Post-Game Talk: Devils @ Rongos

[mas0764]

Kakko looked real good after a kind of slow first period. Setup so many chances
Kid line looked good, Blais didn’t fit on the first line, D looked AHL level at best

Frustrating that he still seems snakebit in terms of compiling points. He’s doing everything else well but scoring.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

Post Game Interviews. Adam Fox, Sammy Blais and Coach Gerard Gallant.






LowLights

 

[bleedblue94]

Blais is absolutely not suited for a top 6 role even when he is in game rhythm. The vesey is going to get a very good shot to make this team and I can't wait till he gets a look with zib and Kreider and this place melts down.

If they keep the kids together then kravtsov is going to probably start with tro and bread, then we have a mess. One thing that may happen is the kids dominate in a manner that sees them producing as a 2 line and panarin moves up with zib and Kreider. That would allow trocheck to pair with kravtsov and someone like blais to make a nice banging and energy line w skill. The issue w the roster they drew up is they are missing the player for zibs line. That player isn't on the roster right now and will be added later but it's frustrating now, unless they didn't have intentions of keeping the kid line together this year. Blais just isn't a top 6 player and is being asked to do more than he should be.

 

[mas0764]

Blais is absolutely not suited for a top 6 role even when he is in game rhythm. The vesey is going to get a very good shot to make this team and I can't wait till he gets a look with zib and Kreider and this place melts down.

If they keep the kids together then kravtsov is going to probably start with tro and bread, then we have a mess. One thing that may happen is the kids dominate in a manner that sees them producing as a 2 line and panarin moves up with zib and Kreider. That would allow trocheck to pair with kravtsov and someone like blais to make a nice banging and energy line w skill. The issue w the roster they drew up is they are missing the player for zibs line. That player isn't on the roster right now and will be added later but it's frustrating now, unless they didn't have intentions of keeping the kid line together this year. Blais just isn't a top 6 player and is being asked to do more than he should be.

They should break up the kid line. And if no one works with Kreider and Zibanejad then *gulp* Kreider and his 52 goals may have to move to another line. Yes that would be the third line.

When/if Othmann makes the team next year the top 9 will be much better off. With Blais on the fourth line, or maybe just not even paid for to be on the team at all. Get some of the kids like Cuylle and Berard up for those spots.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Blais is absolutely not suited for a top 6 role even when he is in game rhythm. The vesey is going to get a very good shot to make this team and I can't wait till he gets a look with zib and Kreider and this place melts down.

If they keep the kids together then kravtsov is going to probably start with tro and bread, then we have a mess. One thing that may happen is the kids dominate in a manner that sees them producing as a 2 line and panarin moves up with zib and Kreider. That would allow trocheck to pair with kravtsov and someone like blais to make a nice banging and energy line w skill. The issue w the roster they drew up is they are missing the player for zibs line. That player isn't on the roster right now and will be added later but it's frustrating now, unless they didn't have intentions of keeping the kid line together this year. Blais just isn't a top 6 player and is being asked to do more than he should be.

The limiting factor in Kreider-Zibanejad isn't the lack of a RW, it's that Kreider and Zibanejad aren't really good together 5v5.

Zib-Buchnevich worked, Laf-Zib worked. Kreider-Chytil has worked and even Kreider-Strome, despite being a high event fest was a pairing that worked in our favor.

Kreider-Tro-Blais may even be an interesting line tbh. He's got a decent amount of time in the top 6 for St. Louis and was pretty effective there and Trocheck 100% plays a Blais friendly style. Kreider can too, but hes gotten further and further away from it as time has gone on.

They should break up the kid line. And if no one works with Kreider and Zibanejad then *gulp* Kreider and his 52 goals may have to move to another line. Yes that would be the third line.

When/if Othmann makes the team next year the top 9 will be much better off. With Blais on the fourth line, or maybe just not even paid for to be on the team at all. Get some of the kids like Cuylle and Berard up for those spots.

They shouldn't do this unless they have to.

They've been a pretty dominant trio since being put together and really should be deployed more, not broken up and sprinkled around other lines that won't be as effective as they are collectively. No one should have a problem with them staying together, they need to figure out the other scoring lines and hope that Panarin doesn't suck this season.

 

[bleedblue94]

They should break up the kid line. And if no one works with Kreider and Zibanejad then *gulp* Kreider and his 52 goals may have to move to another line. Yes that would be the third line.

When/if Othmann makes the team next year the top 9 will be much better off. With Blais on the fourth line, or maybe just not even paid for to be on the team at all. Get some of the kids like Cuylle and Berard up for those spots.

We don't have players ready, and this will be the group for the next couple of years so buckle up folks. This is what I've been saying in the trocheck thread. They are officially boxed in with this group at this point.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Their roster was also atrocious.

Good game to see who deserves cutting.

the entire bottom 4 and bottom 6 lol

The limiting factor in Kreider-Zibanejad isn't the lack of a RW, it's that Kreider and Zibanejad aren't really good together 5v5.

Zib-Buchnevich worked, Laf-Zib worked. Kreider-Chytil has worked and even Kreider-Strome, despite being a high event fest was a pairing that worked in our favor.

Kreider-Tro-Blais may even be an interesting line tbh. He's got a decent amount of time in the top 6 for St. Louis and was pretty effective there and Trocheck 100% plays a Blais friendly style. Kreider can too, but hes gotten further and further away from it as time has gone on.



They shouldn't do this unless they have to.

They've been a pretty dominant trio since being put together and really should be deployed more, not broken up and sprinkled around other lines that won't be as effective as they are collectively. No one should have a problem with them staying together, they need to figure out the other scoring lines and hope that Panarin doesn't suck this season.

Gallant will never, ever split up Zib and Kreider even though they're only good on the PK apparently lol

We don't have players ready, and this will be the group for the next couple of years so buckle up folks. This is what I've been saying in the trocheck thread. They are officially boxed in with this group at this point.

i like the group just fine, don't like the lines

 

[egelband]

yeah. I would leave the Kid Line together. Let those guys develop plenty of confidence. They seem to be in a good spot right now. Developing these guys should be job one right now.

 

[egelband]

We don't have players ready, and this will be the group for the next couple of years so buckle up folks. This is what I've been saying in the trocheck thread. They are officially boxed in with this group at this point.

Yep. Strome to Trocheck - for better or for worse - was the last significant puzzle piece. I personally love this roster, considering the cap constraints. Top to bottom this is a strong lineup. Plus there are some good players coming up and a good number of draft picks stockpiled. All there is left to do is some window dressing. Probably Gauthier for a pick. Some waiver wire machinations... Buckle up.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

Most of the fringe guys in the lineup will be sent down and are not NHLers.

I'd say Edstrom looked good. I didn't know he could skate like that. Another year in Sweden won't hurt him. He can come back next year and challenge for a bottom six role.

Othmann can cook another year in juniors. He still has stuff to work on.

I'd keep both Edstrom and Othmann around for all of camp and let them practice with different people and play 1-2 more games.

So if they start the Kid Line together and Vesey makes the team (he will) then it's basically 2 of 4 from Kravstov/Blais/Vessey/Goodrow playing with the Ziba line and Trochek line.

The fourth line and 13th may be the other half of that group plus Reaves and Carpenter.

Gauthier is going to be claimed by a Seattle or Winnipeg or someone looking for a reclamation project with patience. He reminds me of a WWE Attitude Era wrestler. He has his one move that he does every game (drive to the net).

 

[McRanger92]

Rangers need to make more cuts and Gallant needs to cut the shit and start playing more full lineups. Pre-season should be 4 games, 5 at the absolute most.

 

[tomobson]

I think ppl are counting out Blais a little too early. I'm not sure who you can add to the top line to make them a good 5v5 line. They just need Blais to bang bodies in the ozone and and play more structured in the other two. Let Kreider and Zib work their off the rush magic. I wouldn't mind giving that trio a good chunk of games if the kid line and Panarin line are doing well.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Blais hasnt played a game in what…10 months? He actually didnt even look that bad all things considering.

 

[Psycho for Perreault]

Do we actually want Laf on line 1? Kreider and Mika 5v5 is a demotion for Laf. I guess he can get more practice in the defensive zone.

Keep the kid line together and play them.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Damn, gonna be an awkward convo with Panarin.

Doesn't have to be. Blais has no business being on the Kreider-Zibanejad line. And Trocheck is not much better than Strome. There's an expectation of something from him that isn't there. Lafreniere should be on PP1. There's no reason Blais and Trocheck, not exactly world beaters, should be priorities over our #1 overall pick.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Do we actually want Laf on line 1? Kreider and Mika 5v5 is a demotion for Laf. I guess he can get more practice in the defensive zone.

Keep the kid line together and play them.

If there was some precedent with Gallant from last season to expect the Kid Line to get more 5v5 ice time and have Laf and Kakko get more special teams time... but there isn't. Gallant has shown to lean on the top 2 lines at 5v5 and those guys mostly take the special teams time as well. Not sure he's suddenly going to change his ways.

 

[Ola]

Frustrating that he still seems snakebit in terms of compiling points. He’s doing everything else well but scoring.

Early, Zucc was like that to, or perhaps it’s more correct to say that it happen to him to. Early on he played really well but Torts wouldn’t trust him and you were hoping for him to pile up pts but they never came.

No matter what, ultimately creating chances is all that matters and I much rather have someone creating chances not scoring than the other way around.

 

[JHS]

Blais is going to struggle if in the top 6. His skill set is best on a third line role. He’s also never shown a scoring touch at all during his NHL career. The roster has the same fatal flaw it had last year- we have 2 top lines missing that third forward to make them complete and far too many bottom 6 types. Those thinking Vesey will close one of the top 6 holes are probably showing their incredibly bad hockey knowledge and solidifying their place on the “are you kidding me” list. Vesey has no place in the top 6 on virtually any NHL roster and if he’s your best hope to fill the gap on the Rangers top 6 we are in far worse shape than anyone is giving credit too.

I will say this, I would expect a lot of the goals to be scored on the power play. The power play is the Rangers best offensive threat and 5 on 5 play will hopefully be good enough until a legit top 6 winger becomes available at the trade deadline.

 

[eco's bones]

A loss like this in your third preseason game is pretty much about this: we know who was in the lineup last night who are locks to make the team. Those who were fighting for spots last night who didn’t play very well though have made it a lot easier for the coaching staff to send them to Hartford. In that respect last night’s game was useful for us. It helps us whittle down the numbers at camp.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

So as i said a while back, this is the opening night unless they give Othmann his games before sending him back.

Kreider zib blais
Panarin Trochek Kravtsov
Laf chytil kakko
vesey/Goodrow/Reaves/Hunt

top 4
Jones Schneider
hajek

 

[Psycho for Perreault]

If there was some precedent with Gallant from last season to expect the Kid Line to get more 5v5 ice time and have Laf and Kakko get more special teams time... but there isn't. Gallant has shown to lean on the top 2 lines at 5v5 and those guys mostly take the special teams time as well. Not sure he's suddenly going to change his ways.

I mean, that's the unfortunate reality with him. If GG isn't just talking a bunch of BS and is serious about giving the kids more time, then all is fine. He should also want to. Who needs to waste regular season ice time on vets who we will need fresher in the playoffs?

 

[EpicDing]

Maybe I'm crazy, but why not try Othmann with Zib and Kreider? Feels like he's be able to utilize his shot well on the off wing.

 

[eco's bones]

Blais is going to struggle if in the top 6. His skill set is best on a third line role. He’s also never shown a scoring touch at all during his NHL career. The roster has the same fatal flaw it had last year- we have 2 top lines missing that third forward to make them complete and far too many bottom 6 types. Those thinking Vesey will close one of the top 6 holes are probably showing their incredibly bad hockey knowledge and solidifying their place on the “are you kidding me” list. Vesey has no place in the top 6 on virtually any NHL roster and if he’s your best hope to fill the gap on the Rangers top 6 we are in far worse shape than anyone is giving credit too.

I will say this, I would expect a lot of the goals to be scored on the power play. The power play is the Rangers best offensive threat and 5 on 5 play will hopefully be good enough until a legit top 6 winger becomes available at the trade deadline.

I'd like to see better 5v5 numbers. I expect that to improve as some of our younger players get better. All that said I'd rather have an excellent power too than not. It doesn't necessarily have to be a trade off of one for the other. I also don't see good reason to split up Panarin, Mika, Kreider and Fox on power play 1---it's more a question of who is going to be the 5th guy and that most likely looks like it's going to be Trocheck and here I would like to see either Lafreniere or Kakko get a real shot but that's really up to the coaches. I think all of them could work though.

On Vesey I don't have an issue signing him at minimum or very close. No more than $850 case for one year. At least what we've seen in his first two preseason games has been effective and I like guys in bottom 6 roles (and pretty much I prefer to see Vesey on the 4th line if we do sign him) who can penalty kill. He's also a guy I think (but less so) like Goodrow who can move up in the lineup to the 3rd if it becomes necessary. I certainly don't feel attached at this point to Hunt, Carpenter or Gauthier. IMO all three have negligible value.

Right now my 12 forwards would be Mika, Panarin, Kreider, Trocheck, Lafreniere, Kakko, Chytil, Goodrow, Kravtsov, Blais, Reaves, Vesey with Hunt, Carpenter, Rykov and Brodzinski fighting it out for the 13th spot and if a more skilled forward were injured in the last three games I would consider Othmann as a potential replacement. I might play Cuylle again in the last 3 but off his first game I'm thinking he'd be best off getting some time in Hartford. As far as Gauthier, Gettinger, Khodorenko, Henriksson they'd be on their way to the Pack and Edstrom to Sweden. Smith and Elson already passing through waivers I expect to go to Hartford. Pajuniemi hasn't played yet and I suspect he's Hartford bound too.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Blais is absolutely not suited for a top 6 role even when he is in game rhythm. The vesey is going to get a very good shot to make this team and I can't wait till he gets a look with zib and Kreider and this place melts down.

If they keep the kids together then kravtsov is going to probably start with tro and bread, then we have a mess. One thing that may happen is the kids dominate in a manner that sees them producing as a 2 line and panarin moves up with zib and Kreider. That would allow trocheck to pair with kravtsov and someone like blais to make a nice banging and energy line w skill. The issue w the roster they drew up is they are missing the player for zibs line. That player isn't on the roster right now and will be added later but it's frustrating now, unless they didn't have intentions of keeping the kid line together this year. Blais just isn't a top 6 player and is being asked to do more than he should be.

well if they weren't so married to the "Kid line" they could try one of Kakko, Laf, or even Krav on Zib's wing , but no they will try and jam a bottom 6er in there instead and that line is going to stink

 

[mas0764]

The limiting factor in Kreider-Zibanejad isn't the lack of a RW, it's that Kreider and Zibanejad aren't really good together 5v5.

Zib-Buchnevich worked, Laf-Zib worked. Kreider-Chytil has worked and even Kreider-Strome, despite being a high event fest was a pairing that worked in our favor.

Kreider-Tro-Blais may even be an interesting line tbh. He's got a decent amount of time in the top 6 for St. Louis and was pretty effective there and Trocheck 100% plays a Blais friendly style. Kreider can too, but hes gotten further and further away from it as time has gone on.



They shouldn't do this unless they have to.

They've been a pretty dominant trio since being put together and really should be deployed more, not broken up and sprinkled around other lines that won't be as effective as they are collectively. No one should have a problem with them staying together, they need to figure out the other scoring lines and hope that Panarin doesn't suck this season.

But they are being deployed as a third line. Why have a non functioning first line at its expense? They need to find three lines that work.