To me Brodziński is the Pack's version of Zibanejad---an all purpose point a game forward and the last couple years when he's with the Rangers they struggle.
Some things haven't worked out for the Pack this year. I think they expected CJ Smith to come in and boost the offense. He didn't and he's been out of the lineup the last few months with injury. Welinski was another failure. Generally Jones has done well enough---his offense close to what he did last year. Emberson and Robertson are both in the mid 20's in points which is an improvement but Robertson has struggled defensively at times and I think he tries to do too much. The moves at the deadline so far are pretty mixed. I think the Rangers and Pack were hoping for a bit more. The goaltending has been mixed too.
Completely agree about Brodzinski. He's one veteran who really has been a positive. I also think Carpenter has done well. It's interesting that both are very good at the AHL but can barely scratch an NHL roster.
C.J. Smith was a major disappointment. He attended the Rangers development camp several years ago and then had a big season at U Mass Lowell. I was hoping the Rangers would sign him but he signed with Buffalo. He's had several point or near point per game years in the AHL. But before he was hurt he just did nothing earning only 6 points in 21 games.
Elson is ok but only .5 PPG. He's scoring at his historic rate. So I guess they got what they expected.
Welinski was a failure. Terrible defensively and I think he hurt Robertson's game with whom he was paired for much of the beginning of the year.
7 shoot out losses, worst in the division and six more than Bridgeport, who the team is chasing. Lowest power play percentage in division scoring only 37 PPG and giving up 7 shorthanded goals. Bridgeport has 49 PPG and only 3 SHG. PK is second worst in the division.
If coaches are going to have an influence it seems that PP and PK would be high on the list.
The team still may make the playin but there's a lot to be disappointed in the team. Brodzinski, Carpenter, Cuylle, Jones, first half season Scanlin, second half season Robertson, second half season Pajuniemi, Emberson, who is pretty good and has been steady, Trivigno when given a chance have been the positives for me. Domingue has been relatively good most of the year and Garand has had ups and downs but I would say a good first professional year although he has to build on his performance for next year.
