I watch every game, every minute. Just like you.
Kakko - Year 4. On pace for 27 points. Does everything well except PRODUCE. How is that “solid”?
Miller - Year 3. Huge regression from last year. Defensive liability right now. Contributing almost nothing offensively.
Laf - Year 3. I’m not seeing the talent. This is not my opinion, it’s the general consensus among Rangers fans right now.
For the record, I agreed with you on keeping Kreider, keeping Chytil, waiting for the right Nils deal, etc.
I just don’t see how you can call 3 players who are in years 3-4 pacing a combined 85 points your definitive young core. We all want it to work out that way but it’s trending disaster.
Appreciate the feedback.
It is a matter of potential v instant gratification, imo
e.g. LaF, now year 3
1st yr + a half putrid
could not skate well enuf
know who else was like that ?
LeoDrai
except he only took 4ish months to figure it out/adjust
OK, but point remains.
Once he physically developed so his skating was at least par, his results improved dramatically
But that is only part of the equation
I have proffered often
one scenario that works is a line where you have
driver of play + facilitator + finisher [scorer/sniper]
LaF/Kakko eventually yes, now can't do it all
need to be on correct lines
stop w/effin too much vets
accept growing pains
let these guys acquire CHEMISTRY first, hopefully SYNERGY
Devils sucked ass for quite a while, they paid their dues, have gotten lucky but mostly earned current success.
bOS + TB have stable lineups = extensive/max chemistry
Rangers will not enjoy that until Drury listens to me
Acquiring the added firepower last year was STUPID b'c we did not/could not keep what we paid for. If we kept those assets, then you could argue there is benefit to experience retained. Yes, the rest of the squad got experience but no, would have been better, OBV, to tell bread get real, ditch Strome, and have Krav ready and contributing as early as last year. This brain dead thought that we play an injured Strome [actually, any Strome, he was overrated] ahead of Kakko was beyond stupid.
Eff win now
yield to bernmeister
accept growing pains but develop ongoing results
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I disagree on KAM.
Some missteps, yes but let's not overreact.
JONES is the weak link here
Jones is not poor man's, but destitute man's, Fox
That still has decent upside for a good NHL career
but it is not a fit in NY where we have real deal actual Fox
We need picks not adding cap next year or 2 until we can repurpose Trouba
keep our young core
then we can replenish more prospects on the good supply we have
We have Scanlin who is getting needed mins and will be our answer to LD next year
Skinner I want here sooner than later as a reserve D who can also play W.
Those 2 adding tuffnness, our D will be fine.
Othmann will be here next year
Need to ditch Vesey, maybe Carpenter
get the lines familiar and stabiized