Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread

[Ranger77]

When was the last time the Rangers started 0 and 4?

 

[rangersblues]

Agreed. The Ranger teams I've enjoyed watching in the past were the ones with speed and relentless forecheck. Completely absent from this year's version.

Unfortunately it's been quite a few seasons since we've seen that on a consistent basis.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

ME: 3 of Kingston's goals were on the PP. Ranger's PK should be far better than it is considering the talent of the front 4. But like Coach's Corner said, 2 D go chasing after the puck and leave a winger standing to one side of the net waiting for the backdoor.

Excerpts from Josh Brown's article:

Brown: It’s also Kitchener’s worst start in the past 26 years, or at least since the OHL began publishing in depth year-by-year records.

Chris Dennis: The disappointing part to me is that we have some individuals who go off script in moments and don’t stick to what we’re trying to do as a group.

 

[GeoBlue]

Look on the bright side. The only other winless team in the league is the Knights.

 

[EvenSteven]

Look on the bright side. The only other winless team in the league is the Knights.

True. But they aren’t supposed to contend this year.

We are.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

MM needs to scout the league, we've got some parts that have value that could probably be swapped with minimal additions, for similar value players in the league with playstyles that fit better with this group.

 

[K2]

Look on the bright side. The only other winless team in the league is the Knights.

Assuming nothing changes, we pick first overall and Sarnia is in the Memorial Cup ... who would have thought

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Assuming nothing changes, we pick first overall and Sarnia is in the Memorial Cup ... who would have thought

1st and 11 is a pretty good way to start a new cycle

 

[EvenSteven]

1st and 11 is a pretty good way to start a new cycle

That and the bounty of picks we’d acquire at this deadline for Pinelli and Schmidt.

 

[rangersblues]

MM needs to scout the league, we've got some parts that have value that could probably be swapped with minimal additions, for similar value players in the league with playstyles that fit better with this group.

What parts have value and what type of players would we like in return? Not being a wise guy. I just have no idea where this team is right now. Besides Pinelli I'm not sure what else there really is right now.

I think Dennis needs some time being a new coach to develop players and systems. I have to admit it doesn't look good early.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

What parts have value and what type of players would we like in return? Not being a wise guy. I just have no idea where this team is right now. Besides Pinelli I'm not sure what else there really is right now.

I think Dennis needs some time being a new coach to develop players and systems. I have to admit it doesn't look good early.

Just one example, Motew would have value to a team in need of a player like him. IMO he does not fit with the types of players that make up our main core of D. If you can find a team with an abundance of defensive D in their top for, you could likely swap him with a mid pick for said player (I don't know who, I haven't scouted the rest of the leagues D).

I think Sop is another guy who is maybe doing a little better than I thought he would after pre season, is too similar in type to many other players on the team who are better. I could see a scenario where he is traded (with a pick to make up difference if necessary) for good 3rd liner who brings something the team is lacking.

 

[StingUpdates]

Assuming nothing changes, we pick first overall and Sarnia is in the Memorial Cup ... who would have thought

With absolutely no bias I think that would be fantastic.... . Yall will get rolling eventually. Entire west has looked off so far for whatever reason.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

4 days ago...Mesar

“They told me they still didn’t know where to play me, so I’m here to play preparatory games, he explained Wednesday noon at Place Bell in Laval. They will then come to a decision in my case. »

"I want to play in Laval, but it won’t bother me if I have to go to Kitchener instead. Maybe a season in junior hockey would be good for me? But I’m still waiting for their decision, and then we’ll see. The management of the Canadian told me to be happy with my game, because I can play as much in the center as on the wing, which is a plus for me. But I have to be better in defense and also on face-offs."

Laval coach:

“We see that he has a lot of talent, he is able to skate and he is here so that we can see if he can play in the AHL, explained the Rocket coach. We will evaluate it and make a decision before our season begins. His speed can make him reveal himself, but he will also have to deal with the physical side of the game here… it’s important that he touches the puck as often as possible. »

Laval Rocket schedule:

Home Opener: October 14, 2022​

I'd like to see him in a Rangers jersey this Friday...

 

[Ranger77]

1st and 11 is a pretty good way to start a new cycle

It's only good if the Rangers draft players that are willing to report! #Hage

 

[EvenSteven]

It's only good if the Rangers draft players that are willing to report! #Hage

Regarding Hage:

We’ll see how that all plays out. I think it goes one of two ways.

Either he never reports to this league which makes the conditionals that came back in the trade understandable being that they are comparable to the Fantilli trade.

Or, as I predicted a while back, there is a deal in place where he’s traded back to Kitchener next October for those conditionals ++. The ++ as compensation for the Wolves getting involved to begin with. I still think this is possible.

The worst thing that can happen from a Ranger perspective is that he reports to this league and plays for another team. If he does, MM will look like he got fleeced getting so little in return for a player of that caliber. He is of the calibre of players like Cuylle, and Dickinson meaning the same set of conditionals for his rights.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Well now that we've traded the team away,...

There's no way that MM and the Rangers organization are going to watch what should be a great team this season not perform up to its capability. And Coach Dennis has his work cut out for him. Perhaps get to work on defense this week and ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities and assignments no matter what zone they're in. For whatever reason, the D seems lost at times and that's when the opposition scores goals that should never have happened.

This Friday, they have the opportunity to "welcome" OS to the Aud and return the favour they received in their barn. On Sunday, they face Flint who have not exactly been living up to their hype for this season either. And it will be Flint's 3rd game of their road trip. Another great opportunity for the Rangers.

 

[bobber]

If the Rangers continue to falter which direction will MM be looking at to right the ship in a year when they are supposedly to be in contention? Wonder if they are beating the bushes in a search for a more experienced goaltender or Dman ? Parsons goaltending stats are the league lowest at GAA 5.16 and Sav% 0.827. What does these stats tell you? Coach basically made the comment that some players are not following the script. If that is the situation you would think there will be some changes coming sooner than later.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

If the Rangers continue to falter which direction will MM be looking at to right the ship in a year when they are supposedly to be in contention? Wonder if they are beating the bushes in a search for a more experienced goaltender or Dman ? Parsons goaltending stats are the league lowest at GAA 5.16 and Sav% 0.827. What does these stats tell you? Coach basically made the comment that some players are not following the script. If that is the situation you would think there will be some changes coming sooner than later.

The eye test tells me it's more reflective of team defense than the individual goalies ability.

 

[bobber]

The eye test tells me it's more reflective of team defense than the individual goalies ability.

I think you are correct. Sometimes when a goalie struggles it's just that and other times it's what is happening out in front of the net. Goalies are the last line of defense and take the heat for the poor defensive efforts of the rest of the squad. Are the players with the letters on this present team setting the correct example? Pinelli seemed to disappear in some games last season. Brock Otten mentioned this in an article basically saying he needs to take it to another level. Maybe the new coach has changed the system significantly and the team is struggling with the changes? I doubt he has. Brian Kilrea was asked once if he thought Deboer make it as an NHL coach? He said why not. There are only so many ways to bring a damn puck out of your end. In saying that most of these players have seen every play in hockey a coach can come up with since the first time they laced on a pair of skates. They usually adapt quickly to and changes. I think there is a need to stir the pot here a bit soon if the losses continue.

 

[Jives]

MM will wait for Mesar situation to be 100% before he makes any changes in a trade.

Parson is not to blame in the 2 games I’ve seen. Simply no team D in front of him. Too early to think about an upgrade.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I think you are correct. Sometimes when a goalie struggles it's just that and other times it's what is happening out in front of the net. Goalies are the last line of defense and take the heat for the poor defensive efforts of the rest of the squad. Are the players with the letters on this present team setting the correct example? Pinelli seemed to disappear in some games last season. Brock Otten mentioned this in an article basically saying he needs to take it to another level. Maybe the new coach has changed the system significantly and the team is struggling with the changes? I doubt he has. Brian Kilrea was asked once if he thought Deboer make it as an NHL coach? He said why not. There are only so many ways to bring a damn puck out of your end. In saying that most of these players have seen every play in hockey a coach can come up with since the first time they laced on a pair of skates. They usually adapt quickly to and changes. I think there is a need to stir the pot here a bit soon if the losses continue.

Pinelli hasn't lived up to expectations so far imo, and I think he is maybe miscast as the PP quarterback, I think he'd be more effective playmaking off the side boards/corner and front of the net.

Martin has tons of potential, but for some reason he seems to lean toward high skill, extra-move plays. If he keeps things simple.


I think Motew still wants to be an offense first D, but his skill set is better suited as a puck moving defender. Schmidt needs to get more physical. He's going to have to at the next level and its easier to learn to do it against kids your age than pro's.

I'm not sure why we're dressing Harper over anyone at this point and the forward OA's haven't taken that next step. Not sure if Valade ever will, still has pretty significant tunnel vision with the puck. If he can maintain his offense and focus hard defensively he'll be a great piece, but as we aren't getting everything he has to offer away from the puck and it makes him just kind of a solid average OA, which isn't the strength it's supposed to be on this team.

 

[bobber]

Pinelli hasn't lived up to expectations so far imo, and I think he is maybe miscast as the PP quarterback, I think he'd be more effective playmaking off the side boards/corner and front of the net.

Martin has tons of potential, but for some reason he seems to lean toward high skill, extra-move plays. If he keeps things simple.


I think Motew still wants to be an offense first D, but his skill set is better suited as a puck moving defender. Schmidt needs to get more physical. He's going to have to at the next level and its easier to learn to do it against kids your age than pro's.
WITH
I'm not sure why we're dressing Harper over anyone at this point and the forward OA's haven't taken that next step. Not sure if Valade ever will, still has pretty significant tunnel vision with the puck. If he can maintain his offense and focus hard defensively he'll be a great piece, but as we aren't getting everything he has to offer away from the puck and it makes him just kind of a solid average OA, which isn't the strength it's supposed to be on this team.

Good points on players mentioned. Scouts look at future potential when assessing a player ability to get better each year. The GM has to see this happening in the OHL with the players they draft. Otherwise, a team if just spinning its wheels with 2nd, 3rd and OA players. Fans watching can see the obvious and you would assume the powers that be can see it also. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Maybe some of these players reached their potential after a year?

 

[EvenSteven]

Pinelli hasn't lived up to expectations so far imo, and I think he is maybe miscast as the PP quarterback, I think he'd be more effective playmaking off the side boards/corner and front of the net.

Martin has tons of potential, but for some reason he seems to lean toward high skill, extra-move plays. If he keeps things simple.


I think Motew still wants to be an offense first D, but his skill set is better suited as a puck moving defender. Schmidt needs to get more physical. He's going to have to at the next level and its easier to learn to do it against kids your age than pro's.

I'm not sure why we're dressing Harper over anyone at this point and the forward OA's haven't taken that next step. Not sure if Valade ever will, still has pretty significant tunnel vision with the puck. If he can maintain his offense and focus hard defensively he'll be a great piece, but as we aren't getting everything he has to offer away from the puck and it makes him just kind of a solid average OA, which isn't the strength it's supposed to be on this team.

For me, to solidify the back end, an upgrade on Harper plus a 19 year old addition would make a lot of sense to me.

I like the idea of using that third OA slot on a high end OA forward, even if Mesar comes, but if the back end needs fixing, that may be the way we are forced to go.

19 year old Hache out of Kingston could be a fit along with an OA like Windsor’s Renwick should they decide to sell. As you said above, Motew could be moved out to help pay for these additions, to a team needing that type of player.

As far as an OA forward addition goes, using your logic, maybe we upgrade on one or both of Valade/Serpa? I know that’s outside the box right now, but they have value as Motew does and the assets coming back for them could go towards bringing in a couple high end OA’s. That’s extreme but if these guys don’t come around, we have to look at upgrading on one or both. Hamilton has top end OA forwards that would fit the bill here. (Diaco. Hayes. Morrison).



 

[EvenSteven]

For me, to solidify the back end, an upgrade on Harper plus a 19 year old addition would make a lot of sense to me.

I like the idea of using that third OA slot on a high end OA forward, even if Mesar comes, but if the back end needs fixing, that may be the way we are forced to go.

19 year old Hache out of Kingston could be a fit along with an OA like Windsor’s Renwick should they decide to sell. As you said above, Motew could be moved out to help pay for these additions, to a team needing that type of player.

As far as an OA forward addition goes, using your logic, maybe we upgrade on one or both of Valade/Serpa? I know that’s outside the box right now, but they have value as Motew does and the assets coming back for them could go towards bringing in a couple high end OA’s. That’s extreme but if these guys don’t come around, we have to look at upgrading on one or both. Hamilton has top end OA forwards that would fit the bill here. (Diaco. Hayes. Morrison).



Diaco just went to London for a 2nd and a 3rd.
Could have used him.

I guess we’re still waiting for Mesar before we make any moves.

 

[GeoBlue]

I'm sure this question has been asked a hundred times before but I thought I would ask. Is there a way I can sell the occasional Rangers tickets on here or is that against board rules? If not, any proven, tried and true, recommendations as to how to go about it?