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

[GENESISPuck94]

Has there been not one fight in this series? Pathetic. I will die on the bill that this team is far softer than Quinn’s Rangers.

I mean, it's the same core of players, so nothing has really changed. And considering how invested they are in the core it doesn't look like much will change any time soon.

 

[EdJovanovski]

I mean, it's the same core of players, so nothing has really changed. And considering how invested they are in the core it doesn't look like much will change any time soon.

I think Lemieux, DeAngelo, Buchnevich, Smith, etc had more snarl than any of our new “grit” but I agree about the core. This performance has been embarrassing thus far. Not only are they soft but they are basically anti-clutch.

 

[Raspewtin]

Has there been not one fight in this series? Pathetic. I will die on the bill that this team is far softer than Quinn’s Rangers.

fights are very rare in the playoffs

 

[mas0764]

we will be put out of our misery tonight

I suspect so.

It's not easy to recover from a thrashing like the one they gave us.

And if anyone had any interest in defending the slot they would have started doing it at some point the last two games.

This isn't a two game skid where the puck bounces didn't go our way and we just have to figure out the right moves and we can recover. This is a beat down that we didn't have the answers to.

Playing with pride isn't a solution to this. The Penguins figured out a weakness and we are powerless to respond.

It would require us to pile on some goals tonite. Even a close game, the Penguins will find a way to pressure us into mistakes that lead to 3-4 goals again, at least.

 

[mas0764]

Totally agree on Reaves. Nothing more than a cheerleader at this point sadly.

His underlying numbers would suggest that was what he was most of the season.

Which was my problem with bringing in too many guys like him and Hunt.

This is why I will continue to go to bat for the idea that they should have just carved out a small exception for Kravtsov.

 

[EdJovanovski]

Imagine Igor shutting out the rest of the series. Imagine him waving to the Pens crowd after shutting them out in game 6

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

I think Lemieux, DeAngelo, Buchnevich, Smith, etc had more snarl than any of our new “grit” but I agree about the core. This performance has been embarrassing thus far. Not only are they soft but they are basically anti-clutch.

We saw that lineup. We didn't see a Goodrow, Blais, Motte lineup unfortunately.

 

[McRanger92]

His underlying numbers would suggest that was what he was most of the season.

Which was my problem with bringing in too many guys like him and Hunt.

This is why I will continue to go to bat for the idea that they should have just carved out a small exception for Kravtsov.

Reaves served his purpose in the locker room to unite a fractured team. There was immense value there and the extension was the cost of doing business to some extent.

Kravtsov has nothing to do with it, despite how much people want to shoehorn him into every discussion.

 

[mas0764]

Reaves served his purpose in the locker room to unite a fractured team. There was immense value there and the extension was the cost of doing business to some extent.

Kravtsov has nothing to do with it, despite how much people want to shoehorn him into every discussion.

Well, Hunt then. Or McKegg. Too much on-ice uselessness on the roster.

 

[TheDirtyH]

Betting against the Rangers until I'm rich or they win a championship >>>>>

 

[Harbour Dog]

Betting against the Rangers until I'm rich or they win a championship >>>>>

I hope you enjoy your mansion.

 

[Shadowtron]

I'm afraid its probably the latter

I'll be golfing during the game, Rongos will be joining me shortly after i feel.

This team is screwed if that's the case. Godspeed, Mr. Drury. lol!

 

[LORDE]

You would think the league *cough*cough* refs would want a game 6 at least

 

[bl02]

They started off pretty good monday eve in pitt with the Laf goal but when Nemeth takes that penalty you knew that would wipe away the good start. A stupid dumbass penalty that had no influence on the play.

 

[chosen]

I think the core is fine. Some of the major surrounding pieces are hurt, as I suspect some of the core is. Shesterkin has imploded, but I believe that's a blip.

The goal to me before the season was to make the playoffs and be a Cup contender next season. Playing like this in the first round has been a disappointment, though, because of how well the regular season went.

I'm not that annoyed by the top line, like some here are, I just think they are up against the best player in the NHL and an incredibly underrated Guentzel.

Goodrow and Motte are huge losses at this time of year. I think Copp, Panarin, and Fox are likely more hurt than we know.

Getting blown out tonight would be an embarrassment. I expect Reaves and a few others to set the initial physical tone, but they've yet to do so other than in one period of these pkayoffs.

On the plus side, Miller is becoming a major force and Laf looks ready to become a major offensive piece next season. I still can't figure out which way Kakko will go, but remain hopeful.

 

[DudMan28]

Feels like we win tonight and Friday, then get our hearts ripped out in a Game 7.

I'm ready to be hurt

 

[jacko23]

Play with pride and play F'IN DEFENSE!!! Is that too much to ask for during the Stanley Cup playoffs??

I dont watch every team, but from what i have seen, i feel like we simply chip it up the boards or away from the net more than anyone. Just buy enough time to reset and hope for the best.

Other teams breakouts look good, but ours, beyone the tactics above, is non existent and its been like that for YEARS

 

[zlev]

just win tonight and the season is a success

 

[chosen]

Reaves served his purpose in the locker room to unite a fractured team. There was immense value there and the extension was the cost of doing business to some extent.

Kravtsov has nothing to do with it, despite how much people want to shoehorn him into every discussion.

How does one quantify Reaves uniting a fractured team and why do you believe they were fractured? I think they were less experienced and incredibly young, but I'm not sure about fractured.

I rarely complain about individual players, although I have, but the fact that Nemeth remains in the lineup makes me believe the Rangers have no interest in keeping Zac Jones, which I find disappointing.

 

[Speedtrials]

Still hard to get over the last two games. If this core wants to stick together, they need to make a statement tonight.

 

[Taluss]

It’s not over until it’s over. I have a feeling Rangers get this one

 

[TheDirtyH]

The bright side is that I don't think they could possibly play any worse tonight than they did in game 4. After that performance, though, it's hard to muster any confidence that they'll keep the series alive tonight. If Hank were in net, I'd still believe. I miss him lol

 

[McRanger92]

How does one quantify Reaves uniting a fractured team and why do you believe they were fractured? I think they were less experienced and incredibly young, but I'm not sure about fractured.

I rarely complain about individual players, although I have, but the fact that Nemeth remains in the lineup makes me believe the Rangers have no interest in keeping Zac Jones, which I find disappointing.

"Fractured" is probably the wrong word but something was going on last year behind the scenes that wasnt good.

Nemeth shouldnt still be playing

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

Just dont f***ing embarrass us at home. If they lose tonight, fine, but it better be fighting tooth and nail. If they straight give up on home ice, it will not be pretty. New York has a lot of taxi's, and most are waiting right outside MSG.

 

[Fitzy]

The effort tonight will say a lot about this leadership group.

I really don't want to end the season thinking the team has a rotten core.