New York Rangers Notes: Have The Rangers Picked Their Lines?
by Brandon C. on Sep 25, 2011 11:33 AM EDT
in New York Rangers Notes
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PrintThe New York Rangers are using the following lines in practice today, according to Andrew Gross:
Wolski-Richards-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Stepan-Zuccarello.
Staal-Girardi, McDonagh-Sauer, Del Zotto-Eminger. Lundqvist and Stajcer the goalies on ice.
Could these be the lines that the Rangers will use in their first regular season game? The lines seem quite realistic, as Wolski is the left winger for Richards/Gaborik like expected, the D pairs seem the same as expected, and the two lines John Tortorella wants to keep together are together. (Dubi-Anisimov-Cally, Fedo-Boyle-Prust)
If these are the lines, the third line is the most interesting. Michael Rupp and Derek Stepan were both expected to be on this line, but Mats Zuccarello seemed to be in a battle with Carl Hagelin, Eric Christensen, Sean Avery, and others for the third line right wing spot. Looks like Zuccarello won. Also worth noting is that Stepan is at center, rather than left wing.
If these are the lines, the only thing left to see is where the players that were not cut during the first round of cuts end up. Tim Erixon, Carl Hagelin, Sean Avery, Eric Christensen, and more.
The second group is:
Avery-EC-Weise, Thuresson-Mitchell-Bourque, Hagelin-Newbury-Deveaux, Bickel, Erixon, Parlett, Bell, McIlrath, Biron.
Also, the Flyers have released Mike Nylander.
Thoughts? Who do you think will get the "scratched" spots?
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I would much rather see a scratched spot go to Avery over EC.
by Francis028 on Sep 25, 2011 11:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I would much rather see a scratched spot go to Avery over EC.
by Francis028 on Sep 25, 2011 11:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Exactly that. Avery might not play every night nut atleast he does something out there. EC looks clueless at times
by Francis028 on Sep 25, 2011 1:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Let's Be Serious
We’ve seen Stepan’s talent, so even if this is our “fourth” line, he’s not getting “fourth line minutes.” That being said, I think Stepan should have better offensive pieces around him. If these are the 12 forwards Torts wants on the ice, but I think the third line should be Prust – Stepan – Boyle. Let Rupp play on the fourth line (when he plays) with guys like Feds and I guess MZA. Feels like MZA might see some time, but sort of be the odd man out.
I don’t agree that Prust and Boyle are better offensive pieces than Rupp and Zuccs.
Rupp and Prust cancel each other out – neither is an offensive dynamo… and while Boyle had a great year last year, Zuccarello is clearly the more skilled of the two. If he can adjust to the NHL game, he’ll consistently put up more points than Boyle.
Prust is a better offensive player
He had 25+ points last year, while Rupp’s career high in points in 19.
Putting Step with Rupp and Zuke is more about keeping the Boyle line together for defensive purpose than giving Step opportunities. As others said, Step will have things like the PP and other situations where they’ll increase his time and linemates. For instance, they won’t use Rupp in late game offensive zone starts, they’ll likely move Boyle or Feds up.
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by George E. Ays on Sep 25, 2011 8:12 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m assuming EC gets waived and Avery and Eminger (if Staal is healthy and MDZ makes the team) are the scratches. I don’t really like Rupp with Stepan and MZA though, I don’t really see that as a fit.
He isn’t offensively talentless or anything, we saw that first hand against us last season. And, he can protect MZA which is not trivial.
He scored 1 goal against us last year. I’m sure you’re a thinking of the year before when he scored 4 goals, which was over 25% of his season total, against us.
im reading staal correctly?
As in staal is playing against the flyers?
Flyers take it up the ass, doo dah, doo dah, Flyers take it up the ass, all lah doo lah day.
by FIRESATHER327 on Sep 25, 2011 12:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’ve recently mulled over a new permutation for line combinations.
Wolski-Richards-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Stepan-Boyle-Zuccarello
Fedotenko-Rupp-Prust
Benefits:
-Having Boyle on the 3rd line adds the size to it and will give him the best opportunity to put up some unexpected point production again this year
-Stepan is terrible at draws and Rupp played C when in PIT and is actually a good faceoff guy
"Clever is the eunuch version of funny"
I agree in principle. Stepan and Boyle will see ice time in 7/8 range among forwards. But not sure they move Stepan yet. If anything i would want Stepan on top line with gabby and br. Wolski with Boyle and Zucc.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Sep 25, 2011 12:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like that lineup actually!!
"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!!!
Better yet...
Fedotenko-Stepan-Zuccarello
Rupp-Boyle-Pust
Excellent line – Fed’s has a much higher offensive upside and hockey IQ then Boyle or Prust, this could be a very interesting line.
I like the thought of Prust and Rupp on against the oppositions top line
Let me know how that works out for you . . .
by SimpleManiac on Sep 26, 2011 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Rupp is not know as a defensive forward. So if you want that line matching up agaist top lines Feds is the better choice on the Boyle line. Especially since it is a known commodity. The Step-MZA line needs a bit of muscle and Rupp can also take faceoffs for Step if they get caught on the ice for some defensive zone starts.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Sep 26, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Step's a right handed shot
So if e is on a wing, he’d probably do better as a RW than a LW, especially since much of his skill is as a playmaker. MZA on the left and Step on the right would make more sense.
Step, MZA, and Rupp is very interesting. I don’t exactly trust the notion of two not-so-seasoned offensive types with one gritty veteran, but I am kind of curious to see how it would work. Anyways, whatever lines the Rangers come up with, Torts is just going to scramble them up during games anyways
by team awesome! on Sep 25, 2011 12:24 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
Those will prob be the “lines” but not who’s actually on the ice. I think Rupp, when in the lineup, will be used when needed and other wingers will slot down to Stepans line. Ww/step/Zuke was a hot line last year for a bit, Feds could def fit in that line etc. Torts never sticks to “lines” he mostly keeps 2 specific people together and rotates the 3rd
by teknics on Sep 25, 2011 12:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think Rupp will work really well with Zuccs and Steps… When with pittsburgh he was at his best when he was playing with talbot and kennedy… it also will allow more room for stepan and zuccs as they have a reliable big guy on their line who will not let other players take liberties with them… plus Rupp is a great forechecker, which means zuccs doesn’t have to go into the corners and rupp isn’t afraid to drive the net something that i don’t expect from either zucc or stepan…
Rupp really isn’t a defensive forward… which is why he isn’t with prust boyle or feds (any combo of the 2)…
@clalicata17
Rupp has some skill. Put up good number back in juniors. Which at least speaks to offense not bding a foreign concept to him.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Sep 25, 2011 1:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Everyone puts up good offensive numbers in juniors
Sandy McCarthy was a 40 goal guy in juniors and topped out at 11 goals in the NHL.
And with a 50% Faceoff winning percentage that placed him 3rd on Pitt last year will help at critical times being on that line and stepping in for Step.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Sep 25, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with this.
It was a good point you made with Rupp in Pitt (playing on a line with Talbot and Kennedy). You let Rupp play with two skilled guys and hope that he is talented enough to hold his own.
The best case scenario is Rupp playing up to Stepan/Zucs level while providing his craft the other pairing lacks.
The worst case scenario is moving Rupp down to the fourth line and splitting up Fedetenko-Boyle-Prust, which I am generally against.
#12 Carl Hagelin
by The Blue Seats on Sep 25, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Good lines. But I’d rather have Stepan have a better left wing but i’ll settle for a rugged winger. I’d wish Hagelin/Bourque was his left wing but the AHL can’t hurt their development.
John Tortorella on 24/7 will be like Ari Gold on Entourage.
I am the f*cking game pal - Johnny Drama
You wanna hug it out? Let's hug it out bitch - Ari Gold
I practice Prustbyterianism
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Sep 25, 2011 1:22 PM EDT reply actions
where are u going to put stepan? Anisimov and Richards are better than Stepan… he’s at best a 3rd C on this team right now… and i stress right now… on top of that you don’t want to risk breaking up the pack line… they were our best line last year… and he’s too young yet to say he’s not going to be a center… I think he’s best as a center because of his playmaking ability coupled with his speed and superior defensive responsibility… while putting him on the wing may allow his numbers to jump… he wouldn’t be fully utilized being a winger…
this situation is different from the dubinsky situation as his output is being maximized as a winger because he works well along the boards and having him at center wasn’t allowing him to play to his strengths…
@clalicata17
I don't know that AA is necessarily better than Stepan
AA is better at faceoffs, but that’s not saying much. But I agree with not breaking up the pack line. Still, I’d want to see Step’s line as the 3rd line and Boyle’s as the 4th, unless Boyle is moved up to wing of course.
At this point AA is definitely better than Step. It could change for sure, but at this point he’s better. Plus, AA is on the same exact pace Dubi/Cally are on. Imagine having 3 of those guys as a 2nd line?
Awesome stuff.
"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 never said anything about moving him to wing I was just saying i’d want a more offensive LW.
John Tortorella on 24/7 will be like Ari Gold on Entourage.
I am the f*cking game pal - Johnny Drama
You wanna hug it out? Let's hug it out bitch - Ari Gold
I practice Prustbyterianism
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Sep 25, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
If Step's going to be a wing he should be a RW, not a LW
He is a righty shot, and is particularly beneficial for a playmaker to be on the side he shoots with. I wouldn’t mind seeing Bourque as his C, or even as his LW where he could still cover on key faceoffs.
FUCK YEAH!!
TOUCHDOWN!!!!
"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!!!
wrong thread :)
Well, go Rangers too!
"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!!!
Step doesn’t have to take the faceoffs especially in the defensive zone, Rupp can take them but Stepan will still play the center position after the face
I like Gross’ lines. The only thing is that I’m pretty sure Biron will make it over Stacjer.
And I’m against having Rupp play with Boyle and Prust, Feds should absolutely be on that line. And Zuc with Stepan should be a nice fit for Rupp, they both can skate and pass well so I’m sure they can open up some room for Rupp.
Proudly suffering as a Ranger fan.
by Tripodi on Sep 25, 2011 7:00 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
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