Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[GeoBlue]

Slight edge Hlacar I’d say. That’s without the benefit of replay and not including Boulton’s persisting.

The first misconduct happened later when he thought he was getting into a fight and dropped his gloves, but nobody else did. So they gave him a 10.

The second misconduct came when off a face off (or “puck drop” in Bettman’s world), he and Aboflan dropped the gloves to fight, but Hlacar immediately slipped and fell down as they came together. No punches were thrown, so both players just got 10’s.

This was Hlacar’s first game in a while and he was making the most of it. Has he surpassed the three fight minimum with tonight’s bout?

The way I saw it, Hlacar throws a punch in both bouts and ends up on the ice. Keeping ones balance during a fight is crucial for pugilistic success.

 

[rangersblues]

I only watched a little of the first period as I had other business but I was really impressed with the puck movement the Knights had on their first PP. Especially considering they were missing Cowan, Bonk and Dickinson. I still think we may be arguably the second best team in the league. We just seem to bring out the very best in London most games.

 

[GeoBlue]

I only watched a little of the first period as I had other business but I was really impressed with the puck movement the Knights had on their first PP. Especially considering they were missing Cowan, Bonk and Dickinson. I still think we may be arguably the second best team in the league. We just seem to bring out the very best in London most games.

They are definitely the team to beat this year. With Dickinson, Bonk and Cowan in the lineup, there isn't anyone that even nears comparison.

 

[EvenSteven]

We just seem to bring out the very best in London most games.

And yet we kept it close both games. Elliot had an easy night despite the shots. And he left juicy rebounds multiple times right around the slot. Too bad we couldn’t get to them. Parsons had to make the harder saves.

Switch goalies and we’re licking our wounds on the trip home.

 

[All the Answers]

Swick needs to be better on a nightly basis. He's been mailing it in for a month. Must have been told he's not getting traded. So aggravating.

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Just wondering:

F-Christian Humphreys (11th round in 2022) has only played 9 of Michigan’s 18 games. Is he hurt or just been frequently scratched? In any case, with only 1 point in 9 games, and only dressing in half the games, could he be a guy who could make the jump here this year?

He was over a point a game last year in the Program. You’d think he and the Avs (7th round 2024) would be itching for a better opportunity this year. He could always go back to Michigan in a year or two.

Has been banged up and been back in Michigan’s lineup their past 4 games

 

[EvenSteven]

Has been banged up and been back in Michigan’s lineup their past 4 games

Ok. Just looked at his stat line and wondered.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Watching the game today I was really impressed with the Rangers in this game against the Knights. They played hard and fast especially in the 3rd period. It great to see the Rangers have a lot of speed for a change. Having speed through out the line up can never be over stated. The Knights seem to thrive on speed and grit. Rangers have has some speedy players in the past but this squad seems to be quicker and more aggressive on pucks than we have seen in a while.

I suspect the Knights practices are at a higher pace then most teams therefore they play at a faster pace! Also, the Knights seem to not to make as many errors as other teams. Talent wise, I dont think the Knights are that far ahead of other teams, its just that the coaching gets the lazy or soft turnovers out of their system.
They play how they practice!

 

[bobber]

I suspect the Knights practices are at a higher pace then most teams therefore they play at a faster pace! Also, the Knights seem to not to make as many errors as other teams. Talent wise, I dont think the Knights are that far ahead of other teams, its just that the coaching gets the lazy or soft turnovers out of their system.
They play how they practice!

Good point Ward. I am sure Jussi puts the team through their paces. He seems like a no nonsense type of coach that has a vision of where he wants the team to be going forward. Hunter seems to have a prototype player that fits or buys into his system. Doesn't happen that often but if they are not what he expects he finds a home for them somewhere else. Deboer use to run scrimmages. When a goal was scored he made every player go back to the position they were in at the time of the goal. It exposed the player or players that missed coverage. You could hear him barking in that players ear out on Ottawa Street. Jussi seems to have a good grasp of junior hockey and what it takes to win. Once he has a veteran squad his team will be a challenge for most other squads.

 

[bobber]

Swick needs to be better on a nightly basis. He's been mailing it in for a month. Must have been told he's not getting traded. So aggravating.

Swick was starting to play with an edge and using his size to cause a bit of havoc. Not sure if he has a nagging injury but something is off with him. Not as noticeable lately.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Ando's penalty basically ended the Rangers come back chances. Great game to watch for fans. Lots of speed with both teams going back and forth. Critical give aways can't happen against the Knights. Despite some top guys missing Knights still have players that can bury pucks quick.

In the 3rd, London was gassed and sat back while the Rangers came on strong. That was their chance to tie it up but to no avail. There were some great opportunities but no finish.

On the early London goals, you can never give up on a player. You don't allow and I mean allow that player to zoom around the back of the net, come out front, pause, line up his shot, and then give er. THAT should never happen....ever.

And what has happened to the Rangers PP? Simply horrid. With that kind of PP, teams are not worried about taking a penalty.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Slight edge Hlacar I’d say. That’s without the benefit of replay and not including Boulton’s persisting.

The first misconduct happened later when he thought he was getting into a fight and dropped his gloves, but nobody else did. So they gave him a 10.

The second misconduct came when off a face off (or “puck drop” in Bettman’s world), he and Aboflan dropped the gloves to fight, but Hlacar immediately slipped and fell down as they came together. No punches were thrown, so both players just got 10’s.

This was Hlacar’s first game in a while and he was making the most of it. Has he surpassed the three fight minimum with tonight’s bout?

I thought the sudden appearance of the Hlachar Vermeulen Labrash 4th line (we haven't seen them for several games) was a message to the green team that Rangers will not be bullied.