Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 2)

[Gondrex]

..........and Zidlicky until he ended up in Mississauga. I'm over to their boards now.

If you can stomach it, go and take a look at the goals Zidlicky scored last night. The first while outskating the Colts defender on a SH breakaway, the other with some dandy moves in the offensive end. Enough to make a grown man weep. It shouldn't really surprise us, because most of us knew the guy could skate like the wind, and gave it his all every shift. Just the guy you want to get rid of (of course sarcasm).....and the guy we let go of for very little in my mind. He was one of the guys I was most optimistic about in Kitchener this year. That game last night brought out the reason why. He was one of the players that next year I felt could alleviate some of the inevitable pain for the next two years. A key piece on next, and the following year's teams - gone. Yeah, I know I sound bitter about this one.

As pointed out above, why have so few players made progress this year while playing on this team? Or perhaps the better question is, why are talented players playing at lower level? Why are talented players playing at lower level once they get traded to this team?......or at least after their first game here. Absolutely baffling.

I know injuries are no excuse, but once all, or at least most of the guys get back, and they have time to practice together, then I am anxious to see how this team plays. Mind you, based on this team's inconsistent play up to this point in the season, I really can't say that I'm all that optimistic. At least this will make that final bold statement on what needs to be, or doesn't need to be done.

 

[bobber]

Zidlicky scored 2 goals in his first game with Mississauga.

Zidlicky and Serpa both stepped up their games. The shocking part is they have done it immediately as soon as they get away from what ever the system is here in KTown. The Storm won last night and it was mentioned they might add to make a splash in the play offs. They still filled their cupboard in the process. I inquired if anyone could find where Dennis played hockey and was basically told that there have been great coaches that never played the game. Still wondering.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

..........and Zidlicky until he ended up in Mississauga. I'm over to their boards now.

IMO I was disappointed in Zidlicky. He just never stepped up his game despite opportunities during the first half. This is on him not anyone else. Let's see how he does over there in the long term.

 

[bobber]

IMO I was disappointed in Zidlicky. He just never stepped up his game despite opportunities during the first half. This is on him not anyone else. Let's see how he does over there in the long term.

Zidlicky played on the 2nd line last night. Maybe they see something in him the Ranger brass never saw. Your right though True Blue. See how he does over a longer stretch of games. Good for him though scoring a couple of goals. His dad played in the NHL will be happy to see that happen.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Maybe MM was cornering the market on pieces to flip to contenders at the last minute ...not even in a playoff spot in January (albeit with 3 and 4 games in hand on the teams we're chasing).

I know you were sort of joking there but honestly Im all for that. With these players and coaching staff currently the Rangers may win a playoff round and then no playoffs for a cpl seasons. Or offload now and probably miss the playoffs this season but sets up (with coaching changes...asst's has to go also) for some possible fruitful seasons.
I'm all for the latter, especially with those two first rounders next season! Not sure if I want an empty chamber trying to build around them.

 

[GeoBlue]

If you can stomach it, go and take a look at the goals Zidlicky scored last night. The first while outskating the Colts defender on a SH breakaway, the other with some dandy moves in the offensive end. Enough to make a grown man weep. It shouldn't really surprise us, because most of us knew the guy could skate like the wind, and gave it his all every shift. Just the guy you want to get rid of (of course sarcasm).....and the guy we let go of for very little in my mind. He was one of the guys I was most optimistic about in Kitchener this year. That game last night brought out the reason why. He was one of the players that next year I felt could alleviate some of the inevitable pain for the next two years. A key piece on next, and the following year's teams - gone. Yeah, I know I sound bitter about this one.

As pointed out above, why have so few players made progress this year while playing on this team? Or perhaps the better question is, why are talented players playing at lower level? Why are talented players playing at lower level once they get traded to this team?......or at least after their first game here. Absolutely baffling.

I know injuries are no excuse, but once all, or at least most of the guys get back, and they have time to practice together, then I am anxious to see how this team plays. Mind you, based on this team's inconsistent play up to this point in the season, I really can't say that I'm all that optimistic. At least this will make that final bold statement on what needs to be, or doesn't need to be done.

Gondrex, you pretty much took the words right out of my mouth. I watched Zidlicky during camp and exhibition games and thought he was going to be a key player for us. Then he got buried in the 3rd and 4th lines with no support while we coddled our veterans.

The inconsistency is the most troubling factor here. I can understand losing a Pinelli or a Mesar is going to result in less production but this team only seems to have an on/off switch. In my oddball way of thinking, if the team stayed consistent from day one, we could have been putting the likes of Zidlicky and Rake on the #1 line for a stretch in order to up their game and skills, and to show what they can do with better line mates. Instead, we are left with battling for a playoff spot and a shortage of draft picks.

With the talent we have "on paper", the question as to why we are failing is definitely not player related and the reasons have been discussed on these boards..........Coaching, MM, scouting staff and our beloved Board of Directors. Perhaps at this stage, we can blame all 4 but in the end, in the long term, there needs to be a culture change at the top. Over the decades, I personally have realized that our "ownership" is not different than the Hockey Canada fiasco that just took place. Too many members just feeling too comfortable and privileged in their positions.

This leads me to one final rant. I am getting a bit fed up with the "go for it or sell year thing". If teams like London, Windsor, Ottawa, etc can come off "go for it" years and still be in the hunt the following year, then they are doing something right and the Ranger Club needs to model after them. Heck, London sold off some players and there they are back in 1st! Windsor lost Johnson and Cuylle and still managed to stay near the top. And Ottawa! They are back from last year and still managed to accumulate enough draft picks to buy a second team! It's time to step up into the 2020's and we certainly have the resources.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Gondrex, you pretty much took the words right out of my mouth. I watched Zidlicky during camp and exhibition games and thought he was going to be a key player for us. Then he got buried in the 3rd and 4th lines with no support while we coddled our veterans.

The inconsistency is the most troubling factor here. I can understand losing a Pinelli or a Mesar is going to result in less production but this team only seems to have an on/off switch. In my oddball way of thinking, if the team stayed consistent from day one, we could have been putting the likes of Zidlicky and Rake on the #1 line for a stretch in order to up their game and skills, and to show what they can do with better line mates. Instead, we are left with battling for a playoff spot and a shortage of draft picks.

With the talent we have "on paper", the question as to why we are failing is definitely not player related and the reasons have been discussed on these boards..........Coaching, MM, scouting staff and our beloved Board of Directors. Perhaps at this stage, we can blame all 4 but in the end, in the long term, there needs to be a culture change at the top. Over the decades, I personally have realized that our "ownership" is not different than the Hockey Canada fiasco that just took place. Too many members just feeling to comfortable and privileged in their positions.

This leads me to one final rant. I am getting a bit fed up with the "go for it or sell year thing". If teams like London, Windsor, Ottawa, etc can come off "go for it" years and still be in the hunt the following year, then they are going something right and the Ranger Club needs to model after them. Heck, London sold off some players and there they are back in 1st! Windsor lost Johnson and Cuylle and still managed to stay near the top. And Ottawa! They are back from last year and still managed to accumulate enough draft picks to buy a second team! It's time to step up into the 2020's and we certainly have the resources.

Bingo, Bingo and Bingo on all of the above!

 

[bobber]

Reading Brown's twitter the 4th line has zero goals. Dennis said " No excuses now. It's go time"! I laughed when I read that statement. Sounds like an episode of Seinfeld. To put things in perspective Saginaw is one of the top teams in the league. The Rangers despite the trades are not. Looking further down Brown's twitter feed and see where Jeff Marek has his guesses at where some of the most skilled players are possible going the Rangers will have a a hard time competing even with what they have achieved before the deadline. MM better sh..t or get off the pot. He has to react.

 

[RangerNation]

Reading Brown's twitter the 4th line has zero goals. Dennis said " No excuses now. It's go time"! I laughed when I read that statement.

Maybe Dennis was referencing himself? One could only hope.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

I am going over the moves that was made today.

The East doesn't need to be talked about much because they aren't much of a threat until finals.

But Sarnia improved massively but reportedly (According to Jeff Marek) Acquiring Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bell Beluz. Add Christian Kyrou

Windsor got Harrison, Holmes, Dionoco and Castle.

London got Humphries, Winterton, and likely aren't done.

Saginaw is still quite a threat even after a soft sell. Could see them making some softer adds.

Owen Sound on paper is better coached and deeper. Maybe not as skilled but deeper and competes.

Flint is that one surprise team. They've sold their best player and still maintained pace.

I don't see where Kitchener fits into this because if you ask me, On paper, there are still a solid number of teams better and more prepared for the depths of this season then this Rangers team.

There are no assets left.



Last years team finished with 30 wins. If my math is correct, this team is currently on pace for 31 wins which gives them a playoff spot but that is such a disappointment.

I don't know. I don't see time being the factor here. You can't afford to have Chris Dennis coach you to 31 wins. Even if MM takes over as coach now, at least there lays some responsibility.

 

[bobber]

I am going over the moves that was made today.

The East doesn't need to be talked about much because they aren't much of a threat until finals.

But Sarnia improved massively but reportedly (According to Jeff Marek) Acquiring Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bell Beluz. Add Christian Kyrou

Windsor got Harrison, Holmes, Dionoco and Castle.

London got Humphries, Winterton, and likely aren't done.

Saginaw is still quite a threat even after a soft sell. Could see them making some softer adds.

Owen Sound on paper is better coached and deeper. Maybe not as skilled but deeper and competes.

Flint is that one surprise team. They've sold their best player and still maintained pace.

I don't see where Kitchener fits into this because if you ask me, On paper, there are still a solid number of teams better and more prepared for the depths of this season then this Rangers team.

There are no assets left.



Last years team finished with 30 wins. If my math is correct, this team is currently on pace for 31 wins which gives them a playoff spot but that is such a disappointment.

I don't know. I don't see time being the factor here. You can't afford to have Chris Dennis coach you to 31 wins. Even if MM takes over as coach now, at least there lays some responsibility.

Contending teams build up through the draft and then make additions to make their team better. Gets a little much when you start with basically nothing and try to pull a rabbit out of a hat. I think it was Spott who said the Rangers were changing their plan to reload instead of rebuild. Kind of the London model. They got that right. It was a "load". The Mem Cup is considered one of the toughest trophies to win. It starts with great scouts , skilled draft picks and development. Brown mentioned the American players aren't coming to the OHL as much as they were in the past. So why take a flyer on one if there is a potential Ontario kid that will fit in your line up and is happy to play on your team? Lot of skilled 2006 players in the league today. Rangers are now in a position where they owe the fans some sort of exciting hockey right now because of MM's decision. Looking down the road the "reload" will be a while.

 

[bobber]

This was part of a write up in North Bay Today: Some of those sources have suggested that other OHL teams such as London and Kitchener would be interested in acquiring his rights from the Troops. If North Bay was not an option for Fantilli, then that would give the Troops a massive trade piece at the deadline. Pipe dreams and marijuana gummies all around!

 

[sbpointer]

So if the Rangers lose tonight in Flint is there really any other choice but to have MM coaching this team again through the second half??
The personnel is there..
Somebody has to rip the band aid..
After all the Knights can't get redmeption for last year if the Rangers don't even make the playoffs

 

[nelli27]

How long does it take to drive from Conestoga College (Doon) to WLU?

 

[Jives]

How long does it take to drive from Conestoga College (Doon) to WLU?

20 minutes probably.

 

[nelli27]

20 minutes probably.

Thanks Jives.

 

[bobber]

How long does it take to drive from Conestoga College (Doon) to WLU?

Depends on your mode of transportation Nelli and the route you take. If you use the expressway you have to slow down to a crawl when you pass the Aud turn off your radio and give the fans a moment of silence. You seem to be travelling around the Region quite a bit? Dare I say a closet Ranger fan? Hope Otto doesn't get wind of it!

 

[Gondrex]

Zidlicky played on the 2nd line last night. Maybe they see something in him the Ranger brass never saw. Your right though True Blue. See how he does over a longer stretch of games. Good for him though scoring a couple of goals. His dad played in the NHL will be happy to see that happen.

For sure, one game will not provide a clear indication going forward. Also one could argue that MM's hands were tied since he wasn't able to crack the upper echelons on this squad after bringing in the talent he did, and likely wanted out.

However to me, Zidlicky's performance going forward will or could be a true measuring stick. If he continues putting up the numbers, it will raise some big questions on whether or not this is really on Zidlicky or not. Could he have made that progress to the next level under different circumstances? It won't stop there. At that point I'd be wondering about the seemingly lack of development / progress of some of the other players.....and as mentioned, the inconsistency of a team that on paper looks at least half decent. For now, true, too early to make any assessment with Zidlicky having only played one game so far in a different uniform.

 

[bobber]

For sure, one game will not provide a clear indication going forward. Also one could argue that MM's hands were tied since he wasn't able to crack the upper echelons on this squad after bringing in the talent he did, and likely wanted out.

However to me, Zidlicky's performance going forward will or could be a true measuring stick. If he continues putting up the numbers, it will raise some big questions on whether or not this is really on Zidlicky or not. Could he have made that progress to the next level under different circumstances? It won't stop there. At that point I'd be wondering about the seemingly lack of development / progress of some of the other players.....and as mentioned, the inconsistency of a team that on paper looks at least half decent. For now, true, too early to make any assessment with Zidlicky having only played one game so far in a different uniform.

Brown mentions the Zidlicky trade. Basically saying he has been shuffled around on lines and even been a healthy scratch. He mentions Zidlicky having international experience and that he would have been a huge part of the Rangers in the next couple of seasons. I think Brown is of the opinion that the Rangers were a little light with what they got for him. Brown's opinion for what it's worth. Developing players here has been an issue. The question has to be asked is what are they developing players for? They are suppose to be getting them ready for pro hockey down the road I believe. On a side note the Rangers pick up Acuri and Zhilkin. Two decent players. It has to be noted both are basically point per game players. They are great adds to strengthen lines but not the high end players the top contending teams are acquiring. Face offs have been better just since Zhilkin arrived. Small sample.

 

[OMG67]

9		Kitchener Rangers	33	15	16	2	0	32
10		Erie Otters	33	12	18	0	3	27

Can we go from worse to first? They say Dennis did this in his resume. It will be the Cinderella sports story of the century. There are no excuses when a team can't score a goal with what the Rangers have in their line up.

Of course they can go worst to first…

BUT

Define the timeline….

 

[bobber]

Of course they can go worst to first…

BUT

Define the timeline….

To infinity and beyond?

 

[OMG67]

To infinity and beyond?

That would give a solid chance at least….

 

[bobber]

Jan 7

SBY

Waivers

CHL

Kevyn Brassard

OHL Media Notes. Not sure what this entails?

 

[RangerNation]

Of course they can go worst to first…

BUT

Define the timeline….

They'll be tied for first at the start of next season, you can bet on that.

 

[OMG67]

They'll be tied for first at the start of next season, you can bet on that.

If yer not first, yer last!

- Ricky Bobby