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Who Should Play LW On The Gabby-Richie Line?



Hi let me just start off by saying i'm new to Blueshirt Banter and SB Nation. After surfing the web for a few Rangers blogs I found a few good ones, and this is definitely one of the elite. I decided to join because it's very easy to use and it also is very legitimate unlike a lot of the other blogs I found. Also with fan posts it makes it very easy to be able to speak your mind which is nice. 

Anyway here are the candidates to play with Gaborik and Richards: 

Brandon Dubinsky- Pros: The guy is solid all around and could bring some grit to the first line as well as scoring ability without any issue. Cons: This would be the end of the "homegrown line" with Cally and Arty, and could disrupt the balance of the other 3 lines. 

Wojtek Wolski- Pros: The kid has great hands, and can definitely score. He could really benefit from having two other elite forwards on his line to help take some pressure off of him. Cons: He's inconsistent and also does not play much defense I.E. constantly hanging back when the puck is in the defensive zone. 

Mats Zuccarrello- Some might find this one surprising but here are the Pros: Has one of the best sets of hands on the team and is quick, and has a really nice scoring ability. Cons: He hasn't figured out how to position himself properly on the ice to his advantage because of his size. Also, his cap hit could be too much. 

Artem Anisimov- Pros: can really get down low in offensive zone in the dirty areas, and is also quick enough for outlet passes something Brad Richards can give him. I think Anisimov is primed for a breakout year, and Richards can truly make him more of a threat scoring wise. Cons: Again breaking up the "homegrown line", and also Anisimov might be better served as a center. 

Sean Avery- I know there are a few people that say he would fit well on this line but I can't find a reason why. Maybe you could tell me why. 

Christian Thomas- A real shot in the dark, but if he makes the squad his shot and speed could really make him a good fit on the line. Downside is do you really want to put a rookie on a line with two all-stars? 

All of the above mentioned players are reasonable choices (excluding Avery in my mind), and could fit well on the line. It only comes down to who could benefit the abosolute most from Richards and Gaborik. Although I must say in terms of Wolski is if he is not on the top line he should not be on the team, as he fits nowhere else on the roster. If either Anisimov or Dubinsky take the spot on that line, then Stepan becomes the 2nd line center. 

Let me hear your thoughts.

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I Guess I Wasted My Time

As soon as I posted this someone already posted this question on a fanpost about a month ago. That’s 15 minutes i’ll never get back.

Yeah I'm hopeful for Richards and Gaborik to work out... I mean how many FA signings does it take to hit the jackpot?

Yes that's Richards hoisting the cup in the picture. I'm hoping 9 years from now I won't have to photoshop that picture.

by RichieToGabbySCORE on Aug 12, 2011 10:51 PM EDT reply actions  

This will probably be debated for the duration of the BR and Gabby contracts so don’t wrry about it.

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Aug 13, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

HAHA

We have had plenty of conversations, but its still awesome to see new active members on the site.

As for me, I believe we are best suited putting Dubi with Richards and Gabby and Wolski with Anisimov and Cally, balancing out the grit and skill and giving us two very good lines.

After that I’d play put Rupp on Stepan’s RW with either MZA or Avery on the Left wing, depending on who were playing.

I would finish it off with a solid defensive line of Feds-Boyle-Prust,

but thats just me :)

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 12, 2011 11:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh, now you want to put Zuccarello in the lineup.

I agree that having Dubi and Wolski as the 1st and 2nd line wingers, respectively, would balance out the skill and grit. The lineup that you have seems like it’d be the most successful, in my opinion.

The question I think Tortorella has to address for the upcoming season is whether he wants to have a line that goes against the opponent’s top line. Fedotenko-Boyle- Prust was good going against top competition last year, but I think Tortorella enjoyed the luxury of having the defensive ability that the entire Pack line brought as well. Having Wolski with Anisimov and Callahan sacrifices that. I could think of worse problems to have though.

by Hoggo on Aug 12, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good point. And Yes I want Zucs in the lineup this year, I just don’t know if it will work cap wise. :)

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 12, 2011 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think it would be a mistake to put those two with Stepan. Rupp and Avery both have the talent to score but I feel as though Stepan, at least in this point of his career, shouldn’t be easily the best person (offensively) on his line. He needs someone who can consistently put home his amazing feeds. I’m sorry but putting him on the line with someone whose breakout year was 19 pts ,especially when you put the two with someone as inconsistent as Avery,is not a good idea.

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Aug 13, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe. I feel like putting MZA/Wolski on his wing would be enough skill, but that’s just me. To me, those first 2 lines have the ability to score and defend.

I like to have one very strong defensive line, hence keeping Feds-Boyle-Prust together.

I don’t like the signing of Rupp personally. But, we have him, so we need to put him to use somewhere. Since he’s not overly strong defensively to be with Boyle-Prust, and not skilled enough offensively to be on the top 2 lines, I put him with Stepan an and a skilled winger.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 13, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fair enough, I just look at the lines and feel like it be better to put Wolski on with BR and Gabby that way the Pack Line can function, aside from their scoring roles, as a shutdown line along with however you put together the fourth line. So basically along the lines of

Wolski-BR-Gabs
Pack line
Stepan-Boyle-MZA
Prust-Rupp-Avery

Obviously these lines are not perfect but what I like about this set up is the balance. The fourth line like I have it probably won’t be as defensively dominate as the Fed-Boyle-Prust line but I think they could still be effective. Moving Stepan to the wing eliminates his faceoff liability and he would be playing with two guys who can both finish. I’m personally expecting Stepan’s defensive game to be markedly improved this upcoming season. He has great hockey sense and has shown himself to be willing to do some of the little things. If he does improve in that respect than him and Boyle should be enough to make the line at least not a liability defensively.

At best this set up would give us three lines who could all score, but obviously best case scenarios aren’t to be counted on.

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Aug 14, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Interesting set up.

My only issue is moving him to wing. If he does, it’ll most likely be to play with the big boys.

Also, WW/GABS/BR is waaay to soft IMO.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 15, 2011 6:00 AM EDT up reply actions  

Where's Fedotenko?

Also, I think George pointed out a few weeks back that Rupp was not relied on by his teams at all to be a defensive presence. So outside of Prust, that line as you have it would likely get dominated or see no ice time.

by Hoggo on Aug 15, 2011 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

Indeed…if Prust-Rupp-Avery is our 4th line, I’d give them no more than 4-5 minutes at ES, and it’d have to be uber-soft minutes.

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by George E. Ays on Aug 15, 2011 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Zucs and Avery

Those two i think would be the best choices and would put out more effort to stay on the top line.They are skilled and will dig for the puck in the corner ( Zucs is just to small sometimes to win those battles but he tries.) Avery on the line would provide him an opportunity to get under the skin of the top line of the opposing teams. Getting them off their game and focused on him. Not to mention his ability to provide security for Gabby and BR.

by Zesta02 on Aug 13, 2011 12:27 AM EDT reply actions  

The thing is, that line will most likely be protected, with the Cash line and Boyle’s line handling most of the defensive assignments.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 13, 2011 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cash line=Pack line? If it is its a lot catchier of a nickname lol

by Zuppa Di Pesce on Aug 13, 2011 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Welcome to the Banter!

Personally I’ve been toying with idea of putting Fedotenko in with Gabby and Richards. I think having a savvy veteran on the line who will do the dirty work, who knows how to score, and who knows how to play on the big stage could really enhance the play of Marian and Brad.

But then again, the whole concept of debating Tortorella’s lines is futile lol

I listen to Enter Sandman before taking exams. I wear the exact same jersey every Giants game. The Rangers goal song goes off in my head when I achieve small successes in life.

HEN-RIK

by BombersGmenBlueshirts25 on Aug 15, 2011 2:52 AM EDT reply actions  

I wouldn’t mind him there personally.

Feds-BR-Gabby
Pack Line
WW-Stepan-MZA
Rupp-Boyle-Prust
(insert Avery for WW/MZA when we need more grit).

It fits well.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 15, 2011 6:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

My line-up:
Stepan-BR-Gaby (I know, how could Stepan not be a center. He’s perfect in this spot).
Dubi-AA-Cally
MZA-Boyle-Prust
Avery-Rupp-Feds

Reality:
WW-BR-Gaby
Dubi-AA-Cally
MZA-Stepan-Feds
Rupp-Boyle-Prust

by Richter1994 on Aug 15, 2011 8:03 PM EDT reply actions  

I like reality better :)

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 16, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

Except switch Feds and Rupp. Feds is better defensively and I want a shut down d-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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 16, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

ok, you got it, lol.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll say it now so it’s not Monday morning QBing, putting Stepan on 1st line LW will complete the other 2 and would be a tremendous line. At least not trying it would be a huge mistake, IMO.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 6:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well.

If it does happen, and they are productive, then you got dibs on calling it first.

I’ll back you haha.

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 16, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

thank you I appreciate that. :).

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s nice to see you two talking again. Play nice.

"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"Charlie Harper died in a 'Meat' explosion." Rose, of Two and a Half Men, September 19, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk

by Danz10 on Aug 16, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

???? we never stopped talking to each other. you might be thinking about me and Mr. Hoggo. we never stopped talking either. we just are at opposite ends of the Wolski debate is all.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, I see. My mistake…as you were then.

"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"Charlie Harper died in a 'Meat' explosion." Rose, of Two and a Half Men, September 19, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk

by Danz10 on Aug 16, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

haha moving on now :)

"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!!!

by Moshe52792 on Aug 16, 2011 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

My goal for this season (other than a 5th/6th seed and at least one round): “Mr. Hoggo and the rest of the Blueshirt Banter community, I was wrong on Mr. Wolski.” :).

by Richter1994 on Aug 17, 2011 6:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think everyone hopes Wolski does well. And not just for the sake of my argument. But you were right (on another thread possibly)…. it’ll be interesting to see if Wolski plays up to his capacity this season whether he continues to do so for the rest of his career. This being a contract season, there is always that motivation.

by Hoggo on Aug 17, 2011 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions  

yes, I did say that, but contract years are tricky for all athletes not just WW.

by Richter1994 on Aug 17, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wolski is gone no matter what he does. He could earn every penny of his $3.8 million and still won’t get re-signed. But if he does play well, we can trade him for a solid forward, with a little extra of course.

Yeah I'm hopeful for Richards and Gaborik to work out... I mean how many FA signings does it take to hit the jackpot?

Yes that's Richards hoisting the cup in the picture. I'm hoping 9 years from now I won't have to photoshop that picture.

by RichieToGabbySCORE on Aug 18, 2011 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions  

agree, he’s a one year bandaid until Kreider, Thomas, and Hagelin are ready.

by Richter1994 on Aug 18, 2011 6:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

fans called me nuts for saying Korpi would score 20 some day (he had 19 last year). or when I thought Z shouldn’t be here even when he was scoring pts. or I guaranteed the Rangers would make the payoffs the first week in March even after they lost all 3 games of their homestand (I went to all 3, lol). watch out for MZA as well. he will be much more of a factor than the average fan thinks he will be. 23 pts in 42 games in his first year during a major transition are good #s.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cynicism is relatively contagious. I prefer to be optomistic even if others say I’m insane. One thing is for sure, we all think sports are unpredicable, but aren’t even close to that.

"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"Charlie Harper died in a 'Meat' explosion." Rose, of Two and a Half Men, September 19, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk

by Danz10 on Aug 16, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

but “thinking out of the box” in sports can produce great results. St. Louis was terrible his first 5 years or so and if TB didn’t stick with him then he wouldn’t be the player he is today. difference between him and WW? that’s easy: desire and effort. when you have a player that is determined then you have a better chance sticking with them and giving them more chances to get desired results.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's Kind Of Funny

Fans of teams that kind of regularly make the playoffs expect that every year think they have a really good chance at winning, but other fans laugh at them. I told my bruins fan friend they have no chance at winning the cup this year. Well he is going to give me shit about this until the day he dies, but the point is that’s the beauty of sports is that everyone thinks they can win. Devils fans think they can easily win the cup this year (pshhh yeah right), Toronto fans think they can win every year, Habs fans always think they are favored, and so on.

Honestly, I don’t think we can win the cup this year because our third line is not good enough, and we need Del Zotto and Erixon to step up in a big way. I mean if it happens this year it happens this year, but i’m thinking the 2012-2013 season is our biggest chance to win cup #5.

Yeah I'm hopeful for Richards and Gaborik to work out... I mean how many FA signings does it take to hit the jackpot?

Yes that's Richards hoisting the cup in the picture. I'm hoping 9 years from now I won't have to photoshop that picture.

by RichieToGabbySCORE on Aug 16, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have been a Ranger fan for a very long time. I have had more than my share of heartbreaks and disappointments. I am VERY excited about the next 5 years. I think this year we can grab a 5th/6th seed and win at least one round in the playoffs. We are one Weber/Suter/MDZ?? away from contending as an offensive D is the last real void we have in the line-up. Envision this line-up in 2012/13:
Dubi-BR-Gaby
Kreider-AA-Cally
Thomas-Stepan-Hagelin
Rupp-Boyle-Prust
Staal-Girardi
McD-Sauer
MDZ-Erixon-McIlrath
King/Biron?
Can this line-up contend? Yes, if the core progresses as expected. If they add a Suter or something like him then even better.

by Richter1994 on Aug 16, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

1st line, LW

At present I would have to go with WW. Not only has he decided to take his position seriously by taking the steps necessary for improvement. Underhill n now Roberts, but more importantly is the step forward mentally to that commitment that is the difference maker. Sort of “as the mind goes so does the body” type analogy.
I can’t see Zucc, he has yet to establish his game at this level of competition, so 1st line duties is definitely out of the question. Avery has no business skill wise of playing the 1st line. Not sure if Thomas even makes the club right out of camp, looking for a mid season call up to get his feet wet type of move.
What could be interesting is to see if Boyle could play LW. Offering toughness, competitiveness in the corners as well as good defensive skills as a forward.

by Rick 4 NYR on Sep 5, 2011 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

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