Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[Fastpace]

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.

For the last two years, if any remembers, some hockey experts had the Rangers at the bottom, not making the playoffs. If any went back and read my predicting posts of the past 2 years, they would notice I was one of a very few that had Kitchener above the middle of the pack both seasons. I am now saying the Rangers will be, by the end of this season, very close to where London were last year.

 

[EvenSteven]

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.

I’m not under any illusions that we’re gonna beat London in a seven game series. But I don’t think they’re blowing us out either. Sure, last night was without their big three players. But we lost to them, with a full lineup, 3-1 in a one goal, empty net goal game at the Aud a little while ago.

That’s not nothing.

 

[rangersblues]

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

If Saginaw wouldn't have gotten into that 7 game battle vs Soo last season they very well could have beaten London in the playoffs. Finishing first last season was a huge advantage.

 

[SFC]

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

Agreed, the Soo had a great team last year. Top 3 in the CHL?

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.

Personally I love it when other fans come in here and share their insights on other teams. We talk about the Rangers enough! Some posters don't feel the way I do, though.

Guys we're talking about close losses to London like they're achievements. This is not the year. It could have been a year if MM hadn't mismanaged his team so badly two years ago, but here we are.

 

[Jives]

I’m not under any illusions that we’re gonna beat London in a seven game series. But I don’t think they’re blowing us out either. Sure, last night was without their big three players. But we lost to them, with a full lineup, 3-1 in a one goal, empty net goal game at the Aud a little while ago.

That’s not nothing.

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

 

[EvenSteven]

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

We have pieces. But those pieces are too young.

They (07’s) are to this team that Benoit, Richards, Clarkson etc were to the 2003 team. A high end supporting cast to the vets.

But we don’t have enough quality vets and can’t afford to trade for them.

This is the price for the ill advised “all in buy in” at the deadline two years ago.

 

[bobber]

Agreed, the Soo had a great team last year. Top 3 in the CHL?



Personally I love it when other fans come in here and share their insights on other teams. We talk about the Rangers enough! Some posters don't feel the way I do, though.

Guys we're talking about close losses to London like they're achievements. This is not the year. It could have been a year if MM hadn't mismanaged his team so badly two years ago, but here we are.

First SFC I have to ask do you have a chicken franchise? Southern Fried Chicken. Kidding. I agree the fans of other teams that come on here are great contributors to the conversation. OHL fans are a passionate bunch and usually save their criticisms for their own teams. Most OHL fans are realistic about their teams skill level and where they fit in to the standings. Lots of knowledgeable posters around the league with great perspectives on the games.

 

[Habsrule]

What do you think that the Rangers do about their second import spot?

Sale got an assist last game but went pointless in his previous 8 games. Playing in the AHL.

Do they go for some depth import player who is 19 to fill the spot for cheap to finish the season? Look to trade with some bottom team.

Do they do nothing and leave it be?

 

[EastAveRangers]

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

A little outside the box thought here. I think there’s a realistic shot the Rangers make it to the 3rd round this year with the team they currently have, which is a bulk of players that will be a part of the 2027 team. Although it’s highly unlikely that they do get past London, there’s something to be said for a deep 3 round run for the 07s and 08s. It sets the bar high for the next 2 seasons to exceed those expectations, so I think that type of experience is invaluable to give to a young group that you’re currently grooming to win a championship. (And adds yet another sour taste in their mouth for future bulletin board material for playoff series vs London in 06 or 07)

 

[Krangers08]

What do you think that the Rangers do about their second import spot?

Pobezal will only be a couple hours away

I think they’ll leave it empty till the draft. If MM wants another import he could go after Nordh in the soo