Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 4)

[Krangers08]

Not gonna lie, I would take Jackson Parsons on our Knights team next year if you guys end up selling next year. And Rehkopf if you guys are feeling generous.

Parsons is so athletic, reads plays well, and always gives his all. Kinda reminds us of another Parsons we knew in London.

Has McKenzie made a deal with London during his time here? Might have the number blocked

 

[EvenSteven]

Netting but now that I think about it didn’t Hamara get one for putting it in the netting last year

It has to go into the seats. Damiani’s went into the seats for his suspension.

Damiani suspended five games for flipping puck into crowd

The incident happened Sunday afternoon, following Kingston's empty net goal

kitchener.citynews.ca

 

[tjziel]

Has McKenzie made a deal with London during his time here? Might have the number blocked

Haha very true! As I recall, I don’t think we have traded much in the past and I think even the last two trades were a little lopsided in our favor. Both ended up hurting you guys cause they wereiinjured or got injured.

 

[Krangers08]

Per the post game show both representatives from soo and sag have said this a different blue line without Reid. Speaks to the years he having and his potential

 

[EvenSteven]

Even not exactly accurate. The Rangers have played more 07s all season than the Knights have. I think Henry B is the only 07.

Roster age breakdown :

OA-04-05-06-07

Rangers:
3-7-5-4-4
Knights:
3-8-5-6-2

Sure we’ve played more 07’s. But with a full healthy lineup, we’d only dress two. They have dressed more 06’s.

Truth be told, I don’t think there’s enough difference to matter really.

 

[EvenSteven]

Per the post game show both representatives from soo and sag have said this a different blue line without Reid. Speaks to the years he having and his potential

Yes it does.

It also speaks to the lack of depth on our blueline. When a team who is supposed to be a contender (and we displayed that at the deadline), ices a “different blueline” when a 16 year old is on the shelf, it should be concerning.

Truth be told, if we lose just one regular D in the post season, either to injury or suspension, we’ll be in tough.

 

[Krangers08]

Yes it does.

It also speaks to the lack of depth on our blueline. When a team who is supposed to be a contender (and we displayed that at the deadline), ices a “different blueline” when a 16 year old is on the shelf, it should be concerning.

Truth be told, if we lose just one regular D in the post season, either to injury or suspension, we’ll be in tough.

Can’t argue there. At least the young guys are developing and getting opportunities in year 1. Lam has dipped a bit but Romano has taken another level and Stark is steady. Just need Ellinas to trust his shot more

 

[RB76]

The knights are an impressive team and seem to be built for a championship run. Their blue line is big, defend well and move the puck up the ice very well. Our blue line on the other hand is depleted and struggling to move the puck effectively. With 20 games left we have time to get healthy, get those lines back together and get that PP firing again.

Also… have to say, IMO no way, Cowan is back in the OHL next year. He could play on the leafs right now and make them better.

 

[EvenSteven]

The knights are an impressive team and seem to be built for a championship run. Their blue line is big, defend well and move the puck up the ice very well. Our blue line on the other hand is depleted and struggling to move the puck effectively. With 20 games left we have time to get healthy, get those lines back together and get that PP firing again.

Also… have to say, IMO no way, Cowan is back in the OHL next year. He could play on the leafs right now and make them better.

With 20 games left we have to counter whatever it is London is doing to shut us down offensively.

Our offence, especially the PP has been our bread and butter this year. But London has solved it. Over these last three games vs the Knights they have shut us down effortlessly. Yes we’ve had players out of the lineup but we’ve also had some damn good players in the lineup and still aren’t getting it done. Not even close.

To attribute the lack of scoring to a short handed lineup, expecting it’ll work itself out when we’re healthy again is a mistake.

Nose to the grindstone Jussi. You and your staff have work to do.

 

[bobber]

Roster age breakdown :

OA-04-05-06-07

Rangers:
3-7-5-4-4
Knights:
3-8-5-6-2

Sure we’ve played more 07’s. But with a full healthy lineup, we’d only dress two. They have dressed more 06’s.

Truth be told, I don’t think there’s enough difference to matter really.

Agree to disagree Even. Playing 4 07s against the Knights certainly has given them and other teams the advantage. When our 07 get a full season under their belts playing higher competition you will see the difference as reference to the Knights 06s this season. Now if the Rangers get back to a full line up and the 07s mostly sit out that would be the time to gage the difference IMO. Still on the fence that the Rangers are a top contender with a full line up. The coaching staff has to find a way to get the power play going. Jussi comments on this issue most games and he runs the ship. No players battling in front of the opposing goalie causing havoc and the lack of a real set up man. Lam can make plays but he is small and gets knocked off the puck. They have to be better on the face off dot also. Rangers have some warts to get rid of before the play offs for sure.

 

[bobber]

Haha very true! As I recall, I don’t think we have traded much in the past and I think even the last two trades were a little lopsided in our favor. Both ended up hurting you guys cause they wereiinjured or got injured.

If I was buying a used car and the salesman looked anything remotely to Mark Hunter I would run ten blocks in the other direction. He skinned the Rangers a couple of times and fleeced Niagara right out of their jocks.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

The 2nd period was Rangers opportunity to even up the score. Shots 14-7 Rangers. For those who stepped out for a beverage that period, Rangers were in the London zone and had them skating around like a chick fil A special.

Are London D solid?....yes....but in those instances, they had their work cut out for them including a few giveaways in their own end. BUT given those chances, Rangers shot wide....wide....wide. Other than the shot by Romano that Willmore grabbed as he rolled on his back, there really was no danger that Rangers would score. Swick and Martin are dearly missed for their front-of-net duties.

By the 3rd, London could cruise and for the most part, Rangers would snooze. They didn't have the same energy and attack as they did in the 2nd.....and they did have it in the 2nd.

IF having 6 players out of the lineup shouldn't affect the Rangers, let's see London or any other team sit 6 players of equal skill....whatever.....and see how the game goes...

 

[EvenSteven]

we have to remember this is a very young team and this is a rebuild year. It's not uncommon for these younger teams to be bullied by older teams like London. Each playoff game is a bonus this year as going in we weren't sure we would see any. Bodes well for next year.

Agree to disagree I suppose, but I was originally referring to the original poster who implied that we were the younger rebuilding team overall this year and into the post season. Not just over the last three games vs London.

Last night we iced five 07’s to their one. We’ve iced the younger lineup over the last week or so, but overall this year, the age difference is not enough of a difference to matter really.

Swap out London’s age for Saginaw’s and now we’re talking.

Agree to disagree Even. Playing 4 07s against the Knights certainly has given them and other teams the advantage. When our 07 get a full season under their belts playing higher competition you will see the difference as reference to the Knights 06s this season. Now if the Rangers get back to a full line up and the 07s mostly sit out that would be the time to gage the difference IMO. Still on the fence that the Rangers are a top contender with a full line up. The coaching staff has to find a way to get the power play going. Jussi comments on this issue most games and he runs the ship. No players battling in front of the opposing goalie causing havoc and the lack of a real set up man. Lam can make plays but he is small and gets knocked off the puck. They have to be better on the face off dot also. Rangers have some warts to get rid of before the play offs for sure.

 

[EvenSteven]

The 2nd period was Rangers opportunity to even up the score. Shots 14-7 Rangers. For those who stepped out for a beverage that period, Rangers were in the London zone and had them skating around like a chick fil A special.

Are London D solid?....yes....but in those instances, they had their work cut out for them including a few giveaways in their own end. BUT given those chances, Rangers shot wide....wide....wide. Other than the shot by Romano that Willmore grabbed as he rolled on his back, there really was no danger that Rangers would score. Swick and Martin are dearly missed for their front-of-net duties.

By the 3rd, London could cruise and for the most part, Rangers would snooze. They didn't have the same energy and attack as they did in the 2nd.....and they did have it in the 2nd.

IF having 6 players out of the lineup shouldn't affect the Rangers, let's see London or any other team sit 6 players of equal skill....whatever.....and see how the game goes...

Willmore got to see every puck that came his way. Easy night for him. When there were rebounds, we couldn’t get to them.

Conversely, two of London’s goals were on rebounds that we couldn’t keep them from getting to.

 

[bobber]

Once London got the 3rd goal they tightened up and kept the Rangers hemmed in their end and totally shut them down. Rangers have only scored 9 goals in five games. They will have to bear down defensively a grind their way through games if they hope to get any wins. As of right now they seem to predicable. Kept to the outside the forwards are ineffective and a strong forecheck hems them in for to long a time. Can't count the times opposing forwards beat the Rangers to pucks going back into the defensive end and the goalie has to make a rush decision. This is on the coaches. Hopefully if they ever get back to a full roster they can correct some of their issues.

 

[nelli27]

Once London got the 3rd goal they tightened up and kept the Rangers hemmed in their end and totally shut them down. Rangers have only scored 9 goals in five games. They will have to bear down defensively a grind their way through games if they hope to get any wins. As of right now they seem to predicable. Kept to the outside the forwards are ineffective and a strong forecheck hems them in for to long a time. Can't count the times opposing forwards beat the Rangers to pucks going back into the defensive end and the goalie has to make a rush decision. This is on the coaches. Hopefully if they ever get back to a full roster they can correct some of their issues.

Lam and Romano for the next 3 or 3 plus yrs, Reid too. Pieces in place.

 

[Fastpace]

Yes it does.

It also speaks to the lack of depth on our blueline. When a team who is supposed to be a contender (and we displayed that at the deadline), ices a “different blueline” when a 16 year old is on the shelf, it should be concerning.

Truth be told, if we lose just one regular D in the post season, either to injury or suspension, we’ll be in tough.

It's too bad you couldn't keep o/a Roman Schmidt, he was the pillar that you need today to stabilize your defence, and your captain too. Hang in there Ranger fans, your team will be untouchable starting next year for at least 2 and maybe 3 more years

 

[rangersblues]

With 20 games left we have to counter whatever it is London is doing to shut us down offensively.

Our offence, especially the PP has been our bread and butter this year. But London has solved it. Over these last three games vs the Knights they have shut us down effortlessly. Yes we’ve had players out of the lineup but we’ve also had some damn good players in the lineup and still aren’t getting it done. Not even close.

To attribute the lack of scoring to a short handed lineup, expecting it’ll work itself out when we’re healthy again is a mistake.

Nose to the grindstone Jussi. You and your staff have work to do.

Not sure exactly what London had cooked up to shut us down but I suspect a lot of it was not letting Rehkopf and Brzustewicz beat them. And their defensemen may be one of the best all around groups in the OHL in recent history. Doesn't hurt to have solid goaltending and an all around sound team defensive game either.

Add to all that Hunter hates us or at the very least hates losing to us. It was no small thing when he didn't shake hands after we beat them in game 7 two years ago. It's going to be a lot for Kitchener or any team to overcome.

 

[rangersblues]

Agree to disagree Even. Playing 4 07s against the Knights certainly has given them and other teams the advantage. When our 07 get a full season under their belts playing higher competition you will see the difference as reference to the Knights 06s this season. Now if the Rangers get back to a full line up and the 07s mostly sit out that would be the time to gage the difference IMO. Still on the fence that the Rangers are a top contender with a full line up. The coaching staff has to find a way to get the power play going. Jussi comments on this issue most games and he runs the ship. No players battling in front of the opposing goalie causing havoc and the lack of a real set up man. Lam can make plays but he is small and gets knocked off the puck. They have to be better on the face off dot also. Rangers have some warts to get rid of before the play offs for sure.

The Knights are experts at developing their draft picks by getting them a lot of ice time in lesser leagues than the OHL.

Edit - This gives them the flexibility to fill their bottom lines with older, grittier players.

 

[bobber]

The Knights are experts at developing their draft picks by getting them a lot of ice time in lesser leagues than the OHL.

True blues and trading the draft picks that don't quite fit the mold. I would like to see more character and grit in Ranger drafts. There just seems to be an element missing to build a well structured team. Playing at the AUD should never be enjoyable and every opposing player interviewed loves playing in our barn. Hopefully there is steaming hot crow pie waiting for me down the road but I just don't see it.

 

[LDN]

The knights are an impressive team and seem to be built for a championship run. Their blue line is big, defend well and move the puck up the ice very well. Our blue line on the other hand is depleted and struggling to move the puck effectively. With 20 games left we have time to get healthy, get those lines back together and get that PP firing again.

Also… have to say, IMO no way, Cowan is back in the OHL next year. He could play on the leafs right now and make them better.

Really regarding Cowan? Hard to know. He might get 9 games. If he made it now that would be insane

 

[rangersblues]

Really regarding Cowan? Hard to know. He might get 9 games. If he made it now that would be insane

If Cowan maintains his development curve I think he's gone. He's been the best player on the ice most of the OHL games I've seen him this season.

 

[JagrBomb93]

The 2nd period was Rangers opportunity to even up the score. Shots 14-7 Rangers. For those who stepped out for a beverage that period, Rangers were in the London zone and had them skating around like a chick fil A special.

Are London D solid?....yes....but in those instances, they had their work cut out for them including a few giveaways in their own end. BUT given those chances, Rangers shot wide....wide....wide. Other than the shot by Romano that Willmore grabbed as he rolled on his back, there really was no danger that Rangers would score. Swick and Martin are dearly missed for their front-of-net duties.

By the 3rd, London could cruise and for the most part, Rangers would snooze. They didn't have the same energy and attack as they did in the 2nd.....and they did have it in the 2nd.

IF having 6 players out of the lineup shouldn't affect the Rangers, let's see London or any other team sit 6 players of equal skill....whatever.....and see how the game goes...

Knights were missing Cowan, Bonk, Haltunnen, Barkey to world junior training camps/tournament and still went on an 8 game win streak

 

[Offside by a mile]

It has to go into the seats. Damiani’s went into the seats for his suspension.

Damiani suspended five games for flipping puck into crowd

The incident happened Sunday afternoon, following Kingston's empty net goal

kitchener.citynews.ca

To Even’s point. Motew even returned in the game last night. I don't believe there will be any supplemental discipline.

 

[KRangersRookie]

Knights were missing Cowan, Bonk, Haltunnen, Barkey to world junior training camps/tournament and still went on an 8 game win streak

I mean that is fantastic to go on a run like that when down four players, but when pretty much every opponent at the time is also at least down their imports is a little different than being down 5-6 top guys after the deadline going up against almost full line up above average win percentage teams. Not trying to make excuses but with the way they have played the last three games with the line up we have I'm very happy and look forward to seeing a full line up again. Hopefully give London a better challenge in March