Post-Game Talk: Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers |Game 3| 6/9/14

[pld459666]

I still think we would have beaten Chicago.

I agree.

If I said it once, I said it a dozen times. Playing bigger and heavier teams like LA, Boston give the Rangers fits.

I would extend that to include the Sharke, Ducks and Blue Jackets

I think that we lucked out in who we faced in the PO's.

Not taking anything away from what we have accomplished, you can never be faulted for beating the teams put in front of you, but had Columbus beat Pitt, we would have had a very tough time with them. And if Boston beats Montreal, I doubt we are in the finals.

It is a styles match up combined with a noticeable difference in size and an important willingness and ability to use it.

All of that said, I am proud as hell that we are playing for the Stanley Cup. I have been a negative poster all season because I did not think that even this was possible. But the guys kept on going. They have shown me a level of determination I did not think existed.

We can lose tomorrow, as long as we play well and give a great effort, it will not diminish how proud I am of this team.

 

[Whiplash27]

In some way I'd give it to St. Louis. McD is very young. You'd have to see how he would handle being the captain... Give it to a player who is very vocal in the locker room. I'm not sure how McD is, but a lead by example type (like Cally) is not what is needed right now.

 

[Distortion9]

Richter in 93-94 was supported by the following:

One (1) 50+ goal scoring forward
One (1) All world Captain and at that time top 3 player in the game playing the most important position (center)
Two (2) Offensive defenceman that makes what McD is doing now look like childs play

That's not to mention the major snarl factor that team had that we lack throughout the line up.

That team had size, strength and skating ability that even with removing Amonte and Gartner's speed were still plenty fast.

The best players on that team were miles better than the best players on this team. The ROLE players on that team were better than the role players on this team.

Lets have some perspective on the team playing in front the two goalies.

I understand that, but I'm not comparing the teams as a whole.

I'm explaining why, at the end of the day, when all is said and done. Unless Hank wins a cup, "the history books" and "sports world" will always have Richter as the superior Rangers goal tender.

Now, if Hank stands on his head for the next three and pushes it to a game 7? We'll maybe that will go a long way to strengthen his case.

 

[RangerLifer]

I think JT Miller and Carcillo need to be in the lineup for game 4.

Yes! They need to sit Richards, keep him healthy so he can be bought out on June 30. I'm not sure how that [amnesty buyout] works, but keep him off the ice.

 

[Killem Dafoe]

I think McDonagh has definitely earned the C. I would rather give it to the young guy that they developed.

I agree, I think it's his in the near future for sure. I just think next year it might go to MSL until he's ready to leave, passing it to McDonagh. MSL is a great veteran leader for this team.

 

[Fugazy]

In some way I'd give it to St. Louis. McD is very young. You'd have to see how he would handle being the captain... Give it to a player who is very vocal in the locker room. I'm not sure how McD is, but a lead by example type (like Cally) is not what is needed right now.

I think McD could definitely bring both types of leadership to the team. That's just my opinion though.

 

[Fugazy]

I agree, I think it's his in the near future for sure. I just think next year it might go to MSL until he's ready to leave, passing it to McDonagh. MSL is a great veteran leader for this team.

Definitely true. I wouldn't have any problems with that.

 

[aufheben]

The part that kills me is that our PK was great this series and face-offs were even.

 

[nyrleetch]

I understand that, but I'm not comparing the teams as a whole.

I'm explaining why, at the end of the day, when all is said and done. Unless Hank wins a cup, "the history books" and "sports world" will always have Richter as the superior Rangers goal tender.

Now, if Hank stands on his head for the next three and pushes it to a game 7? We'll maybe that will go a long way to strengthen his case.

That's not even remotely true. Championships are a team accomplishment. Mike Rupp has a Stanley Cup winning goal, did he have a superior career to everyone who hasn't won one?

 

[FOD]

Richter in 93-94 was supported by the following:

One (1) 50+ goal scoring forward
One (1) All world Captain and at that time top 3 player in the game playing the most important position (center)
Two (2) Offensive defenceman that makes what McD is doing now look like childs play

That's not to mention the major snarl factor that team had that we lack throughout the line up.

That team had size, strength and skating ability that even with removing Amonte and Gartner's speed were still plenty fast.

The best players on that team were miles better than the best players on this team. The ROLE players on that team were better than the role players on this team.

Lets have some perspective on the team playing in front the two goalies.

I have perspective. That 94 team was down 3-2 to the Devils and honestly got two lucky breaks to start that comeback. Kovalev's goal late in the 2nd was not a good goal and the Devils hit the post while up 2-0. Richter also stood on his head to keep that game at 2-0. Game 7 against the Devils could have easily gone the devils way. Again Devils hit the post in OT and Matteau ends it on a wraparound that goes in off the Devils. The Rangers had a ton of "puck luck" in that series. In the finals they blow a 3-1 series lead against the 7th seed Canucks. As good as that team was one wrong bounce and they do not win that cup. You need bounces to win a cup. In this series the Kings have gotten the majority of the bounces.

 

[RangerLifer]

Good point, and I probably would agree if I cared about individual achievements and the height of pedestals. But I don't. I only care about how the TEAM plays. In my eyes, unlike all other sports, this is a team game.... you win as a team, and lose as a team. We've lost as a team 3 times now. It isn't the fault of any 1 player or coach, these have been team losses. Now let's go win the next 4 as a team.

I don't either. Piss on the Vezina Trophy. It means N.O.T.H.I.N.G. Win the CUP, then call him the King. I love him but he's got to make the great plays in BIG games when it matters.

 

[FultonReed]

Incorrect. The last time the Rangers were shutout, they won 5 in a row as the poster stated.

nope. we lost 4-2 the game after the 2nd shutout in a row. and then we went on a 5 game winning streak.

 

[Fletch]

Pld...

great points, and it is a "team" sport. Too often is a star player looked at for the reason that his team fails. If that star player doesn't show up, that's one thing, but all can't be pegged on that one player. Why? Because that's what sells and that's what is more easily debated, especially from the casual "expert" analysts. Is it easier to say Crosby didn't show up or that they didn't get bring their physical game, got beat down low on too many occasions, or that the fourth line didn't show up. You peg it to one person, which is funny in a sport such as hockey since these days it's rare that any one player is on the ice for half a game, except for a goalie, and if your goalie is active the entire game, well, then a lot of people aren't doing their jobs. People can criticize Lundqvist. He's not infallible, but if they do so in the context of where the Rangers are in this series, I think it's easy to point to a few other places, and then come back to Lundvist. Further, when looking back on his legacy, does he need a cup to be considered a great goalie? I mean, yea, it's the goal of any team, but if you compare one guy to the other, one had an inconsistent career and a Cup and the other had a consistent career and no cup, should his legacy be diminished that much? Eh, if the Rangers end up winning it will not be because of Lundqvist. St. Louis will get the credit and Richter can remain the best Rangers goalie in the hearts of Rangers fans...

 

[Beer League Sniper]

I agree, I think it's his in the near future for sure. I just think next year it might go to MSL until he's ready to leave, passing it to McDonagh. MSL is a great veteran leader for this team.

I'm not so sure MSL will retire after next season. It sure looks like he has something left in the tank.

 

[Fugazy]

I'm not so sure MSL will retire after next season. It sure looks like he has something left in the tank.

His contract is up after next season. The Rangers almost certainly won't re-sign him at 39 years old.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I don't either. Piss on the Vezina Trophy. It means N.O.T.H.I.N.G. Win the CUP, then call him the King. I love him but he's got to make the great plays in BIG games when it matters.

Pretty idiotic viewpoint when:

1. the Rangers got shut out last night
2. the Kings are a better team

Give Lundqvist 3.5 goals per game like Quick has been getting these playoffs and see what happens.

 

[Cobra Jack*]

nope. we lost 4-2 the game after the 2nd shutout in a row. and then we went on a 5 game winning streak.

ok I see.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Pretty idiotic viewpoint when:

1. the Rangers got shut out last night
2. the Kings are a better team

Give Lundqvist 3.5 goals per game like Quick has been getting these playoffs and see what happens.

I said that to the guy next to me when the Rangers were up 2-0 in game 2. We just need 1 more goal. Hank is 13-0 when they score 3 or more for him.

We lost.

I think he's played well. I'll put it this way, he's not a reason that we are down 3-0, but he is the reason why we haven't won at least 1 game. Quick stole that game for them last night. Henrik has played well, but not exceptionally. Attribute it to being overwhelmed, maybe, by the situation. Next time he is here he'll likely play the way he played for rounds 2 and 3.

 

[Beer League Sniper]

His contract is up after next season. The Rangers almost certainly won't re-sign him at 39 years old.

They will if they feel he can help the team. He only wants to play for the Rangers. If he still wants to play, you can bet your ass the Rangers will sign him as long as he doesn't hamstring the cap with his demands.

 

[Raspewtin]

I said that to the guy next to me when the Rangers were up 2-0 in game 2. We just need 1 more goal. Hank is 13-0 when they score 3 or more for him.

We lost.

I think he's played well. I'll put it this way, he's not a reason that we are down 3-0, but he is the reason why we haven't won at least 1 game. Quick stole that game for them last night. Henrik has played well, but not exceptionally. Attribute it to being overwhelmed, maybe, by the situation. Next time he is here he'll likely play the way he played for rounds 2 and 3.

There's going to be a next time? I hope.

I know no one wants to hear this but this team is really ****ing lucky they didn't have to pass through the Bruins to get here. The Bruins are the Kings-lite, exploiting our matchups to a "t".

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

There's going to be a next time? I hope.

I know no one wants to hear this but this team is really ****ing lucky they didn't have to pass through the Bruins to get here. The Bruins are the Kings-lite, exploiting our matchups to a "t".

Perhaps. Bruins are getting older, slower, and their defense which used to be a focal point of its success has shifted its strength from defensively minded to offensively minded.

 

[KingP]

I think this will be fun lol

We got nothing to lose now. just try to win some games and enjoy being out there

Im sure Hank can steal a game or two and hopefully we get some bounces

Get to game 6 and things could get interesting

 

[TheTakedown]

His contract is up after next season. The Rangers almost certainly won't re-sign him at 39 years old.

they will if he's willing to sign 1 year cap friendly deals...

Could also front load those with bonuses too

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

I think this will be fun lol

We got nothing to lose now. just try to win some games and enjoy being out there

Im sure Hank can steal a game or two and hopefully we get some bounces

Get to game 6 and things could get interesting

1 at a time. Just 1 at a time.

 

[KreiMeARiver*]

I think Staal is gone soon. IMO. Quite possibly at the draft.

Girardi makes a great A

Give St. Louis the C for one year, and after he's gone give it to McDonagh.

This is tough if he's only a Ranger Captain for 1 year. Historically, that's not the Ranger way.

I could live with it, for sure, if McDonagh was named Captain after next season.

Personally, I don't think Staal or Girardi have what it takes to be Captain.

The longest tenure does not a Captain make.