Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread

[Rangers True Blue]

Early on, CD was noted as defense first. Practices were dedicated to it. Offense was an afterthought. Has this philosophy smothered offense? Rangers have two lines that should be offensive threats but each game, the lines keep shifting back forth and upside down...just like the McKee era. Is this the lineup you would expect?

Sop-Pinelli-Mešár
Misaljevic-Serpa-Fishman
Swick-Rehkopf-Valade
Zidlicky-Mercer-Bottineau

It's like a desperation move to get something going. And not to worry, it will be different yet again for the next outing.

Why is this team underperforming? You never know which team you're going to get. We keep hearing that the boys need to step up but if the systems or whatever they are don't work, whose fault is that? I think we all know and MM has to know it too.

 

[bobber]

Oxymoron: A figure of speech with opposing meanings like "old news" deafening silence" "organized chaos" "MM said Dennis is the perfect fit for this team".

 

[rangersblues]

Mouth guard habit....not easy to break but must be. Crosscheck to the head.....from Pinelli??? Frustration with what's going on behind the curtain?? Just not like Pinelli.

I'm wondering if Pinelli got some bad advice from someone that he needed to toughen up his game. It seems like the first thing he did this season was get into a fight.

 

[Gondrex]

.......... First, I cannot find any info on where Dennis actually played hockey. Lots of video coaching and assistant coaching on his resume. Sounds like Fixter. Does anyone know where he laced on skates and played at a higher level? .........

That's interesting Bobber. I did a search too (albeit a quick one) and didn't really find anything. I remember when his hiring was announced, that according to MM, "he ticked all of the boxes". The Technical part is a great attribute for sure, but is there not that Practical box somewhere on that checklist (i.e. playing history) ? Maybe we just didn't dig deep enough....dunno.

 

[bobber]

I'm wondering if Pinelli got some bad advice from someone that he needed to toughen up his game. It seems like the first thing he did this season was get into a fight.

I just find it strange that the Rangers have quite a few big players and Pinelli has to set an example for them. Good to see a captain stand up but some of the others get shoved around. In one sequence that led to a Spits goal last night Schmitt was knocked on his butt twice and a Spit got in behind him without much resistance. These drafted players need to play more physical if they want to play pro IMO.

 

[OhSheilaa]

I'm wondering if Pinelli got some bad advice from someone that he needed to toughen up his game. It seems like the first thing he did this season was get into a fight.

When he was hired, I remember Coach Dennis saying we'd be a team that would work very hard. A team that other teams would say, we're playing Kitchener tonight, so we're going to have to work hard to beat them.

I've haven't seen that on a consistent basis. There have been times when you go, this is great, but others when you say, what is going on.

Way too many slow starts. Inconsistent fore-checking. Lack of options in the offensive zone. Very low shots on goal. They seem like they're hanging on instead of taking it to the other team.

The talent is pretty good on this team. They need a consistent and stronger effort level. Perhaps some system adjustments are needed too. When Mesar started, he was on fire, now it seems other teams have figured out our system and how to stop it. Maybe we need a bit of the Martin St. Louis philosphy and use more of a structure than a system. It's worked for Cole Caufield.

 

[bobber]

That's interesting Bobber. I did a search too (albeit a quick one) and didn't really find anything. I remember when his hiring was announced, that according to MM, "he ticked all of the boxes". The Technical part is a great attribute for sure, but is there not that Practical box somewhere on that checklist (i.e. playing history) ? Maybe we just didn't dig deep enough....dunno.

Be interesting to find out that Dennis never played hockey. You would think the info would pop up on some site.

 

[Gondrex]

....I've haven't seen that on a consistent basis. There have been times when you go, this is great, but others when you say, what is going on.

Way too many slow starts. Inconsistent fore-checking. Lack of options in the offensive zone. Very low shots on goal. They seem like they're hanging on instead of taking it to the other team.....

Yeah, as an example, they seemed to have hung on for that victory against NB (pretty much the whole last half of the game). From what I saw last night, I think overall they actually played better in that game than vs the Battalion. I might be wrong on that, but they seemed to have quite a few scoring opportunities anyway. Maybe others saw it differently.

What hurt last night - at least in my opinion - was the decision to start a goaltender in net that still hadn't fully recovered from an illness (sorry about beating the dead horse). That put this team waaaay behind the 8-ball right away. Credit to the Rangers for battling back within one. They just couldn't get the leg up on the Spits after that.

 

[Jives]

MM I think has put a good team on the ice for CD. This isn’t on MM right now. His job is to ice a team that should win / be competitive every night - he has done that imo. If he keeps letting this gong show happen then eventually it will be on MM. CD isnt getting the most out of the team. That is on him. Something needs to change. I’d personal look at coach replacement if I’m MM. probably can’t now but hire a person with experience in the CHL that has a track record of getting the job done. We are a wealthy team and no reason to cheap out on a head coach. Probably aren’t going to find that guy in the middle of the season though. Either MM or an assistant will probably have to take over the job the rest of this year.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Be interesting to find out that Dennis never played hockey. You would think the info would pop up on some site.

I think you're over reacting a little too much to your speculation. I think it's a bit outdated that a good hockey mind must have experience playing a high level of hockey, especially considering how many bone heads and bozo's have gotten hockey jobs based on their playing experience, only to be dog shit hockey minds.

We talk about how they look unprepared on the ice, that there passing his sloppy, leading to speculation of bad practices which I think has legs to it with teh country club atmosphere.
That brings me to a great NHLer turned coach/GM of Kingston who ran 30 minute practices that amounted to a skate around, which he called "pro pracitces" according to a goalie I had classes with who played under him for a bit. Just an anecdote to my point of good hockey players not automatically making for the ideal coach. He could often be found at Dallas night club post games too lol.

That's not a defense of Dennis specifically here, just pushing back on the idea that that would be the "reason" he's doing badly as a head coach.

Almost looks like he's playing his way off the team.

It's getting to the point I'd be ok trading him, at least if things don't turn around I'd be shopping him. Just no real improvement the last 2 years. Maybe could handle an A but the C seems too heavy.

 

[ohloutsider]

I think you're over reacting a little too much to your speculation. I think it's a bit outdated that a good hockey mind must have experience playing a high level of hockey, especially considering how many bone heads and bozo's have gotten hockey jobs based on their playing experience, only to be dog shit hockey minds.

We talk about how they look unprepared on the ice, that there passing his sloppy, leading to speculation of bad practices which I think has legs to it with teh country club atmosphere.
That brings me to a great NHLer turned coach/GM of Kingston who ran 30 minute practices that amounted to a skate around, which he called "pro pracitces" according to a goalie I had classes with who played under him for a bit. Just an anecdote to my point of good hockey players not automatically making for the ideal coach.

That's not a defense of Dennis specifically here, just pushing back on the idea that that would be the "reason" he's doing badly as a head coach.


It's getting to the point I'd be ok trading him, at least if things don't turn around I'd be shopping him. Just no real improvement the last 2 years. Maybe could handle an A but the C seems too heavy.

There are NHL coaches that have never played at a high level of hockey . You are either a good coach or not.

 

[bobber]

I think you're over reacting a little too much to your speculation. I think it's a bit outdated that a good hockey mind must have experience playing a high level of hockey, especially considering how many bone heads and bozo's have gotten hockey jobs based on their playing experience, only to be dog shit hockey minds.

We talk about how they look unprepared on the ice, that there passing his sloppy, leading to speculation of bad practices which I think has legs to it with teh country club atmosphere.
That brings me to a great NHLer turned coach/GM of Kingston who ran 30 minute practices that amounted to a skate around, which he called "pro pracitces" according to a goalie I had classes with who played under him for a bit. Just an anecdote to my point of good hockey players not automatically making for the ideal coach. He could often be found at Dallas night club post games too lol.

That's not a defense of Dennis specifically here, just pushing back on the idea that that would be the "reason" he's doing badly as a head coach.


It's getting to the point I'd be ok trading him, at least if things don't turn around I'd be shpping 'im. Just no real improvement the last 2 years. Maybe could handle an A but the C seems too heavy.

Never said that was the reason Dennis is failing miserably here in KW. If I'm so old fashion in my thinking tell me why you think Dennis can't get this squad going? I agree with you that not every pro player would turn into a great coach. We all basically know that is a given. We have seen it here at Aud more than once. Could be Dennis is failing miserably here because he wasn't handed the tools necessary to succeed from MM? Last year's group of potential NHL draftable players weren't even ranked anywhere. Who is that on? Not Dennis. My point about Dennis's hockey resume is most OHL coaches sure as hell played at a higher level somewhere. Even college or Jr. B. Just can't find that info. Firing coaches is not a great look for OHL franchises. Most OHL teams can't afford to pay the salary for a fired coach to sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Rangers can, I guess. I doubt Dennis goes anywhere. I used to go to practice almost every day when I retired. I saw the difference in how coaches ran systems. Fixter looked like an amateur compared to Spott. He almost got into a scrap with a disgruntled player who they sent home once. We went to games for forty plus years and had seasons tickets for over 20. Spent a few thousand down at the Aud. Sat through a lot of boring hockey the last few years with the exception of a couple of seasons.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Never said that was the reason Dennis is failing miserably here in KW. If I'm so old fashion in my thinking tell me why you think Dennis can't get this squad going? I agree with you that not every pro player would turn into a great coach. We all basically know that is a given. We have seen it here at Aud more than once. Could be Dennis is failing miserably here because he wasn't handed the tools necessary to succeed from MM? Last year's group of potential NHL draftable players weren't even ranked anywhere. Who is that on? Not Dennis. My point about Dennis's hockey resume is most OHL coaches sure as hell played at a higher level somewhere. Even college or Jr. B. Just can't find that info. Firing coaches is not a great look for OHL franchises. Most OHL teams can't afford to pay the salary for a fired coach to sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Rangers can, I guess. I doubt Dennis goes anywhere. I used to go to practice almost every day when I retired. I saw the difference in how coaches ran systems. Fixter looked like an amateur compared to Spott. He almost got into a scrap with a disgruntled player who they sent home once. We went to games for forty plus years and had seasons tickets for over 20. Spent a few thousand down at the Aud. Sat through a lot of boring hockey the last few years with the exception of a couple of seasons.

I didn't say you were old fashioned, I said the idea of needing to have played at a high level in order to be a coach/GM is at this point (and added that none of that was a defense of Dennis or his poor showing).

I think he's just not a good head coach and his system either isn't good or he's not as good at implementing it as he and MM anticipated. Maybe he was better at getting more from players in a more limited Assistant and Associate Coach capacity. Some guys are just really well suited to playing "support" roles, and not so good at being "the guy".
I think he does have the "tools" necessary player wise, certainly some pieces that don't fit with the rest of the group imo, but he hasn't shown much with the tools he has to make me believe he'd do any better with one or 2 new or swapped pieces.

 

[bobber]

There are NHL coaches that have never played at a high level of hockey . You are either a good coach or not.

Interesting outsider. Can you tell me where these NHL coaches played and at what level?

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Interesting outsider. Can you tell me where these NHL coaches played and at what level?

I haven't done an extensive look, but recent back to back Cup winning coach Jon Cooper has no real background playing at a high level.

 

[bobber]

I didn't say you were old fashioned, I said the idea of needing to have played at a high level in order to be a coach/GM is at this point (and added that none of that was a defense of Dennis or his poor showing).

I think he's just not a good head coach and his system either isn't good or he's not as good at implementing it as he and MM anticipated. Maybe he was better at getting more from players in a more limited Assistant and Associate Coach capacity. Some guys are just really well suited to playing "support" roles, and not so good at being "the guy".
I think he does have the "tools" necessary player wise, certainly some pieces that don't fit with the rest of the group imo, but he hasn't shown much with the tools he has make me believe he'd do any better with one or 2 new or swapped pieces.

I admit am kind of stuck in the past although I know the game has changed. I like big sandpaper type teams that get under opponent's skins. Especially at the Aud. Rangers do have some big kids along with many other squads this year. I listened to Auston Mathews interview the other day. He basically said all NHL teams play the same way now. Everything is about speed and taking away time and space from opponents. When you watch NHL games and see the speed you can really see the challenge these OHL players have when it comes to playing at that level. Coaches really have to push players to get the most out of them in order for them to be successful. As Ranger fans we all want to see some exciting hockey and this year has not lived up to expectations. Hey, I'm just another shit house GM on the HF Boards. What do I know?

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I admit am kind of stuck in the past although I know the game has changed. I like big sandpaper type teams that get under opponent's skins. Especially at the Aud. Rangers do have some big kids along with many other squads this year. I listened to Auston Mathews interview the other day. He basically said all NHL teams play the same way now. Everything is about speed and taking away time and space from opponents. When you watch NHL games and see the speed you can really see the challenge these OHL players have when it comes to playing at that level. Coaches really have to push players to get the most out of them in order for them to be successful. As Ranger fans we all want to see some exciting hockey and this year has not lived up to expectations. Hey, I'm just another shit house GM on the HF Boards. What do I know?

It hasn't been very exciting, that is for sure. I can handle disappointing results if the games are fun to watch, but with this team they aren't.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Never said that was the reason Dennis is failing miserably here in KW. If I'm so old fashion in my thinking tell me why you think Dennis can't get this squad going? I agree with you that not every pro player would turn into a great coach. We all basically know that is a given. We have seen it here at Aud more than once. Could be Dennis is failing miserably here because he wasn't handed the tools necessary to succeed from MM? Last year's group of potential NHL draftable players weren't even ranked anywhere. Who is that on? Not Dennis. My point about Dennis's hockey resume is most OHL coaches sure as hell played at a higher level somewhere. Even college or Jr. B. Just can't find that info. Firing coaches is not a great look for OHL franchises. Most OHL teams can't afford to pay the salary for a fired coach to sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Rangers can, I guess. I doubt Dennis goes anywhere. I used to go to practice almost every day when I retired. I saw the difference in how coaches ran systems. Fixter looked like an amateur compared to Spott. He almost got into a scrap with a disgruntled player who they sent home once. We went to games for forty plus years and had seasons tickets for over 20. Spent a few thousand down at the Aud. Sat through a lot of boring hockey the last few years with the exception of a couple

I admit am kind of stuck in the past although I know the game has changed. I like big sandpaper type teams that get under opponent's skins. Especially at the Aud. Rangers do have some big kids along with many other squads this year. I listened to Auston Mathews interview the other day. He basically said all NHL teams play the same way now. Everything is about speed and taking away time and space from opponents. When you watch NHL games and see the speed you can really see the challenge these OHL players have when it comes to playing at that level. Coaches really have to push players to get the most out of them in order for them to be successful. As Ranger fans we all want to see some exciting hockey and this year has not lived up to expectations. Hey, I'm just another shit house GM on the HF Boards. What do I know?

There's an old sport saying " different courses for different horses". Maybe CD isn't a coach for this age group?

 

[ohloutsider]

Interesting outsider. Can you tell me where these NHL coaches played and at what level?

Ken Hitchcock, Bob Hartley, Pat Burns, Scotty Bowman. Just google NHL coaches that never played hockey. There are more.

 

[bobber]

Ken Hitchcock, Bob Hartley, Pat Burns, Scotty Bowman. Just google NHL coaches that never played hockey. There are more.

All good coaches. A lot of these guys played hockey when they were young. Bowman played junior and fractured his skull. Burns played when he was young but wasn't good enough to ever play pro. Most had some sort of passion and background in the game.

 

[GeoBlue]

It's getting to the point I'd be ok trading him, at least if things don't turn around I'd be shopping him. Just no real improvement the last 2 years. Maybe could handle an A but the C seems too heavy.

I wonder what we could get if we packaged him with Valade? Try to sell Valade for his, ahem, POTENTIAL.

As for all the coach and hockey playing experience talk, I feel that it's redundant. There have been former great hockey players that have been really bad coaches and there have been so so hockey players that have been great coaches. And there have been great coaches that never actually played the game. Roger Neilson comes to mind and I'm not sure, but maybe, John Tortella?

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Alright, I have had 24 hour's since the game ended to really let this stew and now I am ready to release a few thoughts.

1st- Fire The Coach, NOW lol.

Mike McKenzie walking away to focus on the GM duties was the right call. However it was piss poor timing. Coming off the upset against London. We saw some promise against Windsor, this wasn't the time to make a coaching change with everything you had returning. I saw the body language from Pinelli and others yesterday, this coach is cooked. His systems are invisible. Players who looked prime for big years have been disappointing. Rehkopf might be the best rangers forward draft eligible prospect we've seen in YEARS and even he looks lost.

2nd- Give Marco the week off for christ sake. I can't blame him for anything yesterday because he's battled night in and night out. Truthfully he won us at least 2 games this year that we didn't deserve to win. Give Vanderburg the next this week and let the guy get healthy in the off chance you have to move him at the deadline.

3rd- This team has far too many players with a similar skill set. Valade and Serpa are not the players that we thought they where. Good players but not the O/A's you typically use 2 cards on in a go for it year. 50-60 points is a guarantee but we've got too many players whose upside is just that. I'd be looking to move Valade regardless if this team is all in or not. Keep the O/A spot open until someone comes calling.

Fishman has been better lately and im going to give him the benefit here but guys like Miseljevic, Pugliese, Morey, Sop (Who has been great) all just remind me of different molds of those players.

We don't really have any role players.


Onto the defence.

Roman Schmidt has shown up on the score sheet recently but we clearly don't run the systems that will make him an elite OHL defender, hell even a good ohl defender which judging by where he was drafted in both the OHL and NHL, in his D+2 year, he should be much better than we've seen. This goes back to last year. I think the team should be off loading him regardless as well.

I've said it a few times, this group of players with this coaching staff isn't it.

What I saw yesterday was brutal. I am all in on moving away from Dennis. I am all in on some tweaks right now with either a real buy or sell coming in the next month or so.

Pinelli could make team canada. Doubtful but it could happen.
Mesar will be joining the World Junior team.

Not having 1 or both of these guys over Christmas, at the way things are going is going to be rough.

 

[Torts]

Why is Rehkopf bumped down to the third line. In my opinion he needs to be on Pinelli's left wing and then Mesar on the right. Second line of Serpa - Valade and whoever else is healthy would give them team top two lines being decent and maybe even above average offensive threats.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Why is Rehkopf bumped down to the third line. In my opinion he needs to be on Pinelli's left wing and then Mesar on the right. Second line of Serpa - Valade and whoever else is healthy would give them team top two lines being decent and maybe even above average offensive threats.

He was centering it at one point, not sure if that's a player ask positionally or a coach trying to spread his offence out and giving a really talented kid in his draft year the short end of the stick by putting him on the 3rd line with 3rd line minutes, when he was showing perfectly competent on line 1 or 2 and main PP.

 

[Jives]

Everytime the they put Rehkopf with Pinelli and Mesar that line clicks. So either you have Rehkopf wanting to play Center and hurting his draft stock playing on the 3rd line or you have a coach that can’t see when players just click and play well together.