GDT: ECQF Game 5 - New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins - 7pm EST - MSG, ESPN - Series (Pit 3-1)

[mas0764]

I think it's just that each and every one of the "playoff grit" guys we got are out other than Lindgren. The current bunch of healthy guys are just not mentally able to play playoff hockey without that gritty help.

I mean, I can't think of any other reason than mental.

Well that should tell you that we probably need 2-3 more forwards who can play both top 6 minutes and be tough to play against.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

If I am a neutral fan, and not knowing who is facing elimination, I would say it's PIT with the way they are playing.

This team has no life aside from that 3rd line.

 

[TGWL]

The hype train on Vatrano faded. He came in and gave that line a spark, but he was never going to be driving that line. He's not a 1RW and there's no room for him in a top 6 role. He probably priced himself out of being a 3rw for us and I'm not sure that even works for our lineup.

 

[CLW]

Every team has injuries, but you have to think Goodrow, Blais and Motte were a big part of Drury and GG's plan to shut things down come playoff time. To have none of the 3 available probably hurts more than their individual contributions let on

Yeh but you can't have ALL your grit outside the top 6 AND no "real" centers. Add Gallant's basic setup mistakes that are EXTREMELY visible right now and we have what we see on the ice.

 

[Fataldogg]

Except the results say otherwise. We don’t have enough forward talent, they are getting abused and we have no options.

I’m not convinced Gallant is ultimately the right guy but he can’t make magic.

I think we need more center depth and you need more depth on defense. That could be acquired through trades and free agency though. Retool on the fly, don't rebuild with all of this elite talent in their prime in my opinion.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Ridiculous. Gallant can't do it for them.

Has there been a single adjustment on the roster, matchups, or overall game plan the entire series? The answer is no. Pitt has been prepared and attacked our game left and right. We have no answer because our coach is a fool who just tries to jam a square peg into a round hole time after time after time.

 

[Doctyl]

On a positive note, Laf and Chytil have been pretty good. I'd hope next season we move on from Strome and give Chytil a long look at that 2C with Panarin. We can always add at the deadline if the experiment goes poorly, but I think he might finally be ready for the next step.

After this series and Schneider's emergence, I'd truly considering moving Trouba if we can to free up cap space as well.

Schneider has been a bottom 3 player on this roster since he joined it and I’m tired of pretending he hasn’t been a problem. Good for the kid getting the opportunity. I like him as a prospect. He is an atrocious hockey player right now.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Devils deliberately tank for 1 overall and lose it. Love to see it.

I have no respect for teams that try to lose.

 

[Crease]

If I am a neutral fan, and not knowing who is facing elimination, I would say it's PIT with the way they are playing.

This team has no life aside from that 3rd line.

Vets see the writing on the wall, whereas the kids naively think they still have a chance to make a run.

 

[TGWL]

I think we need more center depth and you need more depth on defense. That could be acquired through trades and free agency though. Retool on the fly, don't rebuild with all of this elite talent in their prime in my opinion.

There's no spots available other than 3rd pairing LD, or 2 bottom pairing players if you want Schneider away from the roster.

 

[Leonardo87]

Every team has injuries, but you have to think Goodrow, Blais and Motte were a big part of Drury and GG's plan to shut things down come playoff time. To have none of the 3 available probably hurts more than their individual contributions let on

Absolutely. But the issue is Mika, Panarin, and Shesty having big seasons is not translating to the playoffs. I’m a firm believer that sure you can win a cup with elite generational talent like a Crosby or Patrick Kane but it’s not necessary. Rangers have a few elite guys and it’s just not translating to playoff success.

 

[TheGortonConspiracy]

I think it's just that each and every one of the "playoff grit" guys we got are out other than Lindgren. The current bunch of healthy guys are just not mentally able to play playoff hockey without that gritty help.

I mean, I can't think of any other reason than mental.

What a coincidence. It's almost like those guys were forced to put in double the work to cover for the guys like Zib, Panarin, Strome

 

[SA16]

The hype train on Vatrano faded. He came in and gave that line a spark, but he was never going to be driving that line. He's not a 1RW and there's no room for him in a top 6 role. He probably priced himself out of being a 3rw for us and I'm not sure that even works for our lineup.

He has 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 games. What do you want him to have? 6 goals in 4 games?

 

[bl02]

I honestly don't wanna hear about injuries this isn't the 2015 ECF vs Tampa.
Plenty of bodies to make a difference.

 

[Dijock94]

On a positive note, Laf and Chytil have been pretty good. I'd hope next season we move on from Strome and give Chytil a long look at that 2C with Panarin. We can always add at the deadline if the experiment goes poorly, but I think he might finally be ready for the next step.

After this series and Schneider's emergence, I'd truly considering moving Trouba if we can to free up cap space as well.

Agreed Chytil up and Goodrow 3c

 

[I Eat Crow]

Somewhere in between Columbus and Montreal, there are two NHL executives laughing their balls off.

They're the ones that assembled the core of this team. They aren't making a peep.

 

[DuneGoon84]

Well, Domingue will get lit up I can promise you tbis, just not by us. He is an AHLer for a reason. We can't seem to generate any offense.

 

[LORDE]

I shouldn't allow it to get to me, but man is this depressing

 

[NYRFANMANI]

I don't have like a masher, so I boil the potatos, then blend them with some added flavors--cinnamon, and a little almond milk and maple syrup. Plus salt

I hear you, sounds great, will try that. Thx

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Why does Kreider keep hitting the brakes before he hits someone and then holds the guy. Hit the darn guy. Reeves line at least is hitting. Pens are stacking the neautral zone. Rangers need to dump and them hammer these guys through the boards. Stop carrying it.

He's done that for years. It's annoying.

 

[TheGortonConspiracy]

I shouldn't allow it to get to me, it but man is this depressing

Same, I started drinking heavy in the first LOL

 

[ETTER DE]

Carolina on home ice is using Fast and Skjei ( together with Pesce, Staal and Niedereiter) to shut down the Perfection Line. I miss Fast.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Schneider has been a bottom 3 player on this roster since he joined it and I’m tired of pretending he hasn’t been a problem. Good for the kid getting the opportunity. I like him as a prospect. He is an atrocious hockey player right now.

He has been glued to Nemeth. He will be fine with an actual hockey player alongside him and we also have several RD in the pipeline that should also get a shot. Trouba sucks up a boatload of cap space that could be put to better use elsewhere.

 

[Bluto]

I'm not ready to give up on Schneider. It's his fist f***ing season and the poor kid had Nemeth as a partner. He probably has severe PTSD of Nemeth turning it over in the corner and leaving him out to dry.

 

[Kane One]

Devils deliberately tank for 1 overall and lose it. Love to see it.

I have no respect for teams that try to lose.

What? The Devils finished the 5th worst team and got 2nd. They succeeded there.