2011 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Avery did play well at times with Gabby last year, so if Avery EARNS the chance, I have no problem seeing him on that line.
At times is the operative world
Mr. Offsides had a moment here and there , but for the most part wasn’t any good last year. . Brandon Prust at this stage is the better player.
please explain
your choice of prust…to me, he isn’t effective anywhere but the 3rd, 4th line and the PK, which is why we love him. To me, if you’re going down that road, Rupp is the better choice becuase at least he has experience playin with skilled guys on the Pitt power play
Avery is a third or fourth liner too
Avery is over romanced player and Rangers fans minds turn to mush when it comes to him. He was a borderline second liner his first run here, but his second run not so much.
I liked the signing, just not the price tag. If the Rangers organization wants to be the kind that signs 7mil players, it needs to save money by signing 4th liners for 500k, rather than 1.5k. As it stands now, our 4th line is making 4 mil.
You figure every player on the team can average 3 mil against the cap hit, so if you sign two guys for 14 mil combined, than you need to sign some players for less than 3 mil to counteract the spending.
"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!!!
which makes you wonder
If they have other plans for Rupp like playing alongside brich and gabby (just stirring the pot)
Same could be asked about Boyle. 3.2 combined for those 2 to play on the 4th? Maybe we plan on moving some to LW. Who knows.
"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!!!
Wasn’t boyle playing 3rd line for a while last season?
by Leetch4prezofNYR on Jul 18, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
He was getting 2nd/3rd line minutes, but still technically on the 4th line with Feds and Prust.
"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!!!
1st off so agree with GAT about the calls for and against avery. But graves9 seriously first you talk about separating 42-17-24 but know you want to seseparate Prust and Boyle… its not about who earned the line or who deserves the ice time its about chemistry whoever plays best with our snipers should get the spot
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 4:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Better than Brashear or Boogy
We needed someone big enough to throw down with anyone and Rupp should be the guy for that. The upside is that he is a more talented hockey player than our previous 2 goons.
"Shoot the Puck Barry, Shoot the puck !" Bill Chadwick
by RangerFanInChicago on Jul 18, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Fine,
Avery didn’t get the playing time that he EARNED (caps are more louder then bold so I winzzz).
Seriously though, I kind of agree with you, but like you also said, Avery gets called for his reputation, not to mention other players get free runs at him with no punishment.
BOLD AND CAPS WIN THE MOST
"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!!!
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Avery should get a better shot under Torts. With Renney, Avery was getting consistent middle-six minutes (if not better) and with that consistent shift he ended up playing the game more instead of worrying about the side-show stuff. His advanced stats indicate this, as well. NYR has undoubtedly been the best success of Avery’s career, so let’s see him play the way he can and earn another contract.
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If Avery gets another contract after this season I will be physically ill.
Time to move on. I figured he would get little to none playing time this season, but the prospect of Avery meshing with his buddy and Gaborik and forming a good line is enough incentive to give him another shot.
But after that……….. No.
by The Blue Seats on Jul 19, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I just hope Richards and Gaborik develop some chemistry together
if not, I don’t know what the hell “Plan B” is
plan B would have to be
Trade gabby (if its even possible), move richards between dubi and cally, then rebuild the second line with our younger prospects next year and the following year: anisimov/kreider/thomas, etc. It would set our time table back quite a ways. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
Rather keep Gabby
He is still young and coming off his worst year of his career, and will be ulta motivated. He was pretty great his first year here. I expect him to score 40+ goals. this coming year.
Or just mix up the lines a bit.
Dubi AA Gaborik
Wolski Richards Callahan
Could work just fine, with the young kids next year (Stepan/Kreider/Thomas/Hagelin) taking up that 3rd line.
"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!!!
Come to think of it, I like that a lot… Hmm..
"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!!!
No thanks
Richards is here to play with Gabby. Gabby didn’t click with anyone else last year and if he plays with with Richards he’ll score 40+ goals if he stays relatively healthy.
I agree. I was responding to the possibility of those 2 not clicking. I personally believe they will, and Gabs will revert to his 09-10 form.
BUT, assuming Gabs and Richards don’t develop chemistry, balancing the two lines with
Dubi-AA-Gabby
WW-Richards-Cally
Isn’t the worst thing.
"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!!!
Why buy him out? Unless of course you believe there is a replacement we can find for 3.3 mil that will be better.
At this point I don’t see anyone available that is better than Wolski, to be honest.
"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 guy is a dog
there’s a very good reason why he’s been on three teams in a few years. He never plays hard is soft and has been a 40+ point guy. I rather move Stepan to the wing, so he can be a top six forward.
Well, I believe the Rangers are going to keep Step at Center, due to his playmaking ability.
Now, despite him being a “dog”, if you don’t spend to the cap, you loose that money. So unless we have another option, its silly to buy-out Wolski for no reason. Who do you want to take his spot in the lineup? Christensen?
"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!!!
of the FA forwards out there.....
making 1mil or more last year that are under the age of 30 gives us 4 options…surely none of which we want anything to do with….
Frolov, Alexander " F NYR 29 $3,000,000
Bernier, Steve " F FLA 26 $2,000,000
Zherdev, Nikolai " F PHI 26 $2,000,000
Prucha, Petr " F PHO 28 $1,200,000
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. Wolski is better than all of those options, so whether he is “dog” or not doesn’t matter.
What matters is relative competition. If you buy out Wolski, sure we save 3.3 mil, but there is a hole in the roster. Who do you replace that whole with? Zherdev?
The point is that we should spend to the cap limit, because not doing so is a waste.
"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!!!
why is WW a dog? i don’t get it. he might not be a superstar but he’s great for the money. these are precisely the kinds of guys you need to fill out your club if you want to pay for guys like Richards. funny, but i remember people saying this about feds…
getting rid of WW would be foolish without a solid return.
I don’t think he is. Read the posts above. The previous commenter “graves9” called him a dog, and I countered his argument.
"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!!!
agreed…i think him having a full season with one team might do him good….i guess we’ll see.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
i'm starting to get sick of this...
not saying WW is the greatest player or hardest working player to ever wear a Rangers sweater….but as Moshe said…there is no better option….and buying him out wouldnt really help us all that much and then we’d have the dead space the next two years.
There is not a single FA out there that is as young as him and making the same range salary-wise….probably the only guy out there i’d give a shot on this team to be better despite age is Teemu Selanne, but i think if he signs anywhere this year he’ll be back in Anaheim….
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
40+ guys are nothing to sneeze at, especially a guy like Wolski who does almost all his damage at even strength (78% of his scoring comes at ES)
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not to mention his effectiveness in the shoot out…
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 5:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah does have a nice ring to it
But i mean if gabby can’t get it going alongside brich, it might be time to move in another direction, becuase the time is ticking on brich and hank. As I see it, we have two windows to win a cup…one with hank/gabby/brich and then the younger guys in a supporting role, then the second with the younger guys in leading roles and hank/gabby/brich as support, or gone completely.
If gabby still doesn’t work out next year, it might be time to trade him for another winger to see if we can salvage the first window of opportunity.
Well, if he doesn’t do well alongside BR, I doubt he’ll have much trade value anymore, especially at that $.
"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!!!
agreed, we definitely wouldn’t be able to get “equal value,” which is that of a 40-goal sniper and one of the top 10 talents in the league. i think we could still get a young player with a lot of potential or a 30-goal player with character and an attitude that would fit in Torts’ system
Interesting possibility.
Lets just hope those 2 click :)
"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!!!
well unless that player with “character and an attitude” is named Dustin Brown or Milan Lucic then i’d much rather stick with Gaby….oooh unless we reach out realllly far and try and get someone like Corey Perry…now that’d be nice.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
I was waiting for someone to post this. Hey, ya never know! Lucic is my pipe dream and I would trade gabby for him in a second. But you also never know which players will emerge next season.
Let Lucic have two more seasons like he did last year’s then I’d say he’d be worth someone like Gaborik.
yeah...
i do agree i might have added an asterisk after saying that…..
i don’t necessarily believe it’s the kind of move you make straight up….still think Gaby has much more value than those guys so we’d have to get at least a little more…but then again as has been said….who know’s what happens next season…for all we know these guys could turn into 40-50 goal scorers like Corey Perry.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know why Fedetenko never gets mentioned as a strong possibility on that top line. I think a lot of people will be surprised when its he and Wolski that get the call.
by j-red on Jul 18, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I’ve posted several times that I think Fedotenko should get a real good look on the first line. I absolutely would not put Dubinsky there, we’ve been waiting for years to have a lethal second line and now is our chance with Dubi-AA-Cally. Feds is smart, physical, responsible defensively, and has some experience with Richards. Avery is over the hill in my view, and the first time he
1. goes offsides for no apparent reason
2. falls down for no apparent reason
3. shoots a weak wrist shot into the goalie’s bread basket
Torts will demote him back to the 3rd or 4th line.
"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
Completely Agree
And I still like Avery even though he didn’t do that good last year but he really can’t stay on his feet…
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 5:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Without reading any of the previous comments i state the following: I would love it if this worked but I don’t think that it would work for more than a short term thing. Like, for example, on a night where the team is not spreading the required amount of “Jam”, or if there are injuries. Sean Avery is as good a forechecker as anyone on this team, but his skills just ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH to play on a top line night-in and night-out. remember, teams will be putting their shut-down players against this line and I think if all of you thought about it for a minute, you’d understand that Sean would not fare well against that level of competition.
I’d like to add to that the fact that if the goal is for gabby to get back to his true form, which is NOT handling the puck, using his speed to find open areas of the ice, and finding his quick release, then it seems to me like the team will need someone else that can carry the puck. If it’s just Brad Richards carrying the puck then it might be a little easier to game-plan against the Rangers then if, for example, the line had Dubinski and Richards there to handle the puck.
I am a huge Sean Fan, but if you remember back to game 7 against Washington 2 years ago, he was the best player on the ice, yet we only scored 1 goal. And that is because for as much as he battled along the boards and forechecked, he could not do anything with the puck once he got it.
Good points. If we are talking about handling the puck however, Wolski is quite strong at that.
"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!!!
agree
We are the only team that has a guy be a healthy scratch one ngiht, then playing on the first line another night. We need to get away from that, especially now that we have 2 world class talents playing together. Avery, unless he blows torts away in camp, should not be playing there.
true story...
for the most part…but what is with the “Dubinski”…do people actually think that’s how you spell his name?
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
JUST SAW THAT MYSELF...
With the amount of ice time and goals he had last year people in China should know it’s spelled with a “y”
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 5:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gaborik has played
Right wing his entire career and is a left handed shot. Is it possible to move him to the left or is this just unheard of?
I assume it would be possible, but not desired. Plus, what would that do? Than we would just have an opening at RW on the 1st line, with no one to slot in.
"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!!!
true
I have a mute point I guess, we just seem to have a lot of left handed shots on this team, no?
by Kevin Murphy on Jul 18, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup, especially on the defensive end. The thing is we have an ample amount of LW on the team (Dubi, WW, Avery, Feds, Rupp), we just don’t know if they’ll fit with BR and Gabby.
"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 really don’t like Avery on that line too much, but with lack of a better choice he might fit. It would be fun to see him put up bigger numbers. The rest of the league would hate it.
I honestly think Dubi fits best, and playing with those 2 could make him a PPG player, who knows. I don’t like breaking up the pack line, but maybe WW could fit with AA and CC (Captain Callahan).
Also, this article could be written with Fedotenko taking that 1st line LW spot just as easily.
If only we can clone Dubi and have him play 1st and 2nd line LW.
"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!!!
+1
I don’t see every ones obsession with Avery anymore, hes not that good along the boards, hes constantly offsides, He throws random blind passes into the opposition most of the time, Its time that the Avery infatuation comes to an end, the second stint for Avery in NY has been mediocre at best, and its time for it to end. Also Dubi needs to play LW on Rich-Gabs line its the best possible option.
by CrazyRangerFan on Jul 18, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
All star
Imagine he has this amazing performance because Britches sets him up and he puts up enough points to be in the All Star Game, Bettman would smear his undies in disgust!!
by Kevin Murphy on Jul 18, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
and no one wants to break apart the pack line. However, what scenario would you like to see a dump and chase play with Avery, Feds or Wolski? or would you imagine the line gaining the blue line and throwing something on net? Torts favors dump and chase and cycling hockey as visioned by the pack line and there efforts digging pucks out and setting up slot men. The first line is unfortunately different as they will be more finesse so I guess really who can finish gabs or britches rebounds is a question to contemplate.
I've finally abandoned plugging Boyle in on that top line........
………however, my reasoning for wanting someone like him up there has not changed. You need a physical, hard-nosed presence on that line. I don’t think Avery could do it every night; but Sean has shown that he can work the corners still and come up with the puck. However,
Brandon Dubinsky, to me, is the obvious choice to start the season. He is the one player on the Rangers who has the tools to play on that wing. He has the speed and skills necessary to keep up with B-R and Gabby, and the size and grit to be a physical presence along the boards.
If you don’t want to break up the Pack Line, then you try out Fedotenko, who I believe is capable.
Love Dubi but.....
Dubi ’s a great player for us- hs effort and heart go along way. However his shooting is mediocre at best. How may times does the guy shoot wide, high or right into the goalies chest?
"Shoot the Puck Barry, Shoot the puck !" Bill Chadwick
by RangerFanInChicago on Jul 18, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Dirty little secret about the NHL: All players shoot wide, high, and right into the chest, and with a lot of frequency.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
hahahah...
+1
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting option....
Someone above (I believe Moshe) brought up the idea of splitting Gabby and Richards up if they don’t clink, which I think is an intriguing idea. Obviously, the best case scenario is they click right away and become an unstoppable line, but splitting them up may not be the worst plan if things go sour. I personally think that last year was a fluke for Gaborik, and he has been 35+ goal scorer most of his career, without a top flight center. Richards is one of those special players that makes everyone around him that much better. I mean he made Louis Ericson a 30 goal scorer. Can you imagine Richards finess and skill centering a line of Duby and cally, and what it could do for their production? That would leave Gabby to play is a hopefully improved anisimov or stepan.
This all banks on whether or not last year was a fluke for Gaborik or not, and if he returns to the form he had two years ago that could be a scary two lines. Again, I’m not saying I’m advocating this, jsut that if they don’t seem to click it’s an intriguing option.
by Peter North Stars on Jul 18, 2011 2:14 PM EDT reply actions
Yup, thats exactly what I was saying.
I am hoping they click though.
"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 like it
He has grit. He has the speed. He’s willing to stand in front of the goalie and take abuse and give it back if its FATSO.
Let him work on putting shots on the net. If he can hit the net, the line could be lethal.
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Jul 18, 2011 2:47 PM EDT reply actions
It would be a nice option
If avery didn’t average about three offsides per shift…I’d put him with the two big guns only as a last resort. My first choice is Wolski
"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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yeah...
i think he should get at least a good chance to produce on this line…and i think he can.
even if he can be lazy and disappear at times……..who wouldnt want to play on that line?
I mean…maybe not always the case, but wouldnt you say these guys started playing hockey because they love playing the sport…and love to score goals, etc.? Well if you cant be motivated to play your hardest with 2 great players like Richards and Gaborik…well then you in fact should just retire now.
I think he’ll see this as a great opportunity to score a ton, if he gets the chance…..especially being a contract year for him…and just about EVERYONE knows his track record…..he’s not going to be making much come next season unless he steps up this year.
I guess that leads me to my last point……say Wolski has a break out year…gets like 60-70 pts or something like that…..what to do? Would we re-sign the guy? or do we just let him go assuming he’ll never do that again?
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by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 18, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If he puts up 60-70 points, the Rangers have two options
1) sell high on a trade
2) re-sign him to at least the money that Dubinsky and Callahan command this off-season
If he does put up 60-70 points though, I’d prefer the latter option… again, it’s a question of who out there would be better.
I’m not sure I re-sign him even if he hits 60-70. A guy like him after a career year on a contract year is asking to get overpaid. Crazy as it seems, if he’s having a career year, I think I would try to deal him at the deadline for someone a bit more proven in terms of consistency.
I’d be willing to bring him back 1-2 years at the same price, but not much more.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd say its likely if we weren't employing the Avery with a vasectomy we've had since Torts has been here
Aves just isn’t the same dude anymore. He just doesn’t play with an edge, an erection if you will, like he used to when he first came to NY from the Kings.
The word will always be out on him and he’ll be more of a pest to the Rangers then anyone else. Maybe a few years ago it would’ve been a match made in heaven, but now? I doubt it. Not at all to say Torts’ line generator won’t spew out a combo with Richie, Gaborik and Aves, but I dunno if it works.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I like the idea. I’ve thought that sean should get that spot since day one. I’m not sure exactly but I think he was on gaboriks line for 2 major scoring nights this year, one of which was a hat trick. He proved he can skate w the top dogs, I say its worth a shot, and our best most balanced option. Just think of the depth we have if he fits on the top line
by nhl21 on Jul 18, 2011 3:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Where's Prospal in this Whole Discussion?
I know the guy’s one ice skate lace away from a career ending injury, but IF he were healthy (enough) through camp and at the start of the season, I think he would be the best option. Is he even signed? Or would he be coming to camp on a tryout basis? Just a thought.
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by Stepan the Ice! on Jul 18, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
Alot of moves are likely on hold until Dubinsky/Callahan gets resolved. Those two will dictate how much cap space remains, and until that is known, nothing can really happen, including signing guys like Prospal.
One thing to keep in mind though, last year Prospal was signed with $1m in bonuses that could’ve been earned and rolled over if need be. They don’t have that luxury this year, all bonuses count against the cap. So that $2.1m cap hit they gave Prospal last year could not be matched this year, and might create a big stumbling block even if they wanted to re-sign him.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
i love that idea
And I think vinny still has the goods. Just a matter oh having a spot for him. Who would you leave off the roster instead. And no he’s definitely not signed, but id imagine he will be in camp
by nhl21 on Jul 18, 2011 3:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Good question
I guess if Prospal somehow made it on the team (which I think is a real long-shot), I would let MZA develop some more on the Whalepack. I suppose I would then have a 3rd line of WW — Stepan — Feds (but has Feds ever played RW?). I also suppose Rupp could play wing on the 3rd line too with Feds playing LW on the 4th. . .
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by Stepan the Ice! on Jul 18, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
avery has done nothing for this team was total wast last few years . ranger fans love keeping players just cause the fans love them. he needs to go move foward with this team
I agree completely, but
I totally agree that Avery has done little to nothing the last couple of years and I seriously don’t see that changing this year either (and I’m a big fan of the guy too btw). But I don’t think we should under estimate the importance of his relationship (apparently close friendship) with Brad Richards. If the Rangers toss SA out on the curb, this may (even only slightly) disturb the psyche of Mr. Richards. And like it or not, Mr. Richards is THE (new) face of this franchise and, therefore, by definition, you treat your franchise player with “kid gloves” (especially as we are so early in this “courtship”). All that being said, what should NYR do with Mr. Underachieving GQ? Make him your nightly healthy scratch. This keeps him on the team, practicing with the team, hanging out with said BR off hours, AND when someone goes down with an injury and is out for two weeks, let Sean out of his cage to run wild for a while. After this first year honey moon period is over with Richards, then it’ll be time to say bye bye Avery.
Best Rangers day: May 27, 1994
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by Stepan the Ice! on Jul 18, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Richards did just fine after Avery left Dallas.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 18, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Look at Avery's shooting % last year versus career.
He had enough chances to put up 10 goals, but was snake bit (2.2% SHP). Odds are with similar ice time and match ups he reverts back closer to career (7.6%). Those extra 5-7 goals would change perceptions.
However, my favorite to play alongside BR and Gabby at this point is Dubi with 3:2 odds at this point, Boyle 2nd at 3:1 and Avery pulling up the rear at 6:1.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 4:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Where can I place bets on Wolski? If he’s a longer shot than 6:1, I’ll take those odds.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s off the board until buyout period passes
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
i respect every ones opinion but with that said....
Avery is the best choice for real, he had the most assists to gaborik last year than any other ranger and gaborik had his best offensive stretch playing with anisimov and avery, i have long said avery gets lost when shuffled down the line up, but he really is more skilled than every one here give him credit for, i really think he played well last year, yes he didnt score but like it is stated Torts never lets lines develop, i first said Dubinsky flat out would be on that line but now with all that said, i think he is a good enough player and skater to play on the top line, you need that grit up there an balance i mean its not all about skill in hockey you need balanced lines, wolski is a good choice but i really dont like his defense, Boyle needs to be a center and needs to be a depth guy to forecheck and defend and score so hes out, MZA has the skill but not the experience, Feds could work, but why break up a great great 3rd line, my final look would be to move stepan to wing, he has more than enough skill to play with them, so my top 3 are Avery Duby Stepan to play on that top line, you can throw out numbers and what not, but what it comes down to is chemistry and avery has it with gaborik and is friends with richards so take all the stats you want but avery should be on the top line to at least start, i mean no one has even brought up christensen who has had great success with gabby in the past
by Rico Derek Stepan Pennella on Jul 18, 2011 4:15 PM EDT reply actions
Avery is the best choice for real, he had the most assists to gaborik last year than any other ranger and gaborik had his best offensive stretch playing with anisimov and avery, i have long said avery gets lost when shuffled down the line up, but he really is more skilled than every one here give him credit for, i really think he played well last year, yes he didnt score but like it is stated Torts never lets lines develop
They just paid $60M to find a guy that can click with Gaborik all the time, not just a few games here and there. Whether the problem lies with a lack of consistency with linemates or the player himself is another debate.
As far as never letting lines develop, I think while they were all healthy, they had the Pack line and the Feds-Boyle-Prust line was probably the line that was together for the most number of games.
Avery is not going to be part of this team beyond next season after his contract expires. If he fits in a couple of games here and there then that’s great, but I’d much rather see Stepan get shifted to the wing and gain experience playing with two world class players.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 18, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
so you won’t listen to numbers… you respect everyone else’s opinion… but somehow we’re to believe that your opinion is the best?
You can go on gut feelings all you want, but Avery never has, nor ever will be a top-line player. If were truly skilled enough, why would his career be shrouded in so much doubt? Cause everyone’s out to get him? Please.
He’s 31 and he’s only put up more than 30 points 3 times in his career. If was gonna put it all together as a even a top-6 player, he’s had plenty of time to prove it. He made enemies in LA, was banished from Dallas, and sure, maybe he’s matured a bit, but we need to stop acting like this guy is supremely skilled, but just has a bad rap. He’s not that good.
He’s 31 and he’s only put up more than 30 points 3 times in his career. If was gonna put it all together as a even a top-6 player, he’s had plenty of time to prove it. He made enemies in LA, was banished from Dallas, and sure, maybe he’s matured a bit, but we need to stop acting like this guy is supremely skilled, but just has a bad rap. He’s not that good.
Hard to argue against that. I actually like the way he plays when he’s not jumping off-side or taking a stupid penalty, but you’re exactly right. At the end of the day (season) I doubt Avery will any longer don a Rangers jersey… his pluses don’t significantly outweigh his minuses, especially when there are younger guys who project to score as much as he does, with the added bonus of being defensively responsible. I can’t wait to see Hagelin…
After some thinking my vote is now Stepan
Hes skilled smart and showed he plays better when given more responsibility my lines look like this
Steps-Rich-Gabby
Cally-AA-Duby
Prust-Boyle-Fed
Avery-Rupp-Wolski/Christensen
let MZA get another year at the Whale for grooming that scoring touch
by Rico Derek Stepan Pennella on Jul 18, 2011 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
Keeping MZA
Down in Hartford essentially ends his Rangers and possibly NHL career. He’s signed only for this upcoming season. I doubt he’ll want to stay with the franchise if they bury him in the minors for another year.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 18, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s because he had to play that grinding system last year. With Richards in the fold, I don’t see the top line doing that. And if Torts allows different lines to play different styles (Detroit, Moshe?) then Zuccarello does have a shot at the roster.
I
Exactly. Well said.
"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."
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yeah....hmm...
i woudlnt mind seeing him given a few games up there now to think of it….he’s a pretty sick playmaker….might actually fit well on that line…if he works with Underhill as I have heard….he could surely be a nice quick guy that might be an intereting choice for that line.
ugh do we really have 2 more months of waiting? its starting to hurt a lot that there is no hockey as usual…but now with all this speculation in the last week or so i’m just dying here.
In Prust we Trust
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This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I rather not, just because it makes the lines unbalanced. I rather let step Anchor that 3rd line, holding that spot and bringing up the kids to play with him next season (MZA, Kreider, Thomas, Hagelin) giving us 3 lines that can score and a solid 4th line.
"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."
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Stepan at wing is a horrible idea.
We are not playing NHL 12. I’m not going to waste keystrokes explaining it again.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 4:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Why ?
Because teams never moved players from their natural position to somewhere else? The Flyers did the same thing with Claude Giroux. The Pens are willing to try Malkin and Staal on the same line in order to get Staal more ice time. If Stepan continues to be inadequate in the faceoff dot, moving him to wing should be thought of as a necessity. And they moved Dubinsky to wing last year. Seemed to work out ok with him.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 18, 2011 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Giroux was actually drafted as a right winger, but has spent time at center because of the nature of his game. I’m not sure how he is on faceoffs.
If Stepan doesn’t improve his faceoffs, there’s no reason to keep him as the pivot. No reason to think he can’t be a playmaker from the wing like Hemsky or Kane.
or St. Louis!!
"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."
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kind of related to playing NHL12...
despite it not coming out until September….but it would be hilarious if they have Stamkos on the cover in his TB uniform….and something happens and he doesn’t sign there this year.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t that happen to Favre with Green Bay/Jets on one of the Madden games?
"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."
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Avery vs Tortorella
I agree with you 100%. Avery would be the best choice to play LW on the Richards line, but given Tortorella’s attitude towards Avery I don’t think it’s going to happen. He is anything but open minded, Avery’s numbers have declined since he took over the coaching, his constant line changing must stop if he wants a successful season
Let's blame Torts
For the decrease in production of one player when several other players have flourished and shown good signs of growth to begin their NHL career. I’ll take the improvement of Dubinsky, Callahan, Anisimov, Stepan, Staal, Girardi, Sauer, McDonagh, etc. over the decline of Avery any day of the week.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jul 18, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"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!!!
+2
not only that, but people who advocate Avery for top line LW seem to forget that he’s never put up 40 points in his entire career… ever. He never had a real career for Torts to force into decline. I get why he endeared himself to fans a few years ago, but I don’t understand how people can act like he’s EVER been more than a 3rd liner.
Ok we wont blame torts for one player but I will blame him for ripping apart amazing lines. As soon as one line doesn’t produce he starts tossing everyone all over the place.
by Ranger McJersey on Jul 18, 2011 6:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yes
its the coach’s fault that avery goes offsides almost every shift, nullifying his time in the offensive zone, its the coach’s fault that Avery takes stupid penalties and is a detriment to his team
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its gonna be WW or Dubi on the 1st line
If its Dubie,I think a 2nd line of either,WW,AA,Cally or for juggling sake,Step,AA,Cally wouldn’t be to bad.I’d like to think playing with Cally would light a fire in WW’s ass.
"So Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy"..............Antonio Montana 1983
Stepan (no WW)-BR-Gaby; Pack Line (no WW); MZA (no WW)-Boyle-Prust; and Avery (no WW)-Rupp-Feds. Sorry Hoggo.
I rather keep Step on the 3rd line, surrounded by decent guys (Wolski, Feds, MZA) and keep Rupp-Boyle-Prust as the 4th line, allowing for a deeper and more balanced team.
Plus, next year we can bring the kids up (Hagelin/Thomas/Kreider) and allow them to play with Step.
"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."
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i'm struggling to find a reason why you found it necessary to say...
(no WW) with every line combo?
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"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
despite kinda figuring that…i still was hoping he’d give me a better reason than that. :-D
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
okay i got it now…dig on!
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
What about Stepan?
Although I like the idea of Avery or possibly Wolski on the top line, based on last season you have to assume that Dubinsky, Anisimov and Callahan will make up the 2nd line while Fedotenko, Boyle and Prust will be the 3rd. I don’t think you can afford to take a step backwards in Stepan’s development by dropping him to the forth line. I also think a move to the wing could help the team, considering Stepan lost over 60% of his draws last year
I’m not sure which is more ridiculous here, the over the top hatred of Avery or the over the top demands that he MUST play on the first line. I do not see any problem with this lineup:
Wolski/Richards/Gaborik
Dubi/Anisimov/Callahan
Avery/Stepan/MZA
Feds/Boyle/Prust
You could swap Avery and Wolski I suppose, as Wolski played well with Stepan and MZA last year (I really want Wolski to just get more PP time over anything else) while Avery showed as good of chemistry with Gaborik last year as anyone not named Prospal. I wouldn’t mind Avery playing on that 4th line with Feds on the wing of the Richards line as Prust and Boyle would cover up any defensive lapses from Avery and form an incredibly annoying line to play against.
And they didn’t pay Boyle to be a 4th line center when he was one of the top goals scorers for the team last year and played 2nd/3rd line minutes.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 7:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Boyle did not play more than either Stepan or Anisimov last year and he certainly won’t be playing more than Brad Richards.
He got the 8th most ice time among forwards. I didn’t say he was playing center. Someone is moving to wing, I’ve been saying it will be Boyle. He’s too good not to give top nine minutes.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 8:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Boyle disappeared offensively the last part of the season. His defensive/penalty kill game never waviered though. Until he can be more consistent offesnively and use his size in the offensive zone to create goals for himself, he’s a third liner
I think Boyle’s scoring opportunities were more garbage related than anything else. He seemed to be knocking in a lot of rebounds and putting pucks into the backside of an empy net. Its not exactly like the roofed the puck knocking the water bottle into the air. Putting up along side Richards and Gaborik could give him more of those opportunities to burry a puck.
Plus I think some one mentioned before that Richards has been playing with soft players in the past leading to his negative +/-, putting a player like Boyle who works extremely hard at both ends of the ice can balance that line.
yeah....
looking at some old BR videos…not only is he a great playmaker as we all know…but he’s very good at shooting for rebounds too.
having someone on the line to clean those up would be ideal.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
really realllyyyyy.......
dont think that will happen…at least not right away….cuz i guess anything could happen once you’ve seen Matt Gilroy play a game at wing…
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks...+1
my first thoughts exactly…
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
considering there is no “over the top hatred of Avery”, I’d have to say it’s the demands that he play 1st line that are more ridiculous.
by j-red on Jul 19, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LW by committee
I think the spot will rotate between Feds, Avery, WW, Dubi, and possibly Stepan too. I’ve been an advocate of Avery pairing with Richards/Gabby, but have also been an advocate of Feds filling that spot too. Dubi and WW both like to play near the net, so they’d be a good pairing as well… To be honest, anyone on the team would fit well at LW, it’s just trying to maximize your return with what you have in place. For example, Feds might get 50+ pts on the front line, and only 20-30 pts on the 3rd line, for a difference of +20 pts. Whereas WW might get 60pts on the front line, and 50pts on the second… a difference of only 10pts.
In the end, with the frequency of Torts line changing, the rest of the team will play at LW at some point during the season.
Who gives a shit about LW.. platoon it.
Richards will bury 20 and get 50 helpers, Gabby will return to form with 35-40 goals. Those guys are capable of doing that with Voros playing the wing. Torts rides the hot hand.
Not to mention all you “Pack Line” lovers. In case you forgot, that line disappeared for long stretches of time because it didn’t produce. Anisimov is the key there. If he doesn’t pick it up Stepan will Step-in (no pun intended).
If you really want a mind blowing scenario, what if BR and Gabby playing together looks like two stallions trying to have a baby. Arousing and lots of fun to watch, but they can’t seal the deal.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 8:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
:)
"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 like how you're thinking here...
but honestly i think you’re underestimating their production….if all goes well….BR and Gaby click…and find a solid LW or two to play with them….i can see them both having career years.
i mean BR has had near 100 twice (91)….and i’m not sure any of his linemates were as good as Gaby CAN be….i would love to see BR in the running for Art Ross and Gaby in running for Rocket Richard….hmm it is nice to dream at least.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It does seem that the best thing to do would be to platoon the LW based on the competition. If we are playing a more finesse or skill team then put Wolski or MZA there. If we are playing a more grinding team then Feds or Boyle. Locking into one lineup may not be the best way to play against all teams.
I’m a proud Norwegian and would love to see MZA play on the first line, but I am very skeptical that he can do it. I really hope he is working out with Barb Underhill to get his skating to where a player of his size needs it to be.
One thing you don’t need to worry about with Torts is him locking into one lineup :)
"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!!!
My prediction is WW, but...
Avery could be an interesting choice.
Obviously, I want whoever is most effective with the duo of Gaborik and Richards – Someone who earned the right to play on the top line (which for the 1st time in a long time will look like a legitimate point producing line, at least on paper). I’m not sure at this point whether that person should be a more skilled player to complement them or a hard-working utilitarian to support them more indirectly. I’m sure Avery would protect Richards and Gaborik if another player got up in their faces (in real time, which is important).
Avery is an interesting choice for the 1st line b/c he reminds me of the top line for the Lightning of Downie (utilitarian) -Stamkos (goal scorer) – St. Louis (assist man). At first, I thought Downie made no sense playing with the other two. I thought it a waste of both what Stamkos & St. Louis could do offensively and the unique skill set Downie brought to the table. I was proven wrong and the line is of of the more effective ones in the league.
"Clever is the eunuch version of funny"
why not bring back vinny prospal.. he fits best and is proven
by Stuart Pinnetti on Jul 18, 2011 8:43 PM EDT reply actions
could thomas be the candidate? i dunno if hes gonna make it this year?
thomas, richards, gabby.. prospal would be best fit.. avery is very inconsistent!! he cant maintain a streak.. gabby and richards are streaky.. sneaky gifted players. avery coud fit but it would have tobe his best season ever to stay on that line. good luck well see how this season pans out! just hope its better than last.
the only players that would fit are dubi, feds…. ww will be there but hes inconsistant like avery, were they show up only half the season. thats why they averge around 40+ points per year..
by Stuart Pinnetti on Jul 18, 2011 8:51 PM EDT reply actions
Stepan's face-off stats in perspective
Brad Richards was barely 40% in 2000-2001, he was 50% last year. Before you complain about waiting 10 years, go look at others progressions. Step can easily be 44/45% next year.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 18, 2011 9:04 PM EDT reply actions
Or he follows the Cogliano path, who has never improved much past 42%.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 18, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
well good thing...
i dont usually use Cogliano as a comparison to Step. :)
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, you might want to rethink that:
Cogliano rookie year (finished age 20, turned 21 the following June):
18-27-45, +1, 98 SOG, 35 ES points, 20 PIM, 39.5% faceoffs
Stepan rookie year (finished age 20, turned 21 the following June):
21-24-45, +8, 166 SOG, 35 ES points, 20 PIM, 38.5% faceoffs
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by George E. Ays on Jul 19, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
i suppose so…..still dont like it!
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, what I know is that for at least 2 years, Oilers fans have been screaming to move Cogliano to wing. We’re looking to be ahead of the curve.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 19, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Well if he doesn’t get better on the dot we might have to put him on Richard’s wing, and keeping the PACK line together.
Plus we always have Miller coming up to play 3rd line, centering Kreider and Thomas. :)
"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."
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Ew. But Cogs hasn’t improved since than. Lets hope Step continues to.
"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."
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The SOG are the encouraging part. Cogs shot 18% his rookie year, which certainly was not sustainable. The concern with Stepan is his 64% offensive zone starts, which I doubt he’s repeating with BRichards around.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 19, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The first thing that comes to my mind with Avery on the first line is ALEXANDRE BURROWS. Burrows is by far not a 1st line player, but we see how well he compliments the Sedins and how well he plays on that 1st line.
Avery can do the same with Richards and Gaborik. Give it a shot Torts… FOR MORE THAN 3 GAMES
by Jamy Cally Baron on Jul 18, 2011 9:42 PM EDT reply actions
hmm...on burrows
wouldnt say by far….he’s a good scorer…a little surprising to see him on the first line in VAN sometimes…but there are plenty of teams out there where he’d def be a first liner and maybe a top scorer. When playing a full season he can score 35 goals…as someone as said Avery has only scored over 30 (total points) 3 times.
in any case…not to totally shoot down your comparison….but i dont think the two are comparable…think burrows is and will get even better than Aves ever was….and this coming from someone is a fan of Avery…
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Good points, but don’t forget when Burrows hasn’t played with the Sedins he’s struggled mightily. Only the last 3 years has he put up more than 31 points. It doesn’t seem that impressive at all when you consider how many points the Sedins put up.
Not saying the two are equal, as Burrows is definitely better than Avery, but Aves could play the role Burrows does, complimenting skill with grit.
"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."
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Can we move past Avery now? Unless we are playing the Devils every game of the season, he is worthless. There are better players on the team who are more physical and better skaters. You could put Feds or Prust on that line and get more production. Avery’s time on the Rangers has long been over. Never have liked him and never will. Clear him out and make room for kids.
Avery will be lucky to have a spot on this team next year.
He has major problems staying consistent, and it’s been public with Tortorella.
I seriously doubt Avery sniffs the top 2 lines this year.
Dubinsky / Richards / Gaborik
Wolski / Anisimov / Callahan
Fedotenko / Stepan / Prust
Rupp / Boyle / Weise
I think Wolski will a chance to stay, but that spot could be open to a younger player, I also think MZA is going to have play very well in camp to earn time.
Twitter - @peterman7
I like the 1st two lines. Now put Prust with Rupp and Boyle and put MZA/Thomas/Hagelin with Step and Feds and were good to go.
"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."
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Yeah, I could see that lineup being successful, except I don’t see Weise as anything more than a 4th-line injury call-up. And Prust needs to stay with Boyle (chemistry). Put Zuccarello up with Step and Feds. Hagelin can get the call-up if Fedotenko gets injured.
I don’t think Thomas will (or should) make the Rangers this year. I’m one for allowing all prospects time in Hartford to develop.
Thomas is on the RW, who are the wingers who have priority to play (likely) over him? Do you think he will be their call up guy mid season? Perhaps you’re right, he needs to see a little more than juniors, but will we “need” him at some point if he continues to tear it up?
If Thomas doesn’t make the Rangers then he’ll likely be in juniors. I don’t think he would leave the OHL in the middle of the season to go to the Rangers, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anything like that happening, and I’m not sure if it’s allowed. I know he’s signed a contract already, but I don’t know the logistics of mid-season jumping to the pros.
But as for right wingers with priority over Thomas, I’d say Zuccarello, then Hagelin. Fedotenko would move to the right wing in that case. Again, this is all speculation, since no one has really seen what Hagelin can do at the professional level (his postseason with Hartford notwithstanding)
I was trying to go by talent level.
I guess these lines could fly, and yes, Boyle and Prust were very good together. I think the Rangers are going to change the forwards in some fashion, whether it’s with a youngster they have (Weise, MZA, Hagelin) or a trade for a player.
I could see the Rangers adding a RW or LW, and dumping Avery, Del Zotto and perhaps another Whale farmhand.
I like the depth the Rangers have and it’s exciting to see what Sather and co. can pull off.
Twitter - @peterman7
by Peterman700 on Jul 18, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
do you really think Weise, in any way, deserves a spot over anyone?
no way dude….breaking up all the lines that worked well together last year is also quite risky in my opinion…
i am of the opinion that the Pack line and Feds/Boyle/Prust should stay together….experiment with 1LW for a bit witht he extras and the 4th can vary from time to time…
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
+1, although in a traditional sense Feds/Boyle/Prust is our 4th line, with Steps line being the 3rd.
Richards GaborikDubinsky Anisimov Callahan
_ Stepan ______
_ Boyle Prust
Thats how I see it turning out, with those 4 spots filled up with some combination of Feds, Avery, Rupp, Wolski, MZA, Thomas, Hagelin.
"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 four spots being Boyle’s LW, both of Stepan’s wingers, and Richard’s LW.
"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."
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I feel like i am taking crazy pills!
Avery on the first line? Come on! Any chemistry he had with Gaborik was with assists. We don’t need an assist man on this new first line. We need a FINISHER. Avery can’t hit the side of a barn.
I’d say Wolski and Feds should get the first two shots.
Avery on the first line makes a lot more sense that MZA. I think WW will get the spot but Avery will get sloppy seconds……you see what I did there? lol
Absolute Worst Ranger Fan!!!!!!....yet incredibly realistic and usually correct.
:)
"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."
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Team Two Years From Now
Stepan Richards Gaborik
Dubinsky Anisimov Callahan
Kreider Miller Thomas
Hagelin Boyle Prust
Rupp Weise
Staal McDonagh
Girardi Erixon
Sauer MDZ
Mcilrath
Lundqvist
Biron
Who cares what happens until than?
"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."
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I think the 4th line as you have it would get more minutes than the third. Miller I think will have to compete with Lindberg for that center spot, and Thomas will have to out-compete Zuccarello for the small-man’s wing spot. In 2012-13 I’m not sure Thomas will be able to do that, what with Zucc having 2 years as a professional under his belt.
When will Fasth be in North America?
i do like the thought of a...
2 man 5th line and all…but not sure its going to work out….also McIlrath is pretty big and will be solid…but running the D by himself is a bit of a reach.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
:)
"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 thank you very much...
for not taking my sarcasm so seriously like so many have.
though helpful in some situations…i prefer not to have to @@ all my comments (since most of them are filled with sarcasm anyways)
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Sarcasm font
Takes away from sarcasm
"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!!!
exactly….if you have to denote it…whats the fucking point?
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 19, 2011 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
because some people still don’t get it
"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 20, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Well
thats so sad
:)
"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!!!
fedetenko will play with the top line
As for now, the Torts logic will be Feds Richards Gaborik. You need a guy who has experience to keep up with these guys. He’s made an NHL career off being “role flexible”- He’s super adept, can play on any teams first or fourth line, Feds will be ready to play with whoever. After all, this is why we have him. But I’m more curious who’s packing there bags, will it be Avery, Wolski, EC or another? Is it possible that no one new makes the team?
Nice Job Nick.
I’m with you all the way through this one. Like you said, good, gritty boards player who can forecheck and win the puck, good underrated passer and a good skater. He should thrive skating with that line. I don’t have much more to add because you said it all.
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