Post-Game Talk: End of Season Discussion

[chosen]

There is no fire in this team whatsoever. Detroit wants it. They're up 3-1 on "give them the Cup already" Chicago. They are playing like it's a Stanley Cup playoff game. We looked like we're playing a beer league regular season game that is totally unimportant. I really wanted John Scott or Steve Ott at the deadline, because they fire up the team and are locker room leaders.

Yes. The Rangers played like it was an exhibition game in Cleveland.

John Scott was clearly the missing piece this year.

Ott really lit a fire under the Sabres this year.

As I write this, Detroit is down two goals. Does this mean that they have no "fire" tonight? Do you believe that the team with more "fire" usually wins?

Whatever it is that fire means.

 

[Green Blob*]

Maybe in another system

No. In OUR system.

He better be resigned TOMORROW.

2nd in points on the team in the playoffs.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Yes. The Rangers played like it was an exhibition game in Cleveland.

John Scott was clearly the missing piece this year.

Ott really lit a fire under the Sabres this year.

As I write this, Detroit is down two goals. Does this mean that they have no "fire" tonight? Do you believe that the team with more "fire" usually wins?

Whatever it is that fire means.

 

[mrhockey193195]

I saw Leetch's entire career and if your contention is that Leetch had some bad games, he did. If you think Leetch at that point in his career was worse than Del Zotto at this point in his career, I could not disagree more.

I haven't read the thread...but if somebody is seriously saying that? Holy cow. Leetch won the Calder Trophy. In 1992, Leetch scored 100+ points and won the Norris. MDZ is nowhere close.

That doesn't mean MDZ is a bad defensemen (he had a very poor playoffs). Brian Leetch was lightyears ahead at the same age.

 

[mrhockey193195]

Yes. The Rangers played like it was an exhibition game in Cleveland.

John Scott was clearly the missing piece this year.

Ott really lit a fire under the Sabres this year.

As I write this, Detroit is down two goals. Does this mean that they have no "fire" tonight? Do you believe that the team with more "fire" usually wins?

Whatever it is that fire means.

glad to hear a voice of reason . I understand and applaud the passion...I just wish our fanbase wasn't so bipolar.

 

[chosen]

I haven't read the thread...but if somebody is seriously saying that? Holy cow. Leetch won the Calder Trophy. In 1992, Leetch scored 100+ points and won the Norris. MDZ is nowhere close.

That doesn't mean MDZ is a bad defensemen (he had a very poor playoffs). Brian Leetch was lightyears ahead at the same age.

Somebody really said that. Maybe this was the first game they ever saw and they only saw Leetch on their dad's old VHS tapes.

 

[Callagraves]

I agree massively that Callahan should be on a checking line, something like line 2B. I want to see Hagelin-O'Reilly-Callahan next year.

If that's a 3rd line, I want to see our 2nd.

 

[Water1]

No. In OUR system.

He better be resigned TOMORROW.

2nd in points on the team in the playoffs.

Wasn't tough to do
The guys that should have been doing the job were not
Plenty of guys with more size can do what he does.
Can't put the puck in the net
Sorry I just don't like him as a player on the rangers

 

[chosen]

Watched the Wayne Brady piece last night.

 

[Kreider Typical]

Maybe in another system

we'll just have to agree to disagree... this series he and brassard have easily been our best puck movers. puck movement is important in any system. it tires the other team out faster than yours and it gets quality shots on net and leads to goals. he's been good for us. he doesn't have to be sidney crosby(shudder) but he's definitely done his job... more than we can say about half this team.

 

[Green Blob*]

Wasn't tough to do
The guys that should have been doing the job were not
Plenty of guys with more size can do what he does.
Can't put the puck in the net
Sorry I just don't like him as a player on the rangers

Ok, but Zucc WAS. So we should get rid of him?


Zucc is the best playmaker on the team, do you want to get rid of him to get another grinder like Pyatt who can do nothing in the offensive zone?

You want to get rid of one of the few offensive tools we have on a team that struggles so much to score goals, i just don't understand.

 

[chosen]

we'll just have to agree to disagree... this series he and brassard have easily been our best puck movers. puck movement is important in any system. it tires the other team out faster than yours and it gets quality shots on net and leads to goals. he's been good for us. he doesn't have to be sidney crosby(shudder) but he's definitely done his job... more than we can say about half this team.

Zuccarello strikes me as a luxury item. On a very complete team, he would be a nice finishing touch. As a primary player he is not very useful.

 

[JCrusher*]

Kreider will be a beast next year, huge with that much speed and bodychecking ability, those were huge checks

I agree. im the first one to admit that kreider failed to live up to the hype this year. However he was only a rookie and it was a very short season with no training camp. Kreider said he learned a lot about the pro game and it certainly showed near the end of the season and in the playoffs. Nash-Stepan-Kreider will be a good line for us in the future

 

[Kreider Typical]

Ok, but Zucc WAS. So we should get rid of him?


Zucc is the best playmaker on the team, do you want to get rid of him to get another grinder like Pyatt who can do nothing in the offensive zone?

pyatt was another one of our best playoff performers... he brought a lot on both sides of the ice. he may not have numbers, but he was completely underrated in the playoffs.
not the best argument. lol

 

[Chief]

Callahan is at his best when he keeps his game simple. His attempts at being creative with the puck usually end up as turnovers. And, Hagelin has a great motor, but, the idea that he's skilled enough to be a top six forward has always confounded me. But, both players are ideal in a strong fore-checking system.

Couldn't disagree more. People have no problem with Dustin Brown being on the top line in LA and he's not better than Callahan. Cally is perfect as this team's #2 RW and one who should get PP time.

 

[chosen]

I agree. im the first one to admit that kreider failed to live up to the hype this year. However he was only a rookie and it was a very short season with no training camp. Kreider said he learned a lot about the pro game and it certainly showed near the end of the season and in the playoffs. Nash-Stepan-Kreider will be a good line for us in the future

Wish he was more of a natural finisher, but if he becomes a guy who consistently uses his speed and body he would be worthwhile on that line.

 

[Water1]

Ok, but Zucc WAS. So we should get rid of him?


Zucc is the best playmaker on the team, do you want to get rid of him to get another grinder like Pyatt who can do nothing in the offensive zone?

You want to get rid of one of the few offensive tools we have on a team that struggles so much to score goals, i just don't understand.

I don't want anymore grinders, wouldn't mind winning games 6-5, maybe you see something I don't .
That's cool, just don't think he is going to in on many of those 6 goal. Just my opinion

 

[Ghost of jas]

Couldn't disagree more. People have no problem with Dustin Brown being on the top line in LA and he's not better than Callahan. Cally is perfect as this team's #2 RW and one who should get PP time.

Got no problem with him on the PP in front of the net. That's where he's successful. He's a player I want matched up against the opposing team's top line as a shut down forward. I think Callahan on a line with Hagelin and Boyle is a superb 3rd line, and makes this team deeper.

 

[Kershaw]

Couldn't disagree more. People have no problem with Dustin Brown being on the top line in LA and he's not better than Callahan. Cally is perfect as this team's #2 RW and one who should get PP time.

Callahan is not better than Dustin Brown.

 

[BroadwayBlues]

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
Hagelin-Brassard-Callahan
Fast-Lindberg-Clowe
Dorsett-Boyle-Asham

McDonaugh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Del Zotto-Moore

McIlrath waiting...

 

[Green Blob*]

I don't want anymore grinders, wouldn't mind winning games 6-5, maybe you see something I don't .
That's cool, just don't think he is going to in on many of those 6 goal. Just my opinion

Then why do you want Zucc gone?

I can't really understand what you posted.

 

[chosen]

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
Hagelin-Brassard-Callahan
Fast-Lindberg-Clowe
Dorsett-Boyle-Asham

McDonaugh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Del Zotto-Moore

McIlrath waiting...

Until there is a real offensive defenseman or two in that group, it will be sorely lacking and will be a severe impediment to taking it all.

 

[Water1]

Then why do you want Zucc gone?

I can't really understand what you posted.

Personally I don't think he can take the day in day out pounding, doesn't really go in front of the net and he has no goal scoring touch. Saw too many smurfs on this team over the years, some were better , some were worse.
Just not a fan of his

 

[Green Blob*]

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
Hagelin-Brassard-Callahan
Fast-Lindberg-Clowe
Dorsett-Boyle-Asham

McDonaugh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Del Zotto-Moore

McIlrath waiting...

Brutal

 

[eco's bones]

Del Zotto doesn't belong in the same conversation with Leetch. Leetch was better in every area of the game.

Del Zotto is a good player but he was awful against the Bruins in this playoffs. He was having a real problem handling a heavy forecheck and he was creating almost no offense. The other two left side defensemen--McDonagh (played far better than MDZ) and Moore held up much better.

If the Rangers can get a good return for him--I'd be fine with moving him.

Anyway--Keep Tortorella.

If we amnesty Richards (I would do that asap) we'll be at 42 players under contract.

At the NHL level:

G-Lundqvist, Biron (fine with that)
D (left side)-Staal, McDonagh, Del Zotto, Moore. If Staal is going to be okay for next year I'd consider moving Del Zotto.
D (right side)-Girardi, Stralman. Sauer is restricted. If his condition remains static there's no point in offering him another contract. Too bad but that's the way that's got to go.
C-amnesty Richards--it frees up money for our RFA's. His contract is an albatross and his play has gone south. Stepan, Brassard, Boyle--fine with them.
RW-Nash, Callahan, Zuccarello, Dorsett, Asham--we're okay.
LW-Hagelin, Kreider, Pyatt, Powe---we're kind of weak here.

Of the UFA's consider Clowe--but not giving him more than a couple years. Maybe Eminger again.

At the AHL level:

G-Talbot, Missiaen, Stajcer--it is what it is. Talbot might be okay.
D-McIlrath, Bickel, Allen, Hughes--no real pro experience apart from Bickel. McIlrath might make a run at an NHL job. Rangers are going to have to sign a couple AHL vets.
F-Newbury, Haley are the vets for now. Miller, Thomas, Fasth, Lindberg, Hrivik all could make runs at an NHL job. Jean, St. Croix, Nicholls, Yogan, Bourque, Wilson, Kantor.

Rangers could use a d-man who can run a pwp. Streit? They could also use a right side d-man.

At forward--a healthy Clowe would be nice--someone who could both provide offense and toughness. I have doubts about Clowe's health and don't think it would be a good idea to give him more than 2-3 years at the most nor really big money. That being the case he would probably walk.