Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 4)

[All the Answers]

Sarnia force the Rangers into all sorts of mistakes in the first with a heavy forecheck. They started the 2nd period the same way and had huge issues getting out of the defensive end. Pugs line came out and made a bit of a statement and fired them up and they were off to the races. Parsons had to make some stellar saves early to keep the score down until they get going. Razor was unstoppable. He did have a couple of bloopers as did a bunch of other top players. Sop scored a beauty and bowed to the crowed. Not sure what the scraps were about but at least they showed some moxie. Power play is working now. On to a girl named Soo.

1st scrap was for the not penalised shot to Sop's face behind the Sting net in the 1st. No idea why the rest of this game was as chippy as it was or why the other 2 fights had to happen.

 

[Rangers2022]

I’d be concerned. Really concerned. We opted to go with him over an OA D, that we desperately needed.

It’s one thing to go with Martin. It’s another having to do without his expected contribution.

I totally agree this is looking like a huge mistake. Were down to 10 regular season games and no Martin yet. Should have held on to Schmidt or picked up Punnett. We traded with Barrie at the dead line who Punnett played for.

 

[Squirrel88]

I totally agree this is looking like a huge mistake. Were down to 10 regular season games and no Martin yet. Should have held on to Schmidt or picked up Punnett. We traded with Barrie at the dead line who Punnett played for.

With what assets? Even the modest cost paid for Punnett was beyond what KIT had to offer, unless you are saying that Punnett be included in the Barrie trade instead of Savard. I'm not sure Punnett really moves the needle either way.

 

[bobber]

With what assets? Even the modest cost paid for Punnett was beyond what KIT had to offer, unless you are saying that Punnett be included in the Barrie trade instead of Savard. I'm not sure Punnett really moves the needle either way.

At this point in the season the should of could of would of trades scenarios mean nothing to the present situation we find the team in. Rangers over paid hugely for the players they acquired IMO and Punnet who is one of the hardest hitters would have cost more. Recently the power play has improved with more net front presence. Still find clearing the defensive zone to be a huge issue that needs work. If the Rangers were playing the Knights as an example last game with all the giveaways and miscues the game would have been over in the 1st period. I feel Martin will be back in a week or so and he will have an immediate impact on the games.

 

[EvenSteven]

With what assets? Even the modest cost paid for Punnett was beyond what KIT had to offer, unless you are saying that Punnett be included in the Barrie trade instead of Savard. I'm not sure Punnett really moves the needle either way.

Barrie moved Punnett at the deadline for a cast off overage player (Thomas Stewart), 3rd ‘25, 6th ‘27. That was cheap and affordable for the Rangers.

Our deal with Barrie could’ve been expanded where Martin goes the other way as the cast off OA player. We did not have a 3rd to add, so you include Campbell in the deal. He is the better defenceman than Scott and is a year younger and would’ve held more value. Then you include a 6th.

In total, the deal could’ve looked like this:
Sale, Savard and Punnett to the Rangers for Morey, Campbell, Scott and all the picks.

With Punnett in, our D is:

Andonovski. Brzustewicz.
Motew. Punnett.
Savard. Reid.
Dirracolo.

Campbell is the easy asset to include as he’d be out of our top six with Punnett in.

MM moving out Schmidt meant he was all in on Martin. But once Hamara and Schmidt were moved, our thin D became exposed, and a problem.

Savard was a good add, but not enough.

 

[rangersblues]

Since December 1 the Rangers are a combined 0-8 and have been outscored 39-14 vs London, Soo and Saginaw

 

[bobber]

Since December 1 the Rangers are a combined 0-8 and have been outscored 39-14 vs London, Soo and Saginaw

Rangers were competitive in the 1st period. No push back at all after. Not one player really did anything to spark the team. 5'8" Cloutier harassed the Rangers the whole game even Ando and no response at all. You have to let the opponent know you were there. Easy win by the Soo.

 

[HockeyPops]

5'8" Cloutier

I think they are generous in his bio

 

[Krangers08]

Jeff Marek on the commissioner search.

The leading candidate heading into the process, Kitchener Rangers CEO Joe Birch, who’s worked at various positions in the OHL off and on going back to 2006, pulled out and it sounds like an extension with the Rangers is imminent.

Rink Fries: Trade notes, personality from officials and why the Flyers believe

In this week's notes, Jeff Marek shares some tidbits from the trade market, gives a nod to referee Garrett Rank, explores when the Flyers started to believe in themselves, and more.

www.sportsnet.ca

 

[EvenSteven]

Jeff Marek on the commissioner search.

The leading candidate heading into the process, Kitchener Rangers CEO Joe Birch, who’s worked at various positions in the OHL off and on going back to 2006, pulled out and it sounds like an extension with the Rangers is imminent.

Rink Fries: Trade notes, personality from officials and why the Flyers believe

In this week's notes, Jeff Marek shares some tidbits from the trade market, gives a nod to referee Garrett Rank, explores when the Flyers started to believe in themselves, and more.

www.sportsnet.ca

Notice his Conner Punnett item? Who, as I said earlier, went cheap at the deadline.

Since December 1 the Rangers are a combined 0-8 and have been outscored 39-14 vs London, Soo and Saginaw

And, it’ll be one of those teams waiting for us in the 2nd round - if we get past the first.

Our goal differential was staggering up until the Hamara / Schmidt trades happened. MM committing to or marrying himself to Martin as the third OA could very well be the decision that this season hinges on.

Hamara and Schmidt out and Savard in has been a negative on the backend. D wins championships. How many teams trying to contend, subtracts veteran quality from the backend instead of adding to it? Not teams who’ll be a threat to go deep in the post season.



 

[Rangers True Blue]

The Soo D owned the Rangers. London will do the same if they don't push back.

 

[digicamo]

Notice his Conner Punnett item? Who, as I said earlier, went cheap at the deadline.



And, it’ll be one of those teams waiting for us in the 2nd round - if we get past the first.

Our goal differential was staggering up until the Hamara / Schmidt trades happened. MM committing to or marrying himself to Martin as the third OA could very well be the decision that this season hinges on.

Hamara and Schmidt out and Savard in has been a negative on the backend. D wins championships. How many teams trying to contend, subtracts veteran quality from the backend instead of adding to it? Not teams who’ll be a threat to go deep in the post season.



Choosing Martin over Schmidt was a mistake but everyone needs to stop adding Hamara into the conversation. Would’ve loved to keep him but it’s been noted there isn’t much MM could do on that one.

 

[EvenSteven]

Choosing Martin over Schmidt was a mistake but everyone needs to stop adding Hamara into the conversation. Would’ve loved to keep him but it’s been noted there isn’t much MM could do on that one.

Whether Hamara wanted a trade or not, it was a valuable asset out that did not get replaced.

 

[bobber]

Notice his Conner Punnett item? Who, as I said earlier, went cheap at the deadline.



And, it’ll be one of those teams waiting for us in the 2nd round - if we get past the first.

Our goal differential was staggering up until the Hamara / Schmidt trades happened. MM committing to or marrying himself to Martin as the third OA could very well be the decision that this season hinges on.

Hamara and Schmidt out and Savard in has been a negative on the backend. D wins championships. How many teams trying to contend, subtracts veteran quality from the backend instead of adding to it? Not teams who’ll be a threat to go deep in the post season.



Punnet hits like a Mack Truck and does it legally. Type of player that makes an impact.

 

[EvenSteven]

How many teams trying to contend, subtracts veteran quality from the backend instead of adding to it? Not teams who’ll be a threat to go deep in the post season.

In 2003, we traded FOR veteran D George Halkidis and Steve Eminger was returned from the NHL.

In 2008, we traded FOR veteran D Ben Shutron.

In 2014, we traded FOR veteran D Frankie Corrado.

In 2018, we traded FOR veteran D Logan Stanley and Austin McEneny.

In 2024, we traded AWAY two NHL drafted veteran D.


Hmmmm……

 

[bobber]

The Soo D owned the Rangers. London will do the same if they don't push back.

Of the mid pack teams the Rangers are right where they should be with the soft play. The teams at the top of the standings have no qualms about hitting the Rangers top players. There is an element missing in the Ranger system where they are either coached not to bang opposing players or they just refuse to do it. Come the play offs opposing coaches will know the play book on the Rangers and knock them into oblivion. Fixter said they have to compete harder than they are to win in the play offs. Said the Soo did a good job of taking the Rangers right out of the game from the 2nd period on.

 

[rangersblues]

Choosing Martin over Schmidt was a mistake but everyone needs to stop adding Hamara into the conversation. Would’ve loved to keep him but it’s been noted there isn’t much MM could do on that one.

MM couldn't do anything about the Hamara situation because junior players hold all the leverage?

No player has ever had a complaint about ice time and couldn't be appeased one way or another? I recall Mike Catenacci having a huge problem not getting PP time and even saying so in the papers. I must have missed him getting traded.

Hamara had to be traded immediately for a 3rd and 4th?

C'mon.

 

[bobber]

MM couldn't do anything about the Hamara situation because junior players hold all the leverage?

No player has ever had a complaint about ice time and couldn't be appeased one way or another? I recall Mike Catenacci having a huge problem not getting PP time and even saying so in the papers. I must have missed him getting traded.

Hamara had to be traded immediately for a 3rd and 4th?

C'mon.

If Hamara wanted to go to Hamilton MM was holding all the cards. Some GMs are horse traders others aren't. IMO he was taken advantage of. Not to beat a dead horse but things were different when Deboer was here. I saw Catenacci thrown off the ice once at practice. Told to sit and watch and wasn't going to play in the Friday night game. Lock complained to his father about not getting enough playing time. His father who use to attend practices told him to go into DeBoer's office and talk to him. He said no player does that here. Ah the good old days.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Jeff Marek on the commissioner search.

The leading candidate heading into the process, Kitchener Rangers CEO Joe Birch, who’s worked at various positions in the OHL off and on going back to 2006, pulled out and it sounds like an extension with the Rangers is imminent.

Rink Fries: Trade notes, personality from officials and why the Flyers believe

In this week's notes, Jeff Marek shares some tidbits from the trade market, gives a nod to referee Garrett Rank, explores when the Flyers started to believe in themselves, and more.

www.sportsnet.ca

MM the new Shadow Commissioner, replacing Dale?

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Of the mid pack teams the Rangers are right where they should be with the soft play. The teams at the top of the standings have no qualms about hitting the Rangers top players. There is an element missing in the Ranger system where they are either coached not to bang opposing players or they just refuse to do it. Come the play offs opposing coaches will know the play book on the Rangers and knock them into oblivion. Fixter said they have to compete harder than they are to win in the play offs. Said the Soo did a good job of taking the Rangers right out of the game from the 2nd period on.

I don't think toughness is the main or big issue. They dropped them like crazy with Sarnia. We have more tough players than I can recall in recent memory (not saying much). I think mental toughness when things get physical is a bigger problem than not being physically tough enough. I think guys get stuck between being afraid to take penalties and being stupid, taking too many undisciplined retaliation penalties. We also rely a bit much on guys like Ando who have to weigh whether a fight is worth a suspension. They have trouble not letting opposing teams get the best of them when both get chippy.

I just see the lack of hitting complaints, which are sometimes very valid, but sometimes they come when from my eyes the team HAS been banging boddies and dropping gloves, and even when they do they don't manage to do it in a way that benefits them.

 

[bobber]

I don't think toughness is the main or big issue. They dropped them like crazy with Sarnia. We have more tough players than I can recall in recent memory (not saying much). I think mental toughness when things get physical is a bigger problem than not being physically tough enough. I think guys get stuck between being afraid to take penalties and being stupid, taking too many undisciplined retaliation penalties. We also rely a bit much on guys like Ando who have to weigh whether a fight is worth a suspension. They have trouble not letting opposing teams get the best of them when both get chippy.

I just see the lack of hitting complaints, which are sometimes very valid, but sometimes they come when from my eyes the team HAS been banging boddies and dropping gloves, and even when they do they don't manage to do it in a way that benefits them.

Exactly my point. When they played more physical against the Sting they won the game.

 

[OHL4Life]

Choosing Martin over Schmidt was a mistake but everyone needs to stop adding Hamara into the conversation. Would’ve loved to keep him but it’s been noted there isn’t much MM could do on that one.

schmidt was as much an off ice decision vs an on ice decision.

 

[EvenSteven]

schmidt was as much an off ice decision vs an on ice decision.

Maybe so, but once the Hamara / Schmidt moves were made, anyone with two eyes and an a-hole could see our backend was suspect.

There was time for an OA D addition with Martin the odd OA out.

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Rangers Extend Chief Operating Officer Joe Birch and General Manager Mike McKenzie through 2029 - Kitchener Rangers %

How's everyone feeling?

 

[sbpointer]

Rangers Extend Chief Operating Officer Joe Birch and General Manager Mike McKenzie through 2029 - Kitchener Rangers %

How's everyone feeling?

I think this is a good news story for the Rangers.
Do they have Jussi Ahokas locked up long term too? If not get r done and start planning for that Memorial Cup bid..