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.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Supposed to be a rebuild year and sometimes it shows, not worried about games like this.

Want to trade Misile, I see his minutes being better used by younger players like Romano, even if the price isn't great. Mercer needs to be moved for space. Ando and one of Swick or Parsons would be a big boost to a team with only 2/3 OAs being impact players.

 

[Fastpace]

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!

I think it is more the fact, most teams are geared up to play really hard to the big bad Knights, especially in their big house of green, that's a pretty good exercise for them in each game. Who around the league doesn't love to see London lose ?

 

[Buttsy]

I still think we may be arguably the second best team in the league

Agreed and there in lays the question how do you possibly dump at the deadline? Not to mention arguably you have the best goalie (Carter George?) in the OHL. A goalie who can win games on his own. IMO the team has earned the right to battle it out and with the early season trade your draft cupboard isn't horrible? D is a bit weak and young for sure.

 

[EvenSteven]

If it’s futures that we are looking for, noting that Brampton has just picked up a third import, would it make sense to pick up their cast off import for dirt cheap? Likely the forward Vaculik who is an 06 winger will be the odd man out.

Bring him in and move out a couple uninspiring vets?

 

[rangersblues]

Agreed and there in lays the question how do you possibly dump at the deadline? Not to mention arguably you have the best goalie (Carter George?) in the OHL. A goalie who can win games on his own. IMO the team has earned the right to battle it out and with the early season trade your draft cupboard isn't horrible? D is a bit weak and young for sure.

I agree. I don't think it's a dump. If they don't get value they will stand pat. With what they got for Rehkopf plus other surprises they are in decent shape.

 

[Fastpace]

I decided to change and improve my opinion on this year's Rangers team

After watching both Kitchener/London games, it was a good measuring stick to assess the Rangers. In my opinion, Kitchener are one offensive defenceman and one above average backup goalie away, that would make them as strong as was London last year. The very young team that reached them the final of the Memorial Cup a year ago. As each game goes on, Kitchener becomes more confident and would be able to upset London and reach the Memorial Cup final too, as did London a year ago. Next year is their plan, but this Rangers can or could reach the Memorial Cup this year, but they will need more offensive help from their D and more rest for Parsons to get there. They have the talent to do it. IMHO

 

[RangerNation]

I think if they were in the same scenario as Windsor was, and they had a home game the next day, we see them win it. It's annoying to see the fundamentals cause goals though. That needs to be fixed. This team definitely doesn't like to lose though. Battling to the end.

Stay the course. Go after the trades that make sense (no settling). Get 3rd place.

 

[tjziel]

I decided to change and improve my opinion on this year's Rangers team

After watching both Kitchener/London games, it was a good measuring stick to assess the Rangers. In my opinion, Kitchener are one offensive defenceman and one above average backup goalie away, that would make them as strong as was London last year. The very young team that reached them the final of the Memorial Cup a year ago. As each game goes on, Kitchener becomes more confident and would be able to upset London and reach the Memorial Cup final too, as did London a year ago. Next year is their plan, but this Rangers can or could reach the Memorial Cup this year, but they will need more offensive help from their D and more rest for Parsons to get there. They have the talent to do it. IMHO

Keep in mind when assessing that when you were assessing last night’s game, London was without Cowan, Dickinson and Bonk.

I agree that you guys are on the rise, but the team last year was on another level compared to other OHL teams. Only other team on their level was Saginaw..

 

[Jives]

London was missing their 3 best players. Imagine us missing Reid, Pridham and Swick. It’s a huge deal missing 3 players that log a lot of ice time.

People thinking we can upset them please take my money and let’s make a bet!!! We sell 1 or 2 vets and try to get to the western finals. That’s a HUGE success for this team with how young it is. Stay the course that was planned at the beginning of the year (Rehkopf trade…and then some more vet trades). This teams future is very bright…help them out as we have a very little chance to get by the 14 NHL drafted players London.

 

[Fastpace]

Keep in mind when assessing that when you were assessing last night’s game, London was without Cowan, Dickinson and Bonk.

I agree that you guys are on the rise, but the team last year was on another level compared to other OHL teams. Only other team on their level was Saginaw..

That is precisely the reason for my change of opinion, based on the players other than the three absent from last night's game and those present on the ice, based on the talent and skating abilities of both teams. London has the experience and are the much better team, but Kitchener has an effortless ability and a strong drive, plus they are in progression as the season moves along, they are getting more confident, that makes them very dangerous to an overconfident team like London can be at times.

 

[Fischhaber]

Keep in mind when assessing that when you were assessing last night’s game, London was without Cowan, Dickinson and Bonk.

I agree that you guys are on the rise, but the team last year was on another level compared to other OHL teams. Only other team on their level was Saginaw..

The Soo had a shot at beating London in my opinion. Certainly a better shot than Saginaw did.

 

[tjziel]

The Soo had a shot at beating London in my opinion. Certainly a better shot than Saginaw did.

It’s true actually, I think we still would have won, but it might have gone 7 games if it was Soo and London.

Anyways, I’ll get off the Rangers board and let them keep talking about the Rangers.

 

[LostRangers]

London was missing their 3 best players. Imagine us missing Reid, Pridham and Swick. It’s a huge deal missing 3 players that log a lot of ice time.

People thinking we can upset them please take my money and let’s make a bet!!! We sell 1 or 2 vets and try to get to the western finals. That’s a HUGE success for this team with how young it is. Stay the course that was planned at the beginning of the year (Rehkopf trade…and then some more vet trades). This teams future is very bright…help them out as we have a very little chance to get by the 14 NHL drafted players London.

And without their best, I am not sure we can say as a Ranger fan, that the Nights ever felt like they were going to lose that game. Add to that, they were on the end of a 3in3, and it becomes obvious we do not trade to go after it this year.
Somewhere along the road to ‘27, we have to find some guys who can skate hard AND hit harder. Don’t see any of the current roster with that as an asset or in their potential.