Pre-Game Talk: 2013-2014 Rangers pre-season discussion

[AlternateSideParking]

There's only one thing a fan should care about the preseason:

Injuries.

The rangers have had none. Who cares about the friggin scores? Just pray everyone is healthy on Opening Night.

Evetybody gets so amped when the preseason begins, but by the middle of the first week you want to be put out of your misery.

The players suck, and half of them you never even heard of. The play sucks. The coaches could care less.

Most of these players have been vacationing and boozing and eating and banging. Most of them don't wake up until November.

 

[pld459666]

Losing a pre-season game 5-0 is not terribad.

Losing a pre-season game 5-0 with the following:

McD - Girardi
Staal - MDZ
Moore - Stralman

Lundqvist

IS TERRIBAD

Offence is still putrid and to have the defence throw in a stinker like that?

Not good at all.

 

[BroadwayBlues]

Hyperbole at it's finest.

 

[NYR Viper]

Fast and Miller both looked good last night. Pyatt, Powe, Moore and Boyle all looked slow and useless, and I like Boyle and Moore.

 

[romelson]

Will Stepan be back on the ice already for tonights game?

 

[Levitate]

Will Stepan be back on the ice already for tonights game?

No. The team is flying back to NY after tonights game and Stepan will meet them there and practice with them on Sunday

 

[broadwayblue]

Losing a pre-season game 5-0 is not terribad.

Losing a pre-season game 5-0 with the following:

McD - Girardi
Staal - MDZ
Moore - Stralman

Lundqvist

IS TERRIBAD

Offence is still putrid and to have the defence throw in a stinker like that?

Not good at all.

When 1 of the goals should have been waived off, 2 were unstoppable deflections and 1 was a lucky rebound off of a deflection to a player with an empty net, I'm not sure how that says anything about the quality of the defense or goaltending. What am I missing?

 

[RangerBoy]

The players placed on waivers yesterday such as Talbot,Johnson and Haley clear today at noon unless they're claimed. The Rangers have 48 SPCs.

 

[Trxjw]

When 1 of the goals should have been waived off, 2 were unstoppable deflections and 1 was a lucky rebound off of a deflection to a player with an empty net, I'm not sure how that says anything about the quality of the defense or goaltending. What am I missing?

You're missing the 'overreaction gene'. Glad someone else saw the game the way I did. The Nucks got plenty of bounces and the Rangers couldn't get any. **** happens that way sometimes.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

 

[RangerBoy]

Stepan is getting his physical today and doing the conditioning test today. First 2 days of camp in one day. Its like the GED. 4 years of high school in 4 weeks. Chris Rock did a whole show on that. Stepan will skate tomorrow at the Rangers facility. Hagelin is rehabbing here instead of on the road. They could end up skating together. Full team practice on Sunday. Last day of waivers for players to be cap compliant is Sunday. Clear or claimed on Monday.

 

[KreiMeARiver*]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

this is the best summary of the preseason I've read to date.

I mean really what else needs to be said?

 

[OverTheCap]

I know it's just the preseason, which is why I won't freak out over the PP looking bad as usual or the defense adjusting to a new system.

But as we approach the final game of the preseason, I think there should be a little more cohesiveness at this point.

Also, lack of finish has been the Rangers MO for the past few years and I'm not sure how much improvement there will be in this area. Of course, Stepan and Callahan's return will help, but other players are going to have to step it up in the goalscoring department as well. Outshooting an opponent is nice but it doesn't matter if you can't capitalize on those chances.

I'm anticipating a slow start. New coach and system, a 9-game road trip, injuries to Cally and Hags, Stepan sounds like he is a little behind in conditioning. I'm hoping we can hover at around .500 through November and then improve from there.

 

[Boom Boom Geoffrion*]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

Ok. I'm officially panicking.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Ok. I'm officially panicking.

I walked straight into that one....

 

[Boom Boom Geoffrion*]

I walked straight into that one....

You did it with style though. Kudos for that.

Keep your head up.

 

[Bardof425*]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

some of this is legit. The team seems disorganized in the D zone but surprisingly aggressive and crisp in the O zone. Just don't finish. Dorsett serves a big purpose; toughness, Pk, forecheck. You are out to lunch on this one.

I also disagree on Richards and especially Fast. Fast is doing everything right. If you want him to score don't line him up next to BB. He is ready for a 3rd line role.

Unfortunately, Nash and the D corp and Hank have not been up to par. But it's pre-season.

 

[GAGLine]

We had the puck a lot. That's a good sign. I don't put much stock into preseason games though, particularly when we are implementing a new system. It will take time for the team to really get it and execute it instinctively.

 

[NYR Viper]

I just can't get over how little energy the team plays with. Dorsett tries to get the team going and he takes a penalty. Happens. At least he is trying something. Too much "bland".

 

[BBKers]

I could see this happening:

• Powe gets traded (doubt there are takers) or sent down with most of the kids
• One of Miller/Kreider make the team
• Hagelin gets put on LTIR
• Cally returns after game 3

FORWARDS
J.T. Miller or Chris Kreider ($1.244m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Benoit Pouliot ($1.300m) / Derick Brassard ($3.200m) / Mats Zuccarello ($1.150m)
Brian Boyle ($1.700m) / Brad Richards ($6.667m) / Taylor Pyatt ($1.550m)
Arron Asham ($1.000m) / Dominic Moore ($1.000m) / Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)

INJURED
Ryan Callahan ($4.275m)

LTIR
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m)

DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($3.325m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Michael Del Zotto ($2.550m)
John Moore ($0.965m) / Anton Stralman ($1.700m)
Justin Falk ($0.975m) / Stu Bickel ($0.750m)

GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($6.875m)
Martin Biron ($1.300m)

OTHER
Buried: Darroll Powe ($0.142m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled with the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000
CAP PAYROLL: $65,100,833
BONUSES: $650,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster with Hagelin on LTIR): -$150,833

Not a big fan but the most logical scenario... in this world lacking logic altogether

 

[Ail]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

100% my feelings right now.

I'm really disappointed none of the prospect forwards outside Miller has made himself a tougher decision to make the squad. Fast had some good games, but nothing standout. Hrivik the same. Lindberg hasn't been good or bad since TC. Kreider continues to disappoint.

Hoping these guys can go light up the A' for a few months and get a solid look at some point this season.

 

[Ail]

I could see this happening:

• Powe gets traded (doubt there are takers) or sent down with most of the kids
• One of Miller/Kreider make the team
• Hagelin gets put on LTIR
• Cally returns after game 3

FORWARDS
J.T. Miller or Chris Kreider ($1.244m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Benoit Pouliot ($1.300m) / Derick Brassard ($3.200m) / Mats Zuccarello ($1.150m)
Brian Boyle ($1.700m) / Brad Richards ($6.667m) / Taylor Pyatt ($1.550m)
Arron Asham ($1.000m) / Dominic Moore ($1.000m) / Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)

INJURED
Ryan Callahan ($4.275m)

LTIR
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m)

DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($3.325m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Michael Del Zotto ($2.550m)
John Moore ($0.965m) / Anton Stralman ($1.700m)
Justin Falk ($0.975m) / Stu Bickel ($0.750m)

GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($6.875m)
Martin Biron ($1.300m)

OTHER
Buried: Darroll Powe ($0.142m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled with the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000
CAP PAYROLL: $65,100,833
BONUSES: $650,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster with Hagelin on LTIR): -$150,833

Not a big fan but the most logical scenario... in this world lacking logic altogether

I agree this seems the most likely opening night roster at the moment.

 

[RangerBoy]

Everyone cleared waivers yesterday

 

[RangerBoy]

Hagelin found Stepan

https://twitter.com/CarlHagelin/status/383625083475865600

 

[Jabroni]

As the admitted mock "Panic!" guy around here, here are my thoughts:

- Hank looks bad. Slow and fighting the puck. Actively trying to make saves rather than letting the puck hie him.

- The forwards look awful. Only Zuccarello and D Moore has stood out to me on the positive side.

- Staal has been the team's best defenseman. Then J Moore. Then Stralman. Then there's a huge drop off.

- Kreider going to Hartford isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. The kid needs to be hungrier

- It's become clear why Pouliot has been with 5 teams in 6 years.

- I'm not sure what I'm missing with Fast but I don't see a guy who's ready to ready to play top 6 minutes in the NHL. And if he's not, then send him down and let him play.

- I don't see a difference in Brad Richards.

- I do in Rick Nash (and not in a good way).

- I know the system is new but the team looks awfully disorganized on the ice.

- The intensity the team has shown thus far is way down from years past.

- I'm not sure what purpose Dorsett serves at this moment.

- If I'm Ryan Callahan or Carl Hagelin, in pretty comfortable about my job status.

I know it's pre-season but I see bad habits, sloppy play and a lack of emotion that certainly is concerning.

I'd say I agree with everything here. The biggest positive is that Staal looks like he never missed a beat.