Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread

[TheBlueMonster]

Rangers were the better team for the first 25

Some games they had multiple mouthguard violation misconducts issued. You'd think after the first one the players would learn smh.

Not really a flex though. Also still a massive problem lol.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

First 20 minute thoughts in Guelph.

- The win last night was luck. North Bay got goalied. Thought today, some of that energy they tucked away after the 1st period last night would have came out but nope, nobody has shown up for Marco.

- Luckily Guelph isn't very good on the powerplay, 6 minutes short handed in the 1st.

-3 Shots on goal. THREE. On a goalie who has some of the worst numbers we've seen from a starting goalie in this league all time.

- This offense isn't it. Too many passengers on this team and we saw that last night too. Last week against North Bay.

I know we're starting to get results but this doesn't feel right. Lots missing. Too many holes. And honestly, with having 2 1st round picks next year, i'd rather keep the draft capital.



Last thought, I really don't know about this coach everyone. I think MM stepping down to focus on GM was the right call I just think the timing was wrong coming off the upset VS London. I am still going to sit patient but we're almost in December. Teams well in front of us are already embracing a sell. I don't like this. Something just seams stale

 

[EvenSteven]

Seriously? Another mouthguard violation for Pinelli??

I don’t care. A message has to be sent. Dennis should send him to the room. Or does Dennis have the balls.

 

[EvenSteven]

Seriously? Another mouthguard violation for Pinelli??
I don’t care. A message has to be sent. Dennis should send him to the room. Or does Dennis have the balls.

 

[GeoBlue]

Seriously? Another mouthguard violation for Pinelli??

I don’t care. A message has to be sent. Dennis should send him to the room. Or does Dennis have the balls.

Especially not good from a Captain!

 

[EvenSteven]

Especially not good from a Captain!

Well, I think Dennis sent the same message to Pinelli that Sheldon Keefe sent to Marner a few games ago with that 6 minute sitting.

Marner probably rolled his eyes and smirked at Keefe. No doubt Pinelli did the same to Dennis.

Message sent. But not the right one.

Again, an insult to Petizian and Xhekaj when Pinelli was given the C last year.

 

[EvenSteven]

Assuming the Rangers are buying, if I’m a stud veteran on a rebuilding team, based on the Rangers play this year, along with a rookie coach that the jury may be out on, Kitchener may not be at or near the top of the list of teams I’d want to be traded to in what may be my last year in the league.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Assuming the Rangers are buying, if I’m a stud veteran on a rebuilding team, based on the Rangers play this year, along with a rookie coach that the jury may be out on, Kitchener may not be at or near the top of the list of teams I’d want to be traded to in what may be my last year in the league.

My thoughts exactly.



They came on in the 3rd period but im not going to give them a ton of credit for that. Guelph already put this game out of reach very early. Guelph taking 3 penalties in the final 10 minutes clearly wore them out which allowed Kitchener to look like they where back in the game.

But this team has some serious issues and It's hard to pin point it.

We have 1 game changing 19 or 20 year old in Pinelli who still hasn't taken that step forward to elite status. Martin was electric but I wouldn't call him game changing yet. He was headed that way. This is not including Marco who has been a stud in net.

I think we all see what Valade and Serpa are. I am hard pressed to even say they are top 6 players. I like them both but I think what we see with them is what we get.

Schmidt has stepped up recently. . Hamara has kind of been underwhelming. We're also asking ALOT from Hunter B as a 1st year player in this league.

Rehkopf passes the eye test in every aspect of his game but the results aren't there. Same with Zidlicky.

Mesar and Sop have been the 2 best players on this team for a while.

IDK. Like I said in the post before, something seams stale here.

Coach isn't getting the best out of this roster. Roster isn't succeeding under this coach.

I am thinking that he may not be the guy we thought we was getting.

Too many holes. Too many question marks. Too many players just not taking a step forward.

Again, I am not at the blow it up stage. But im close.

Sorry for the negativity everyone. I just am not seeing it with this group and I don't think giving it time is the solution.

 

[EvenSteven]

When asked, Dennis said in the post game show that no, Costantini probably wasn’t 100%. What the heck is he starting him for?? Did he want the start and our coach not have the balls to tell him no, you’re not 100%??

After Vandenberg played last night, a stellar performance, he should’ve gotten the net today. If Costantini was close, you start him against Windsor. Who’s running the show in Kitchener? Dennis or his players?

 

[bobber]

Rangers are getting a little embarrassing to say the least. Time for MM to quit cutting bait.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

When asked, Dennis said in the post game show that no, Costantini probably wasn’t 100%. What the heck is he starting him for?? Did he want the start and our coach not have the balls to tell him no, you’re not 100%??

After Vandenberg played last night, a stellar performance, he should’ve gotten the net today. If Costantini was close, you start him against Windsor. Who’s running the show in Kitchener? Dennis or his players?

It's strange also because Costantini showed up tonight. Wasn't perfect but he gave them a chance. Everyone in front of him let him down.

But yeah, this is a game against a bad team. This is when you reward Vandenberg for last night. Give Marco the extra 26 hours to rest.

 

[Gondrex]

When asked, Dennis said in the post game show that no, Costantini probably wasn’t 100%. What the heck is he starting him for?? Did he want the start and our coach not have the balls to tell him no, you’re not 100%??

After Vandenberg played last night, a stellar performance, he should’ve gotten the net today. If Costantini was close, you start him against Windsor. Who’s running the show in Kitchener? Dennis or his players?

I was actually surprised to see him in net today. If he was anywhere close to playing I would have thought he would have at least been back-up last night....so to start him today? Hey I'm no goalie. Never played the position. But to me it is the one position where being mentally sharp is vital IMO. I think you can kinda get away with it at most other positions. I just don't understand this one.

And one other thing about this team......
Stop the roller coaster already, I'm gunna throw up.

 

[Gondrex]

Assuming the Rangers are buying, if I’m a stud veteran on a rebuilding team, based on the Rangers play this year, along with a rookie coach that the jury may be out on, Kitchener may not be at or near the top of the list of teams I’d want to be traded to in what may be my last year in the league.

Interesting you brought this one up ES. There is something that still puzzles me. An elite player like Mesar steps into the line-up without (I believe) any time spent practicing with the team. He has a stellar 4 point night in game one. After that I am guessing he proceeded to be trained on "the systems". So offensively, after his game one performance, where / why have things seemingly changed? If we bring in a couple of high-end additions will we get similar results? Maybe I'm missing something here, but I have to admit to being concerned.

Another concern I have is the lack of shots in any given game - including, once again, today's game. I could be wrong but I'm sure we had younger and perhaps less talented teams in the past that would put more shots on the opposition net than this team.

I do recognize that we are in the weaker conference. I do realize that we have some capable players, but man some things need to improve if we want to avoid just wasting assets for a run.

 

[Matttheleaf]

I know some people here have said it before, me being one of them. But I am still not on the Chris Dennis train. I think that he lacks a solid system and has little control over the players on his team, and I think it would be right move to move on from him sooner rather then later if this team truly has the goal of being a contender.

 

[Billyjack]

First 20 minute thoughts in Guelph.

- The win last night was luck. North Bay got goalied. Thought today, some of that energy they tucked away after the 1st period last night would have came out but nope, nobody has shown up for Marco.

- Luckily Guelph isn't very good on the powerplay, 6 minutes short handed in the 1st.

-3 Shots on goal. THREE. On a goalie who has some of the worst numbers we've seen from a starting goalie in this league all time.

- This offense isn't it. Too many passengers on this team and we saw that last night too. Last week against North Bay.

I know we're starting to get results but this doesn't feel right. Lots missing. Too many holes. And honestly, with having 2 1st round picks next year, i'd rather keep the draft capital.



Last thought, I really don't know about this coach everyone. I think MM stepping down to focus on GM was the right call I just think the timing was wrong coming off the upset VS London. I am still going to sit patient but we're almost in December. Teams well in front of us are already embracing a sell. I don't like this. Something just seams stale

This post is right on. Sell, sell, sell, especially with 2 first rounders coming

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Gauthier has six goals and nine points in eight games at BC. He’s obviously playing regularly and thriving. I don’t see him leaving.

Brown needs to find another player for his wish list.

BC is not doing the best but Gauthier is. Doubt will see him or anyone else for that matter...

 

[Coaches Coroner]

1 step forward, 2 steps backward.

 

[bobber]

We all know the definition of insanity, yet we can't quit thinking there is a spark that will ignite this Ranger team and make it into a contender. We are like the Black Knight in the Holy Grail movie. Arms and legs cut off but it's still only a flesh wound. Will the Spits put us out of our misery? Rangers are down to one point out of last place in the western conference. Top ten Rangers have 127 points total. Top ten rookies league wide have 125.

 

[Jives]

Interesting you brought this one up ES. There is something that still puzzles me. An elite player like Mesar steps into the line-up without (I believe) any time spent practicing with the team. He has a stellar 4 point night in game one. After that I am guessing he proceeded to be trained on "the systems". So offensively, after his game one performance, where / why have things seemingly changed? If we bring in a couple of high-end additions will we get similar results? Maybe I'm missing something here, but I have to admit to being concerned.

Interesting you brought this one up ES. There is something that still puzzles me. An elite player like Mesar steps into the line-up without (I believe) any time spent practicing with the team. He has a stellar 4 point night in game one. After that I am guessing he proceeded to be trained on "the systems". So offensively, after his game one performance, where / why have things seemingly changed? If we bring in a couple of high-end additions will we get similar results? Maybe I'm missing something here, but I have to admit to being concerned.

This comment reminds me a lot of the Leivo in the 2012-13 season. We got him at the deadline I believe and his first 5 to 7 games he was awesome. Then Spott drilled into him the system and imo he got worse and worse. That team also reminds me a lot of this team. Although they had a much better record then the current team I thought Spotts coaching dragged them down. On paper they should of been better then they actually were. I was at Mesar first game and almost every time he touched the puck he made something happen. Now I don’t get that from him. Still solid but not like those first couple games. Systems should be strict for defensive play. You need a style for offensive but you have to let your talented players do their their thing. One thing I’ve always noticed about London is they seem to let their talented players just play. PP they have a system but to me it seems they just let their big guns play and be creative 5 on 5. Mesar especially but the top 6 just need to be let loose. Let them play their style of game in the offensive zone….that’s what got these players to this level.

My son has been a solid player and struggling this year. I asked why are you entering the zone so slow as that’s not his style. Coach has told him to enter the zone slow and look for options. Now…this may work with some players but my kids biggest strength used to be driving wide, using his speed (solid speed) and drive to the net. Now using HIS strength he feels guilty using as that’s not what he has been told to do.

What works for some players offensively doesn’t work for all players. I feel that Martins is taking away from some players on what got them to this level and I see it most out of Mesar…let the kid play his game offensively. It’s his strength. He will be great if you just let him play

 

[Coaches Coroner]

This comment reminds me a lot of the Leivo in the 2012-13 season. We got him at the deadline I believe and his first 5 to 7 games he was awesome. Then Spott drilled into him the system and imo he got worse and worse. That team also reminds me a lot of this team. Although they had a much better record then the current team I thought Spotts coaching dragged them down. On paper they should of been better then they actually were. I was at Mesar first game and almost every time he touched the puck he made something happen. Now I don’t get that from him. Still solid but not like those first couple games. Systems should be strict for defensive play. You need a style for offensive but you have to let your talented players do their their thing. One thing I’ve always noticed about London is they seem to let their talented players just play. PP they have a system but to me it seems they just let their big guns play and be creative 5 on 5. Mesar especially but the top 6 just need to be let loose. Let them play their style of game in the offensive zone….that’s what got these players to this level.

My son has been a solid player and struggling this year. I asked why are you entering the zone so slow as that’s not his style. Coach has told him to enter the zone slow and look for options. Now…this may work with some players but my kids biggest strength used to be driving wide, using his speed (solid speed) and drive to the net. Now using HIS strength he feels guilty using as that’s not what he has been told to do.

What works for some players offensively doesn’t work for all players. I feel that Martins is taking away from some players on what got them to this level and I see it most out of Mesar…let the kid play his game offensively. It’s his strength. He will be great if you just let him play

I agree to an extent, but Mesar seems to still be getting used to NA ice/style, he keeps getting hit pretty good because he's doing a high skill play in a high risk area that he doesn't seem to expect to be contested. He still has things to learn.

That said Dennis still getting less than the sum of its parts with this team...his time is running out, but there is something nagging at me that maybe there's something bigger wrong with the organization. We went through a similar thing with McKee and a coach change helped for that season; we though it was a McKee problem, but then he goes over to Hamilton and has no problem coaching them to a championship with a similar or arguably lesser team to start than the one he had when he was let go from Kitchener.

I'm not in fire sale mode yet, there are enough pieces here blah blah blah that I give them til closer to the deadline and if it is not turned around, I'm opening up shop to any and all interested buyers.

 

[bobber]

If the Rangers continue to falter right up to the deadline will that lesson the value of tradable assets? GMs looking at bolstering their line ups for a run will be picky and want the right fit. The player I believe that seemed to have stepped up his game the most from last year is injured Mitchell Marten. I would think GMs have inquired about him already. There are no leaders on the Rangers. Some of the other vets look great one game and disappear the next. Dumb question: If the Habs feel that Mesar is not improving or falling behind can they remove him after the World Juniors and place him in the AHL?

 

[TheBlueMonster]

I agree to an extent, but Mesar seems to still be getting used to NA ice/style, he keeps getting hit pretty good because he's doing a high skill play in a high risk area that he doesn't seem to expect to be contested. He still has things to learn.

That said Dennis still getting less than the sum of its parts with this team...his time is running out, but there is something nagging at me that maybe there's something bigger wrong with the organization. We went through a similar thing with McKee and a coach change helped for that season; we though it was a McKee problem, but then he goes over to Hamilton and has no problem coaching them to a championship with a similar or arguably lesser team to start than the one he had when he was let go from Kitchener.

I'm not in fire sale mode yet, there are enough pieces here blah blah blah that I give them til closer to the deadline and if it is not turned around, I'm opening up shop to any and all interested buyers.

Some people just ware out their stay. McKee was an alright coach but I think he wore out his stay. He didn't adapt to the team. Teams look different year in year out. Can't keep running the same systems and hoping for the same result. Just my opinion.

I am wondering for you, how close to the deadline do you give them? Each passing week we can see who will be in the conversation for deep playoff run but some teams have already done their big buy. I just don't want to be in a situation where the teams who are buying big are tapped out and we're left dealing with the teams who will spend lightly to make the 2nd round.

I don't hate the idea of MM letting Dennis go and jumping back on the bench first to see if it gives the team a kick in the pants, but that would be a post game tonight move lol.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Some people just ware out their stay. McKee was an alright coach but I think he wore out his stay. He didn't adapt to the team. Teams look different year in year out. Can't keep running the same systems and hoping for the same result. Just my opinion.

I am wondering for you, how close to the deadline do you give them? Each passing week we can see who will be in the conversation for deep playoff run but some teams have already done their big buy. I just don't want to be in a situation where the teams who are buying big are tapped out and we're left dealing with the teams who will spend lightly to make the 2nd round.

I don't hate the idea of MM letting Dennis go and jumping back on the bench first to see if it gives the team a kick in the pants, but that would be a post game tonight move lol.

Well we've just seen a rash of trades, I personally don't think the market would be very hot right this moment. I wouldn't be moving guys out until the December trade freeze at the absolute earliest. Part of the "when" depends on what else MM does; if he fires the coach, the leeway extends a bit. If he's all in on the coach, there's less leeway on the timeline.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

If the Rangers continue to falter right up to the deadline will that lesson the value of tradable assets? GMs looking at bolstering their line ups for a run will be picky and want the right fit. The player I believe that seemed to have stepped up his game the most from last year is injured Mitchell Marten. I would think GMs have inquired about him already. There are no leaders on the Rangers. Some of the other vets look great one game and disappear the next. Dumb question: If the Habs feel that Mesar is not improving or falling behind can they remove him after the World Juniors and place him in the AHL?

People say this every year when the doom sets in, but if the player is good and the team is known to be performing under expectations, it doesn't seem to make much difference overall, league wide.

Seeing as there doesn't seem to be any precedence for a player who was assigned from the AHL to the OHL, moving back to the AHL mid season, I'd say no.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Well we've just seen a rash of trades, I personally don't think the market would be very hot right this moment. I wouldn't be moving guys out until the December trade freeze at the absolute earliest. Part of the "when" depends on what else MM does; if he fires the coach, the leeway extends a bit. If he's all in on the coach, there's less leeway on the timeline.

Yeah, that's fair.

Currently, I am at the point where I wouldn't trade any further assets unless something drastic changes.

I think the 1st domino to fall will be the coach but as I kind of alluded too, that's something that needs to fall asap. With in 48 hours.

But yeah, that's fair. I think that's likely the approach the team takes.