Player Discussion Brett Howden

[offdacrossbar]

To me, from the start of camp to the last game, Andersson has been more involved and has been better than both Strome and Howden. I understand the desire to view them both at that slot, but if feels like nothing that Andersson has done has diminished that he needs to be playing more. And frankly I see no reason as to not to try him there.

andersson has not, on any planet, been better than ryan strome.

and that aint saying much because strome hasnt been more than just ok to good.

ill give you some time to withdraw/redact that statement.

 

[kovazub94]

To me, from the start of camp to the last game, Andersson has been more involved and has been better than both Strome and Howden. I understand the desire to view them both at that slot, but if feels like nothing that Andersson has done has diminished that he needs to be playing more. And frankly I see no reason as to not to try him there.

Again, Howden didn't show he's ready but was given a chance and didn't take advantage (i.e. failed). Do you really think Andersson showed so much more than Howden to give you a hope he'll succeed?

 

[True Blue]

really ?

Really. Andersson has shown as much as anyone that he deserves a) more time b) a shot at 2C

 

[True Blue]

Again, Howden didn't show he's ready but was given a chance and didn't take advantage (i.e. failed). Do you really think Andersson showed so much more than Howden to give you a hope he'll succeed?

Yes. Howden could not do it. Until yesterday, Strome looked pretty poor. Andersson has performed better than the other two in camp and to start the year was certainly more visible. If the other two cannot grab the bull by the horns, then why no?

 

[NYR Viper]

I am noticing this thread went silent after the game last night. Surprising considering this 21 year old center played his best game of the season. It's easier to be negative all the time though

 

[kovazub94]

Yes. Howden could not do it. Until yesterday, Strome looked pretty poor. Andersson has performed better than the other two in camp and to start the year was certainly more visible. If the other two cannot grab the bull by the horns, then why no?

Strome did well for long stretches last year, I completely disagree that Andersson was better than Strome at any point this year (unless you see what you want to see) and Strome is a vet, not a developing prospect.

Specifically to Strome I think a lot of people have inherent prejudice against him from being a high Isles pick and then having a largely disappointing development and performance with them and later with Oilers. After an adjustment period I was very impressed with Strome as a Ranger last year. He might be another case of a player who needed a scenery change and a right environment and specific role to finally provide a very adequate performance. You say until last game he looked poor but I again disagree as after a slow start (and not meshing with Kreider and Kakko) Strome was turning in an improving performance from game to game with other wingers. (Look at how mostly unimpressive Zibanejad was with these two last game). And while he can't carry a line - he works hard and is able to support and keep up to a degree with more skilled forwards.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Howden had probably his best game of 2019 last night. Definitely a good fit with Lemieux.

 

[NYR Viper]

Howden had probably his best game of 2019 last night. Definitely a good fit with Lemieux.

Agreed and Fast on that line made them a solid forechecking 2-way line.

 

[Raspewtin]

he was terrific last night. very happy for him. probably his best pro game ever.

 

[True Blue]

Strome did well for long stretches last year, I completely disagree that Andersson was better than Strome at any point this year (unless you see what you want to see) and Strome is a vet, not a developing prospect.

I know what Strome did last year. But until last game, I think that Andersson has been better and more noticeable.

Specifically to Strome I think a lot of people have inherent prejudice against him from being a high Isles pick and then having a largely disappointing development and performance with them and later with Oilers. After an adjustment period I was very impressed with Strome as a Ranger last year. He might be another case of a player who needed a scenery change and a right environment and specific role to finally provide a very adequate performance.

I do not disagree and was one of his biggest supporters. I thought that he changed his game and earned the shot to see if he can take another step forward. But with that said, until last night, the more expectations that were placed, the worse his performance became. I would love nothing more than for him to continue to build on what he did last year.

 

[CaptTennille]

I think it's pretty clear that Brett's tools are perfect for the system Quinn wants to play (Big/Fast/Simple/Disruptive) while a guy like Lias is a little too cerebral and patient for his liking.

It's a shame really, because effort is not the same thing as efficiency. To make a bad analogy, DQ prefers Howden flailing about trying to tread water than to Andersson being on a pool float.

Regardless, Brett was excellent last night and even though I have my doubts about his overall upside, it's clear he can become an important cog on any NHL team if he is committed to playing like he did last night. He just needs to figure out how to be a little more "thoughtful" on some of his routes so he's not chasing the play so much on off nights.

 

[haveandare]

He played really well last night. The whole team did for the most part. Like most if not all of our really young players, they can find their ways to have impacts when the team is going but they're not really capable of making the team or their line go yet. That's not all that rare for young guys who aren't crazy top prospects. Hopefully Howden and the team can find ways to make this happen more often.

 

[mrmovies779]

Great game last night.Hopefully he is able to build on it and keep it going.If he could develop into a Steve Rucchin lite type,it would be huge for this team

 

[hi]

He is not a good NHL hockey player at this precise moment in our universes history

To the A with him

 

[Raspewtin]

DQ can’t possibly believe Howden is doing a good job out there right ?

 

[SA16]

DQ can’t possibly believe Howden is doing a good job out there right ?

Well he thinks he's doing well enough...*checks stats*...play three of his biggest TOI games the last three games.

 

[Levitate]

Guy is invisible at best on the ice every time he's out there and coach sees nothign wrong with this...

I don't hate Howden but this blind spot the coaches seem to have for him is concerning because it also seems like it may be hindering his development.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Still waiting for that "accountability"

 

[redwhiteandblue]

I mean, letting Howden be this bad just to let Andersson rot screams that DQ has something personal with Lias.

At some point, maybe Quinn should question "am I a hockey God? Or is it possible I've been wrong about Howden/Andersson". It seems like at this point if he can swallow his pride and give Andersson a try out for more than 2 minutes, we may get some sort of answer that helps us moving forward.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I mean, letting Howden be this bad just to let Andersson rot screams that DQ has something personal with Lias.

At some point, maybe Quinn should question "am I a hockey God? Or is it possible I've been wrong about Howden/Andersson". It seems like at this point if he can swallow his pride and give Andersson a try out for more than 2 minutes, we may get some sort of answer that helps us moving forward.

A change in the line-up doesn't always have to be about a guy deserving to move up. It should also be about a guy forcing to be moved down. Lias has not been bad in the role he was given, but Howden has. What's the harm in at least trying something else? But it isn't happening any time soon unfortunately. Ideally, both go to Hartford and Nieves centers the 4th line

 

[MetalJaws]

Nothing is going to happen in the bottom 6 as long as the Rangers are putting in good efforts. Howden looks bad. Has since day one. He's always just gaining the line and dumping it in. Playing it safe, never wants the puck and is always getting knocked down. Zero offensive IQ. Has no hands, no shot.

I think he could be a great 4th line Center and PK player. That's what you need.

However for the Lias supporters, Lias has been just as bad if not worse. Unfortunately Lias might need to move to wing and play 4th line as well. Def. not deserving of a top 9 role with his play that's for sure.

 

[Chytilmania]

At one point in the 3rd they showed TOI and Howden had more than Chytil. Not sure how it ended but c'mon that's nuts.

 

[Fvital92]

At one point in the 3rd they showed TOI and Howden had more than Chytil. Not sure how it ended but c'mon that's nuts.

He had more total time on ice, mainly because of the PK. Chytil had more time 5v5, but the difference was like 20 seconds, which is crazy if you watch the last 7 games.

 

[haveandare]

He's really disappointing so far imo. Gotta hope he can improve, and he's definitely still young enough to get better, but he just doesn't seem to be any better now than he was when he first played last year. Chytil looks worlds better. Lias started the year improved over last year and is kind languishing now. Howden hasn't really improved at all. He's had good games but them seem to be one offs. He should probably go down for a bit.

 

[Levitate]

It's really not OK at this point because taht line continues to get their teeth kicked in again and again and it's silly to expect them to be anything but terrible defensively when you have an 18 year old rookie and two second year players and none of them are good defensively yet.

One way or another that line needs a veteran on it to help them out