Almost 3 weeks later, I'm curious to know how you feel going into the preseason. Enough time has passed for us to come down from our high about signing Brad Richards... unless of course you are like Dano and are creaming your pants in anticipation for Bobby Ryan (one day man way to keep the dream alive). Without a doubt the New York Rangers are better on paper than they were in 10-11, but just how good are we? Here's a realistic look at what our future could hold..
Option 1: Danoland- The New York Rangers win the Stanley Cup and restore honor to the Garden...
Bro I think it's time to get over it. I realize you probably have a hard time seeing from the last row in the 400 section, but this is just not a cup team yet. Michael Del Zotto will most likely not have 55-60 points and Bobby Ryan won't be the missing piece this year (not to say I don't agree with you, but any team that lets Bobby Ryan go deserves to finish dead last every single year). Give us a left winger and yeah we are talking, but until then definitely keep up the enthusiasm because someone needs to. Deep down I know you realize we aren't there yet, otherwise all those long train rides to the city were just a serious waste of money, although Phil Collins would disagree.
Option 2: Fucking Closet Islander Fans who can't drive and how Richards is like everyone else
Lets get this out of the way right now, Brad Richards CANNOT be compared to the likes of Holik, Gomez, and of course Drury. "Well he's only one hit away from the end of his career" says the Islander fan who hasn't been to a game since Chara was on the team. You know who else is only 1 hit away from having his career ended? The (in my mind) most talented player in the NHL and should be #1 pick in everyone's fantasy draft based on how unbelievable he was last year, Sidney Crosby. While I am a die hard NYR fan and wouldn't mind seeing his career shortened so we don't have to deal with the Penguins anymore, there is absolutely no denying this kid's talent based on his performance in the first half of last year. While Richards does have some years on Crosby, he is in the same situation and I don't expect him to play any different. In today's game everyone is susceptible to serious injury and I'm not about to say Richards wasn't worth signing because if concussion issues. This was the right move.
Option 3: The Realist
While it would be nice to think Brad Richards will bring the Rangers a cup, this type of fan realizes he cannot do it alone. Sure Gaborik is an elite player when healthy, having 86 points with absolutely no surrounding crowd his first season on Broadway, but it just seems so obvious that these two need a top line LW. This isn't your only concern however, because you clearly recognize that the window of opportunity is the next 2-4 years. While you still find it hard to believe because you watched him instantly assert himself to the starting position his rookie season, Henrik Lundqvist is now 29 and we can only hope he is on top of his game at 33. While he has shown absolutely no signs of falling off, it won't be long before the New York Rangers will have to start thinking about goaltending beyond King Henry. Recognizing your teams strengths and weaknesses, you accept the fact that you must shed some defensive talent that you may not want to, but in the end once the trade is complete and you have that top line LW you realize the cup is ours for the taking.
With serious question marks through the Rangers lineup heading into the regular season, whose to say that any particular point of view is the correct one? It's time New York Ranger fans started being realistic about this team and it's chances.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Where we sit in the East
Lets assume that all of our RFA's are resigned come the fall. This is what our roster could potentially look like on opening night...
Wolski Richards Gaborik
Callahan Anisimov Dubinsky
Zucc/Rupp Stepan Fedotenko
Avery/Rupp Boyle Prust
Staal Girardi
Sauer Mcdonagh
Del Zotto Erixon (and lets not forget Mcilrath)
The only other combination I have not listed is moving Avery up to the top line to play with Richards and Gaborik, moving Wolski down to play with Stepan. Avery thus far seems to get the best out of Gaborik, and has a very good relationship with Brad Richards.
It's always interesting to speculate what moves the Rangers will make heading into the regular season, but one option that must be considered is that the Rangers may not make any. Assuming this is the case, lets take a look where we stand amongst the top dogs in the East...
Florida Panthers- While they have lost franchise goalie Tomas Vokoun, they have added a ton of talent including Campbell Fleischmann Kopecky not to mention already having Weiss and Booth under contract. Shaky defenseman and Jose Theodore are this team's real downfall.
Tampa Bay Lightning- Waiting on a Stamkos signing, this team has lost a couple of components that helped them to be so competitive last season. Gagne is now gone, and they have broken up the dynamic 3rd line tandem of Moore and Bergenhiem. Roloson has resigned for 1 year, so they will certainly not be out of any games.
Washington Capitals- This could honestly be their year. Stealing Vokoun for 1 yr $1.5 million while retaining the core of their lineup has the Capitals sitting on top of the East for me. Ovechkin Semin Backstrom Green Laich and Carlson, not to mention one of my favorite young players Johansson. The only reason this team doesn't win the cup is because of the lack of defensive depth.
Carolina Hurricanes- Eric Staal and Cam Ward fell one game short of being the hottest team headed into the playoffs. With one of the most underrated goalies in the NHL, and the emergence of a potential star in Jeff Skinner, it's almost impossible too count the 'Canes out of any game.
Winnipeg Jets- Could be one of the biggest surprises in the NHL. Could this be one of those teams whose hometown advantage makes them unbeatable at home much like the Canucks, or will this be the same old Thrasher team just in a different city? One thing's for sure, they must find a way to get Ladd under contract for next season.
Buffalo Sabres- One of the surprisingly busy teams this off season, the Sabres have softened the blow of losing Connolly to free agency by obtaining Leino Ehrhoff and Regehr. This has become a deep team, and should really start drawing some more attention from teams around the league.
Boston Bruins- Essentially the same cup winner from this season. Recchi is sure to retire and Ryder may be gone, but does any of this really matter when you have Krejci? What an animal he was in the playoffs. Backstopped by Thomas and Chara, you know what to expect from this team.
Ottawa Senators- Oh man. Just saying the name truly makes me want to vomit. This team is just disgraceful and really needs to find an identity. I just don't respect any team that believes Craig Anderson is the answer. Talk about a team that could have done well signing Vokoun. At least Vokoun could hold it down while this very very young developing team comes together. It may be time to move Spezza for the right return.
Toronto Maple Leafs- One of these days this team is going to make the playoffs (NOT). On paper, this team really is not that bad. After missing out on Richards they signed Connolly to play with Kessel, and it' be interesting to see how that works out. They now have Phaneuf and Liles on the point to man the powerplay, and with Reimer in net who knows, maybe Toronto will finally get a taste of what it's like to be out in the first round.
Montreal Canadians- Talk about a team that has something to prove. After receiving a ton of heat, losing his starting job, and being benched in the playoffs, Carey Price had probably his best season as the Canadians should have taken out Boston in the first round. It'l be interesting to see if Price is the real deal or if he is just another bust goaltender coming from Montreal.
New York Islanders- Look, we are all Ranger fans. We all hate the Islanders we were just born that way. Make no mistake about it, the Islanders have a very solid team. Still young and trying to come into their own, this team needs a few years before they will really be a solid playoff team in the East. Only thing this team needs to figure out is who can play goal and how to part ways with Rick Dipietro.
New Jersey Devils- Brodeur is a washed up pro. Arguably the best goalie in NHL history just has not seem to be able to find his game. With an AHL defense, it's tough to say the Devils are an elite team even with Parise (assuming he signs) and Kovalchuk.
Philadelphia Flyers- Anyone else find it hilarious that the Flyers dismantled their entire team in order to get Bryzgalov under contract for $5.6 mil meanwhile Vokoun signed for $1.5? No Richards no Carter and no guarantee that Schenn is ready to play at the NHL level, can finally say with confidence that this is not the Flyer team that I've dreaded playing over the last few seasons... Fuck you Jagr.
Pittsburgh Penguins- What a different post season it would have been if Crosby had been healthy. Over a month after this guy went on the IR he still lead the NHL in points. Same solid team minus a few role players still has the Penguins amongst the best in the East.
New York Rangers- There are two things preventing this team from bringing the cup back to the Garden; a top line LW and an extremely talented Leetch-like defenseman. Del Zotto has the potential to fill the role of that defenseman we need on the powerplay (not to compare him to Leetch just yet but lets not forget he had 37 points his rookie year) and Wolski could possibly mesh with the highly anticipated Gaborik Richards duo ( Wolski had 65 points in 09-10). Of course, these are 2 huge maybes, but this team is built to win in the next 2-3 years.
As of July 5th 2011, this is how I see the East playing out...
1- Washington
2- Pittsburgh
3- Buffalo
4- Boston
5- New York Rangers
6- Tampa Bay Lightning
7- Philadelphia Flyers
8- Carolina Hurricanes
9- Montreal Canadians
10- New York Islanders
11- Toronto Maple Leafs
12- Winnipeg Jets
13- New Jersey Devils
14- Florida Panthers
15- Ottawa Senators
How's that for 1st round matchups? Washington Carolina, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, Buffalo Tampa, Boston NYR. Could be looking at another excellent playoffs.
Wolski Richards Gaborik
Callahan Anisimov Dubinsky
Zucc/Rupp Stepan Fedotenko
Avery/Rupp Boyle Prust
Staal Girardi
Sauer Mcdonagh
Del Zotto Erixon (and lets not forget Mcilrath)
The only other combination I have not listed is moving Avery up to the top line to play with Richards and Gaborik, moving Wolski down to play with Stepan. Avery thus far seems to get the best out of Gaborik, and has a very good relationship with Brad Richards.
It's always interesting to speculate what moves the Rangers will make heading into the regular season, but one option that must be considered is that the Rangers may not make any. Assuming this is the case, lets take a look where we stand amongst the top dogs in the East...
Florida Panthers- While they have lost franchise goalie Tomas Vokoun, they have added a ton of talent including Campbell Fleischmann Kopecky not to mention already having Weiss and Booth under contract. Shaky defenseman and Jose Theodore are this team's real downfall.
Tampa Bay Lightning- Waiting on a Stamkos signing, this team has lost a couple of components that helped them to be so competitive last season. Gagne is now gone, and they have broken up the dynamic 3rd line tandem of Moore and Bergenhiem. Roloson has resigned for 1 year, so they will certainly not be out of any games.
Washington Capitals- This could honestly be their year. Stealing Vokoun for 1 yr $1.5 million while retaining the core of their lineup has the Capitals sitting on top of the East for me. Ovechkin Semin Backstrom Green Laich and Carlson, not to mention one of my favorite young players Johansson. The only reason this team doesn't win the cup is because of the lack of defensive depth.
Carolina Hurricanes- Eric Staal and Cam Ward fell one game short of being the hottest team headed into the playoffs. With one of the most underrated goalies in the NHL, and the emergence of a potential star in Jeff Skinner, it's almost impossible too count the 'Canes out of any game.
Winnipeg Jets- Could be one of the biggest surprises in the NHL. Could this be one of those teams whose hometown advantage makes them unbeatable at home much like the Canucks, or will this be the same old Thrasher team just in a different city? One thing's for sure, they must find a way to get Ladd under contract for next season.
Buffalo Sabres- One of the surprisingly busy teams this off season, the Sabres have softened the blow of losing Connolly to free agency by obtaining Leino Ehrhoff and Regehr. This has become a deep team, and should really start drawing some more attention from teams around the league.
Boston Bruins- Essentially the same cup winner from this season. Recchi is sure to retire and Ryder may be gone, but does any of this really matter when you have Krejci? What an animal he was in the playoffs. Backstopped by Thomas and Chara, you know what to expect from this team.
Ottawa Senators- Oh man. Just saying the name truly makes me want to vomit. This team is just disgraceful and really needs to find an identity. I just don't respect any team that believes Craig Anderson is the answer. Talk about a team that could have done well signing Vokoun. At least Vokoun could hold it down while this very very young developing team comes together. It may be time to move Spezza for the right return.
Toronto Maple Leafs- One of these days this team is going to make the playoffs (NOT). On paper, this team really is not that bad. After missing out on Richards they signed Connolly to play with Kessel, and it' be interesting to see how that works out. They now have Phaneuf and Liles on the point to man the powerplay, and with Reimer in net who knows, maybe Toronto will finally get a taste of what it's like to be out in the first round.
Montreal Canadians- Talk about a team that has something to prove. After receiving a ton of heat, losing his starting job, and being benched in the playoffs, Carey Price had probably his best season as the Canadians should have taken out Boston in the first round. It'l be interesting to see if Price is the real deal or if he is just another bust goaltender coming from Montreal.
New York Islanders- Look, we are all Ranger fans. We all hate the Islanders we were just born that way. Make no mistake about it, the Islanders have a very solid team. Still young and trying to come into their own, this team needs a few years before they will really be a solid playoff team in the East. Only thing this team needs to figure out is who can play goal and how to part ways with Rick Dipietro.
New Jersey Devils- Brodeur is a washed up pro. Arguably the best goalie in NHL history just has not seem to be able to find his game. With an AHL defense, it's tough to say the Devils are an elite team even with Parise (assuming he signs) and Kovalchuk.
Philadelphia Flyers- Anyone else find it hilarious that the Flyers dismantled their entire team in order to get Bryzgalov under contract for $5.6 mil meanwhile Vokoun signed for $1.5? No Richards no Carter and no guarantee that Schenn is ready to play at the NHL level, can finally say with confidence that this is not the Flyer team that I've dreaded playing over the last few seasons... Fuck you Jagr.
Pittsburgh Penguins- What a different post season it would have been if Crosby had been healthy. Over a month after this guy went on the IR he still lead the NHL in points. Same solid team minus a few role players still has the Penguins amongst the best in the East.
New York Rangers- There are two things preventing this team from bringing the cup back to the Garden; a top line LW and an extremely talented Leetch-like defenseman. Del Zotto has the potential to fill the role of that defenseman we need on the powerplay (not to compare him to Leetch just yet but lets not forget he had 37 points his rookie year) and Wolski could possibly mesh with the highly anticipated Gaborik Richards duo ( Wolski had 65 points in 09-10). Of course, these are 2 huge maybes, but this team is built to win in the next 2-3 years.
As of July 5th 2011, this is how I see the East playing out...
1- Washington
2- Pittsburgh
3- Buffalo
4- Boston
5- New York Rangers
6- Tampa Bay Lightning
7- Philadelphia Flyers
8- Carolina Hurricanes
9- Montreal Canadians
10- New York Islanders
11- Toronto Maple Leafs
12- Winnipeg Jets
13- New Jersey Devils
14- Florida Panthers
15- Ottawa Senators
How's that for 1st round matchups? Washington Carolina, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, Buffalo Tampa, Boston NYR. Could be looking at another excellent playoffs.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Wooooo Richards and the Future
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE TALKING ABOUT THE FUCKING RANGERS AT 315 AM AFTER DOWNING A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE WITHOUT HELP AS WELL AS A TON OF BEER. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE WIN THE FUCKING CUP.
One of the big things Richards was pushing for when looking to sign a contract was not only the commitment of of a team to years and $$$$ but a real plan for the team to finalize a roster that would compete for the Stanley cup. Well, we didn't max out the salary like Calgary offered according to Bobby M, nor did we try to court this guy to NY, and yet BRAD RICHARDS IS A FUCKING RANGER. This guy would not just sign here. Sather must have a plan up his sleeve for the remainder of the off season.
With this being one of the weakest free agent classes available, it's now time to speculate what happens next. Richards wants a LW to play alongside him and Gaborik, and there is no way that LW is going to be Wolski (sorry dude but you're just not proven yet). He wants someone who will solidify that line as an avg of over 75 pts per player. Anyone have any ideas who Sather may be giong after?
There are really only 2 names that I can think of right now that make any sort of sense to me (and that may just be bc of the alcohol). Patrick Sharp and Dustin Penner. Dustin Penner currently makes $4.25 mil a season with 1 year left on his contract before he is an UFA. Patrick Sharp currently makes $3.9 mil and is also an UFA next summer. Out of the two I think it goes without saying that Sharp is the man we want to have, but Penner also has some talent, and with only 1 year left on his contract and the Kings right up against the cap, it wouldn't surprise me if they try to unload him in order to sign Doughty. Keep in mind, LA just signed Gagne to a 2 yr $7 mil contract, meaning gagne is now the top line guy in place of Penner.
Sharp on the other hand is far more complicated. This guy just had the year of his life, and there is no way Chicago wants to watch him walk. At the same time, we have seen Chicago make moves solely to free up salary cap space, and with guys like Seabrook Keith Toews Kane and Hossa locked up long term, they may be looking at some more cap issues come next off season. Sharp is definitely due a raise from his $3.9 mil he is currently at, and Chicago may not be able to fork up the doe to pay him. If you look at the core of the Chicago defense, they really are not deep beyond Seabrook and Keith (yeah they have Hjalmersson and Montador), but they could use that solid defensive defenseman to help out their young goalie Crawford. It's time to trade Girardi and either a young guy like WOlski or Krieder to Chicago and bring in Sharp in return. There is no way Sharp won't resign with the Rangers if he is playing top line minutes with Gaborik and Richards.
This team can fucking do it. Not just yet, but in the very near future. One thing that people really overlook is the fact that we have the best goalie in the NHL between the pipes. With the added offensive support that Richards (and whoever is added to the top line) will bring, he won't have to be spectacular just for us to have a shot.
If you can think of a better suggestion for the top line LW position, please, feel free to let me know, because I want this team to make a push for Patrick Sharp.
One of the big things Richards was pushing for when looking to sign a contract was not only the commitment of of a team to years and $$$$ but a real plan for the team to finalize a roster that would compete for the Stanley cup. Well, we didn't max out the salary like Calgary offered according to Bobby M, nor did we try to court this guy to NY, and yet BRAD RICHARDS IS A FUCKING RANGER. This guy would not just sign here. Sather must have a plan up his sleeve for the remainder of the off season.
With this being one of the weakest free agent classes available, it's now time to speculate what happens next. Richards wants a LW to play alongside him and Gaborik, and there is no way that LW is going to be Wolski (sorry dude but you're just not proven yet). He wants someone who will solidify that line as an avg of over 75 pts per player. Anyone have any ideas who Sather may be giong after?
There are really only 2 names that I can think of right now that make any sort of sense to me (and that may just be bc of the alcohol). Patrick Sharp and Dustin Penner. Dustin Penner currently makes $4.25 mil a season with 1 year left on his contract before he is an UFA. Patrick Sharp currently makes $3.9 mil and is also an UFA next summer. Out of the two I think it goes without saying that Sharp is the man we want to have, but Penner also has some talent, and with only 1 year left on his contract and the Kings right up against the cap, it wouldn't surprise me if they try to unload him in order to sign Doughty. Keep in mind, LA just signed Gagne to a 2 yr $7 mil contract, meaning gagne is now the top line guy in place of Penner.
Sharp on the other hand is far more complicated. This guy just had the year of his life, and there is no way Chicago wants to watch him walk. At the same time, we have seen Chicago make moves solely to free up salary cap space, and with guys like Seabrook Keith Toews Kane and Hossa locked up long term, they may be looking at some more cap issues come next off season. Sharp is definitely due a raise from his $3.9 mil he is currently at, and Chicago may not be able to fork up the doe to pay him. If you look at the core of the Chicago defense, they really are not deep beyond Seabrook and Keith (yeah they have Hjalmersson and Montador), but they could use that solid defensive defenseman to help out their young goalie Crawford. It's time to trade Girardi and either a young guy like WOlski or Krieder to Chicago and bring in Sharp in return. There is no way Sharp won't resign with the Rangers if he is playing top line minutes with Gaborik and Richards.
This team can fucking do it. Not just yet, but in the very near future. One thing that people really overlook is the fact that we have the best goalie in the NHL between the pipes. With the added offensive support that Richards (and whoever is added to the top line) will bring, he won't have to be spectacular just for us to have a shot.
If you can think of a better suggestion for the top line LW position, please, feel free to let me know, because I want this team to make a push for Patrick Sharp.
Friday, July 1, 2011
7/1 down, How's it feeling?
So it's over with. The much anticipated first day of free agency has finally come to a close with the Rangers having made 2 moves, Rupp and Fedotenko. Riddle me this, where exactly is Rupp going to fit into this team? Why do we need both Rupp AND Fedotenko? Not that any of this matters. The real story is the one that hasn't come to an end yet. Of course, I'm talking about Brad Richards.
Lets be serious right now. The Rangers are offering what is speculated to be the least amount of money to Brad, he's still has not made a decision, and we are still considered a significant competitor in this ultimate sweepstakes. At the end of the day, that's got to feel pretty good doesn't it? With teams like Calgary offering Richards more than $7 million a year I truly find comfort in the fact that he hasn't made his decision yet.
If it was all about the money, Richards would not consider NYR an option in any way shape or form. This guy WANTS to wear the NYR Blue, and hopefully he chooses with his heart and not his wallet... I guess we will see how it all plays out, but for the time being I haven't given up any hope that Richards will still be our top line center next year.
Richards has openly said he doesn't want to sign a contract anywhere without a team not only committing to a long term deal, but that particular team having a real plan for winning the cup. If Richards has still not ruled out the Rangers as an option, you have to believe Sather has a move or two up his sleeve to bring in some more offensive firepower before next year's trade deadline. Like I previously stated a few days ago, it's time to give up some defensive depth and a prospect for a proven top line player (and as long as Richards has not ruled out NYR I will not rule out the possibility of trading for Patrick Sharp before he is an UFA). Maybe it seems like a bit of a reach, but Richards centering Gaborik and Sharp, Anisimov with Callahan and Dubisnky on the second line, and the young guys on the third line (and this guy Lundqvist ((?)) in net), now that is a team that can compete for the cup.
Give me a reason to get the champagne flowing baby.
... Fuck you Jagr. I loved you your entire career but to go from being the captain of a franchise who worshiped you to signing with one of our top rivals just because you got an extra 1 million dollars? Go to hell. I would have had much more respect for you if you went to the Penguins you piece of trash.
Lets be serious right now. The Rangers are offering what is speculated to be the least amount of money to Brad, he's still has not made a decision, and we are still considered a significant competitor in this ultimate sweepstakes. At the end of the day, that's got to feel pretty good doesn't it? With teams like Calgary offering Richards more than $7 million a year I truly find comfort in the fact that he hasn't made his decision yet.
If it was all about the money, Richards would not consider NYR an option in any way shape or form. This guy WANTS to wear the NYR Blue, and hopefully he chooses with his heart and not his wallet... I guess we will see how it all plays out, but for the time being I haven't given up any hope that Richards will still be our top line center next year.
Richards has openly said he doesn't want to sign a contract anywhere without a team not only committing to a long term deal, but that particular team having a real plan for winning the cup. If Richards has still not ruled out the Rangers as an option, you have to believe Sather has a move or two up his sleeve to bring in some more offensive firepower before next year's trade deadline. Like I previously stated a few days ago, it's time to give up some defensive depth and a prospect for a proven top line player (and as long as Richards has not ruled out NYR I will not rule out the possibility of trading for Patrick Sharp before he is an UFA). Maybe it seems like a bit of a reach, but Richards centering Gaborik and Sharp, Anisimov with Callahan and Dubisnky on the second line, and the young guys on the third line (and this guy Lundqvist ((?)) in net), now that is a team that can compete for the cup.
Give me a reason to get the champagne flowing baby.
... Fuck you Jagr. I loved you your entire career but to go from being the captain of a franchise who worshiped you to signing with one of our top rivals just because you got an extra 1 million dollars? Go to hell. I would have had much more respect for you if you went to the Penguins you piece of trash.
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