Anyone whose been watching the Rangers' last 2 home games can see that this is a team still searching for it's identity. This team is far from being a playoff team if this is how they plan on competing, but there is still a lot of season left with a lot of time to correct plenty of issues.
Our defense is suffering without Marc Staal. His presence alone brings so much to the lineup because it enables Torts (we will get to Torts in a minute) to put familiar pairings back together. Staal's return means Sauer Mcdonagh back together, and more likely than not the return of either Erixon or Del Zotto to Connecticut.
Why is Richards centering Dubinsky and Callahan while Gaborik is playing with CHRISTENSEN and Wolski? Guy has lost his fucking mind...
On a different note, 2 powerplay goals today. Richards is best suited at the point on the powerplay. That was made pretty clear in today's loss. Has great vision and can shoot the puck as well.
Biron should have been in net today. With the Sharks and Ducks coming in this week, it would have made more sense to let Lundqvist rest after he admitted to not being focused during the home opener. If Tortorella can't get this team going by the end of the home stand, it wouldn't shock me if Rangers' management looks to shake things up. This team is maybe one or 2 guys short of being a beast in the east and yet we are just another 500 team right now.
.... Maybe we should just tank the season and draft Yakopov
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Okay, so I'm a little fucked up right now, which is why this is going to be awesome. Girlfriend's in the shower and watching NHL on the fly. Fuck Philadelphia. I hate this fucking team and Ilya Bryzgalov is just as good as I thought he would be... fucking terrible. haha highligts are great. I hate Montreal but its awesome when anyone beats Philadelphia.
Michael sauer says he will play in the home opener. Just read the bottom line. Good shit. Sauer Mcdonugh back together hopefully. We need a fucking third line. Without a third line, we have no 2nd line, and without a 2nd line the top line gets owned by the other teams best players. Stepan needs to be your third line center so the third line is a threat again, taking the pressure off Callahan Anisimov Dubinksy, and in return taking the pressure off Gaborik and Richards. I said it all summer and I will say it again. We need a fucking top line LW to play with Gaborik and Richards. Fucking Patrrik Sharp signing that contract was awful for us, but there are a ton of players who would fit in perfectly on that top line. Stepan Wolski and Zuccarello with Fedotenko Prust and Boyle (or Rupp if you are not thrilled w Boyle) would make tihs team far more effective and if we want to compete we need more than just the top line.
Our defense is going to be solid all year long. Staal has to return to the lineup to solidfy things, but with his presence teh Rangers will have one thing that they haven't had in a while back there... balance. When your defense partners click like Staal and Girardi and Sauer w. Mcdonugh you can start to focus on the offense lacking rather than playing solid defense.
Lundqvist is a fucking G. Best one 2 goaltending punch in the NHL when they are both healthy. FUck you Islander fans. You are all so unrealistic and don't know shit about hockey. W the homestand starting tomorrow, I'll start doing this spober again, but man it feels good to get this out. BTW, my girlfriend is beating the CO Author on this Blog. How emasculated do you feel Andrew?... Thought so.
Michael sauer says he will play in the home opener. Just read the bottom line. Good shit. Sauer Mcdonugh back together hopefully. We need a fucking third line. Without a third line, we have no 2nd line, and without a 2nd line the top line gets owned by the other teams best players. Stepan needs to be your third line center so the third line is a threat again, taking the pressure off Callahan Anisimov Dubinksy, and in return taking the pressure off Gaborik and Richards. I said it all summer and I will say it again. We need a fucking top line LW to play with Gaborik and Richards. Fucking Patrrik Sharp signing that contract was awful for us, but there are a ton of players who would fit in perfectly on that top line. Stepan Wolski and Zuccarello with Fedotenko Prust and Boyle (or Rupp if you are not thrilled w Boyle) would make tihs team far more effective and if we want to compete we need more than just the top line.
Our defense is going to be solid all year long. Staal has to return to the lineup to solidfy things, but with his presence teh Rangers will have one thing that they haven't had in a while back there... balance. When your defense partners click like Staal and Girardi and Sauer w. Mcdonugh you can start to focus on the offense lacking rather than playing solid defense.
Lundqvist is a fucking G. Best one 2 goaltending punch in the NHL when they are both healthy. FUck you Islander fans. You are all so unrealistic and don't know shit about hockey. W the homestand starting tomorrow, I'll start doing this spober again, but man it feels good to get this out. BTW, my girlfriend is beating the CO Author on this Blog. How emasculated do you feel Andrew?... Thought so.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Subpar Start
There is no way that this is the start New York Ranger fans were expecting after months of anticipation. An 0-1-2 record combined with the vacancy of Marc Staal on defense probably has some fans a little worried about just how this year will play out. Keep one thing in mind though; It was not that long ago the Philadelphia Flyers had that awful start and went on to be one of the best teams in the East (hopefully no one on our team is banging their teammates wife, but that's a story for another day Jeff Carter).
With no clear cut top line LW for Gaborik and Richards heading into camp, the Rangers are still trying to mix and match to find the perfect line combinations. From the first few games (especially against the Islanders) it should be pretty clear that for now that vacancy at LW will be filled by Derek Stepan. Stepan certainly does have the skill to fill the role, but this creates problems on the third line. Without Stepan at center, it's become pretty clear that Mats Zuccarello is not as effective (which is made even more evident by his reassignment to the Whale), and the question still remains whether or not can Brian Boyle continue to elevate his game.
Right now the Rangers are short Staal and Sauer, which has Tortorella scrambling for defense pairings that will connect. There's no way a guy like Jeff Woywitka will remain a fixture in the lineup upon Staal and Sauer's return when we have guys like Erixon and Del Zotto up and coming. That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Del Zotto sent back down again. Sure he has great vision and excellent hands, but the guy cannot play in his own zone. What good are you contributing offensively as a defenseman if every goal that is scored is your fault?
There are 2 good things to come from the Rangers sub par start. Gaborik looks like the 40 goal scorer from 2 years ago, and Lundqvist has picked up right where he left off. With these two things going for this team, it's just a matter of time before the Rangers assert themselves to the top of the Eastern Conference. The first 1-2 weeks of the season really do not mean much (if you need reassurance take a look at the Western Conference Standings as for the 2nd straight year Colorado is #1). Our window of opportunity is in the next 1-3 years, so the sooner this team can cement the better our future will be.
It's time for the Rangers to really grind down and pull out some tough points in Canada over the next few games. The Canucks, Flames, Oilers, and Jets are all very beatable teams right now, and if the Rangers could get themselves back to 500 before their home opener, it will set the stage for a monster 6 game homestand.
With no clear cut top line LW for Gaborik and Richards heading into camp, the Rangers are still trying to mix and match to find the perfect line combinations. From the first few games (especially against the Islanders) it should be pretty clear that for now that vacancy at LW will be filled by Derek Stepan. Stepan certainly does have the skill to fill the role, but this creates problems on the third line. Without Stepan at center, it's become pretty clear that Mats Zuccarello is not as effective (which is made even more evident by his reassignment to the Whale), and the question still remains whether or not can Brian Boyle continue to elevate his game.
Right now the Rangers are short Staal and Sauer, which has Tortorella scrambling for defense pairings that will connect. There's no way a guy like Jeff Woywitka will remain a fixture in the lineup upon Staal and Sauer's return when we have guys like Erixon and Del Zotto up and coming. That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Del Zotto sent back down again. Sure he has great vision and excellent hands, but the guy cannot play in his own zone. What good are you contributing offensively as a defenseman if every goal that is scored is your fault?
There are 2 good things to come from the Rangers sub par start. Gaborik looks like the 40 goal scorer from 2 years ago, and Lundqvist has picked up right where he left off. With these two things going for this team, it's just a matter of time before the Rangers assert themselves to the top of the Eastern Conference. The first 1-2 weeks of the season really do not mean much (if you need reassurance take a look at the Western Conference Standings as for the 2nd straight year Colorado is #1). Our window of opportunity is in the next 1-3 years, so the sooner this team can cement the better our future will be.
It's time for the Rangers to really grind down and pull out some tough points in Canada over the next few games. The Canucks, Flames, Oilers, and Jets are all very beatable teams right now, and if the Rangers could get themselves back to 500 before their home opener, it will set the stage for a monster 6 game homestand.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
No vote could mean no more rivalry
As a die hard fan of one of the greatest sporting franchises in the world, it's easy to shake your head and maybe even let out a lough at what happened on August 1st. On the flip side, as a fan of one of the greatest sporting franchises in the world, it's just as easy to be upset about what happened that very same day. What was quoted as being an 'abysmal' turnout could lead to the departure of the New York Islanders from Nassau county, and along with them one of the rivalries I've been able to drive 5 minutes to enjoy since I was a kid.
I understand that Ranger fans are spread throughout this entire state, as well as in New Jersey and Connecticut, but I think it's time you all heard exactly how this went down from a resident of Nassau county. For those of you who aren't aware, Nassau county is one of the highest taxed (if not the single highest) counties in the United States. Now while we can all agree that our taxes are ridiculous no matter where you are in the state, try to keep in mind that Nassau county is not a place where recent college graduates such as myself reside. Simply put, we can't afford to live here. If you aren't living at home, you are struggling to make ends meat as a young member of this community. While I really don't care too much about that because I don't intend on sticking around Nassau county much longer, it just goes to show you that the only people who reside here are the working class, and the elderly who are pushing retirement (if they haven't already done so). Any time you say the words "tax increase" to anyone over the age of 40 (generalizing of course), the response is always an overwhelming no.
Due to the aforementioned problem, Charles Wong opted to hold the budget vote for the new arena and minor league stadium in the "off" season, knowing that voter turnout would be minimal. He did very little to campaign to the residents of Nassau county and really did only stress the vote to Islander fans. While there truly were reasons for non Islander fans to vote for this arena, publicizing this vote would have produced a worse turnout than the 57% Yes 43% No turnout it was, so I really don't blame him too much for that. As it turned out, less than 15% of Nassau county registered voters showed up at the polls to cast their vote.
Having worked 10-7 on the day of the budget vote, I went straight to my local polls to cast my vote as soon as I could. Arriving at 7:20, I put on my Lundqvist jersey and went in to vote knowing that the budget was already being crushed. I can say with confidence that I was the only person in that gymnasium under the age of 50. After bullshitting with the people at the table, I knew that it was over.
I don't care if you are from Nassau county or not or even if you voted yes or not, but just realize that the no vote really puts the Islanders organization in some trouble. It goes without saying that Charles Wang has a plan B up his sleeve. If he went into that budget vote expecting the highest taxed county in America to accept another tax increase, he will be right there with Mike Milbury as the dumbest people to ever be in the Islander organization.
The selling point to a lot of people who voted yes in this county was the creation of jobs and the stimulation of the local economy (other than Islander fans). Clearly that wasn't enough to get this budget to pass. I wouldn't be surprised if they restructure the plan for the new arena so the tax increase is not as drastic as it previously was. Charles Wang will have to eat some of the financing for this project which I'm sure he won't mind considering he was willing to privately finance the Lighthouse project. If and when there is a re vote for the construction of a new arena, I think it's in every Ranger fans best interest to vote yes, and here's why...
1) While it hasn't been as heated in recent years, the Rangers Islanders rivalry is one of the best all time. With the Islanders finally putting together a decent team, it'll pick up again over the next few seasons. There's nothing better than starting shit with fans of a rival team, especially when that team is in your own backyard.
2) How can you honestly not enjoy beating up on this team? It's anywhere from 8-12 extra points in a season, and this past season has shown us that every point counts.
3) And probably the most important reason of all, POTVIN SUCKS! The significance of that will die out over time when they become the Cleveland Clevelanders.
Plain and simple, the New York Rangers NEED the New York Islanders. WE WANT THE CUP
I understand that Ranger fans are spread throughout this entire state, as well as in New Jersey and Connecticut, but I think it's time you all heard exactly how this went down from a resident of Nassau county. For those of you who aren't aware, Nassau county is one of the highest taxed (if not the single highest) counties in the United States. Now while we can all agree that our taxes are ridiculous no matter where you are in the state, try to keep in mind that Nassau county is not a place where recent college graduates such as myself reside. Simply put, we can't afford to live here. If you aren't living at home, you are struggling to make ends meat as a young member of this community. While I really don't care too much about that because I don't intend on sticking around Nassau county much longer, it just goes to show you that the only people who reside here are the working class, and the elderly who are pushing retirement (if they haven't already done so). Any time you say the words "tax increase" to anyone over the age of 40 (generalizing of course), the response is always an overwhelming no.
Due to the aforementioned problem, Charles Wong opted to hold the budget vote for the new arena and minor league stadium in the "off" season, knowing that voter turnout would be minimal. He did very little to campaign to the residents of Nassau county and really did only stress the vote to Islander fans. While there truly were reasons for non Islander fans to vote for this arena, publicizing this vote would have produced a worse turnout than the 57% Yes 43% No turnout it was, so I really don't blame him too much for that. As it turned out, less than 15% of Nassau county registered voters showed up at the polls to cast their vote.
Having worked 10-7 on the day of the budget vote, I went straight to my local polls to cast my vote as soon as I could. Arriving at 7:20, I put on my Lundqvist jersey and went in to vote knowing that the budget was already being crushed. I can say with confidence that I was the only person in that gymnasium under the age of 50. After bullshitting with the people at the table, I knew that it was over.
I don't care if you are from Nassau county or not or even if you voted yes or not, but just realize that the no vote really puts the Islanders organization in some trouble. It goes without saying that Charles Wang has a plan B up his sleeve. If he went into that budget vote expecting the highest taxed county in America to accept another tax increase, he will be right there with Mike Milbury as the dumbest people to ever be in the Islander organization.
The selling point to a lot of people who voted yes in this county was the creation of jobs and the stimulation of the local economy (other than Islander fans). Clearly that wasn't enough to get this budget to pass. I wouldn't be surprised if they restructure the plan for the new arena so the tax increase is not as drastic as it previously was. Charles Wang will have to eat some of the financing for this project which I'm sure he won't mind considering he was willing to privately finance the Lighthouse project. If and when there is a re vote for the construction of a new arena, I think it's in every Ranger fans best interest to vote yes, and here's why...
1) While it hasn't been as heated in recent years, the Rangers Islanders rivalry is one of the best all time. With the Islanders finally putting together a decent team, it'll pick up again over the next few seasons. There's nothing better than starting shit with fans of a rival team, especially when that team is in your own backyard.
2) How can you honestly not enjoy beating up on this team? It's anywhere from 8-12 extra points in a season, and this past season has shown us that every point counts.
3) And probably the most important reason of all, POTVIN SUCKS! The significance of that will die out over time when they become the Cleveland Clevelanders.
Plain and simple, the New York Rangers NEED the New York Islanders. WE WANT THE CUP
Monday, July 18, 2011
18 days later
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.
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 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.
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