Majority of Board Thinks We'll Get Crushed in SCF

[ReggieDunlop68]

I hope Nash continues to skate and earn his time on the roster, we will surely need that when we take on the West.

 

[CharlieCharleschuk]

We stopped Crosby, Giroux and Malkin and we're supposed to fear Kopitar?

Nah.

Keep the respect. Keep playing the game.

 

[Inferno]

We played the Kings Twice, and the Hawks twice this year.

Just a quick recap of those 4 games.
Rangers 3 Chicago 2
SOG: Rangers 32 Chicago 37
Rangers did not have MSL, Dorsett or Klein in the lineup, instead had MDZ, Carcillo and Cally.

Rangers 2 Chicago 1
SOG Rangers 24 Hawks 32
No Zucc, MSL, Dorsett or Henrik
Instead you had Cally, Carcillo, Talbot & Miller

Rangers 3 Los Angeles 1
SOG: Rangers 28 LA 29
No Kreider, MSL, Klein or Hagelin

Instead we had Pyatt, MDZ, Cally and Asham in the lineup

Los Angeles 1 Rangers 0
Scrivens shut us out.
SOG: Rangers 37 Kings 30
I feel like there was a terrible no goal call in this game that cost us a win. They called Moore for kicking the puck in on a bs call.
No Nash, MSL, or Klein
Instead we had JT Miller, Ryan Callahan, & Justin Falk.


So, to recap, we didnt have our leading playoff scorer (tied) in MSL for any of the games. We had a 3-1 record against them with a cumulative score of 8-5.

We didn't have Klein in for 3 of the games, no Henrik for one & no Kreider or nash for 1 game a piece.

I'd also argue we still werent' playing at our best in any of those games.

With that said, the Kings didnt have Gabby then, and I don't think they were firing on all cylinders either, and i havent acknowledged any injuries/etc that the Hawks may have had at that time either.

I'm sure they are essentially a wash.

So we're going to get steamrolled why? We have a winning record. We gave up 1 goal 3 times and 2 goals once.

Will this be a tough series for the Rangers? Absolutely.

Will they get steamrolled? No. In fact, I think we can, and will, beat either team.

 

[Miamipuck]

We stopped Crosby, Giroux and Malkin and we're supposed to fear Kopitar?

Nah.

Keep the respect. Keep playing the game.

It's not fearing Kopitar, nor stopping him per se, it's the fact the Kings are strong through all 4 lines. They have a very deep and talented forward corps. The Kings have more talent deeper than any other team the Rangers have faced by a significant margin. Pitt had more top end talent but it was concentrated, not so with LA. It should be interesting and yes the Rangers should be underdogs. We probably all agree on that. As Rangers fans we don't think it's that significant at all.

 

[ImIdaho]

Pens were supposed to sweep us too. #uhmyeah

Not necessarily sweep us but definitely beat us with ease. Also, the Canadiens speed would give us too many fits.

 

[Jersey Girl]

According to the main boards, Doughty is 1 trillion times the player McDonagh is. Gotta love hfboards.

Well, if it's on an internet forum, it has to be true. Not much we can do about that, I'm afraid.

Except go back there and post that McDonagh is 1 trillion times the player Doughty is. Then that will be true too!

 

[Inferno]

This is why I think the Rangers will win, because no matter who we face, we will STILL have the advantage in goal.

Henrik Lundqvist: 2.03 GAA .928 SV%
Jonathan Quick: 2.75 - .909
Corey Crawford: 2.38 - .917

Henriks numbers aren't just better....they are SUBSTANTIALLY better.

MAF had essnetially the same or better numbers than both of those guys.

Mason had substantially better numbers than both of those guys.

Tokarski was more or less right in line with Crawfords numbers.


Rangers have the edge in goaltending. we're as deep as Los Angeles, we've got the best top 6 defenseman of the teams left (possibly in the entire NHL), and we're faster than both of those teams.

they have NOBODY who can skate with MSL, MZA, Hagelin, & Kreider.

Bring those ****ers on.

 

[Inferno]

It's not fearing Kopitar, nor stopping him per se, it's the fact the Kings are strong through all 4 lines. They have a very deep and talented forward corps. The Kings have more talent deeper than any other team the Rangers have faced by a significant margin. Pitt had more top end talent but it was concentrated, not so with LA. It should be interesting and yes the Rangers should be underdogs. We probably all agree on that. As Rangers fans we don't think it's that significant at all.

Hartnell, Giroux, Simmonds, Lecavalier, Schenn, Voracek, etc.

The Flyers are as deep offensively as any team in the NHL. They scored almost 50 more goals than the Kings did in the Regular season.

Kings had 4 players with over 40 points...Flyers had 7.

 

[Rangerfan4life90]

Hartnell, Giroux, Simmonds, Lecavalier, Schenn, Voracek, etc.

The Flyers are as deep offensively as any team in the NHL. They scored almost 50 more goals than the Kings did in the Regular season.

Kings had 4 players with over 40 points...Flyers had 7.

The argument will then be that the Kings have a better defense (team and d-man) than the Flyers do, which is true.

 

[eco's bones]

I look at it this way. It's essential we win one of the first two games on the road. If we accomplish that IMO the series is at least going 6 games and we'll have a chance to win. Winning on the road is good for morale anyway. The Rangers are underdogs in this but defensively (considering goalies, defensemen and forwards supporting the D) we're at least as good as both teams if not better. We're pretty good at keeping higher end players in check--win a road game at the beginning--frustrate their better players--that's pretty much what needs to be done early in the series.

We'll need our stars to show up--Nash, St. Louis, McDonagh and especially Lundqvist. We'll need our more dynamic players like Kreider and Hagelin to keep the opposition on their toes all the time. We'll need to shut down pwp's.

 

[Miamipuck]

Hartnell, Giroux, Simmonds, Lecavalier, Schenn, Voracek, etc.

The Flyers are as deep offensively as any team in the NHL. They scored almost 50 more goals than the Kings did in the Regular season.

Kings had 4 players with over 40 points...Flyers had 7.

Just to be clear, you would take the Flyers group of forwards over the Kings if offered an even up trade?

If that's the case then I agree to disagree.

 

[aufheben]

Majority of the board also thought:

- We had no chance against Pittsburgh
- Winner of Habs/Bruins was going to the SCF

---

- We have no chance against the West

Maybe not the worst trend?

 

[n8]

Pens were supposed to sweep us too. #uhmyeah

so true. on paper,
Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Kunitz > Kopitar, Gaborik, Carter, Williams
we can stop them. the real trouble with LA comes with their depth which Pittsburgh lacks since all their cap is tied up in their top players.

Jokinen, Sutter, Stempniak, Bennet < Richards, Brown, Tofolli, Stoll
but even still, PBZ is flying out there so they will be giving them a run for their money. Our 3 top lines are dangerous. Hags is flying, MSL is MSL, Kreider is a wrecking ball, Nash could go beast mode at any point (Now is a good time Ricky boy!). It'll come down to who plays better defense, winning one-on-one battles, and who wants it more. May the underdogs prevail!

 

[Trxjw]

On paper, we'd be LA's weakest opponent of the playoffs, and Chicago's 2nd weakest. Still, as these playoffs have shown, "on paper" means nothing. We'll certainly have our hands full with either team, but this seems like one of those years where the story is so good that it simply has to win out.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

On paper, we'd be LA's weakest opponent of the playoffs, and Chicago's 2nd weakest. Still, as these playoffs have shown, "on paper" means nothing. We'll certainly have our hands full with either team, but this seems like one of those years where the story is so good that it simply has to win out.

I don't agree with the verbiage "weakest". Have more balanced, talented, and dynamic teams "on paper" than SJ and Ana.

 

[Inferno]

Just to be clear, you would take the Flyers group of forwards over the Kings if offered an even up trade?

If that's the case than I agree to disagree.

Not sure. I think its an argument that can be made from both sides. For the longest time the Kings couldn't score to save their lives. They brought in Gabby to help one of the worst offenses in the league.

People have incredibly short memories and just remember the last 2 or 3 weeks where they look like unstoppable monsters.

Great.

But, by and large, the group of Flyer forwards have consistently outscored the group of Kings forwards.

My only contention in this entire rant is that it's not like the Rangers just played 3 horrendous teams to make the cup. its not like they were playing against substandard comeptition. We've shut down the #5 ranked offensive team (Pittsburgh) the 8th Ranked offensive team (Philly) and the 8th ranked defensive team (Montreal).

Chicago is 12th in defense & 2nd in offense
Los Angeles is 26th in offense, and 1st in defense.

Challenging? Absolutely. Great teams? Absolutely. Unstoppable teams that we'd have no shot against? Considering the 3 teams we just beat? I'd say absolutely not

 

[Inferno]

On paper, we'd be LA's weakest opponent of the playoffs, and Chicago's 2nd weakest. Still, as these playoffs have shown, "on paper" means nothing. We'll certainly have our hands full with either team, but this seems like one of those years where the story is so good that it simply has to win out.

I'd love to see the cumulative GAA & SV% of the goalies these 2 teams have faced.

I swear LA has played against some of the worst goaltending of these playoffs

 

[Nona Di Giuseppe]

Most ppl I know think LA is going to roll Hawks tonight.

Just to let you know large majority of Vancouver fans are routing for Rangers. AV + hate of Kings/Hawks = a lot of support.

I think you'll have a benefit of AV playing against LA a lot.

I think everything thinks LA is the favorite because their forward group is disgustingly deep with solid D and goal-tending. No real weaknesses.

 

[Nona Di Giuseppe]

I'd love to see the cumulative GAA & SV% of the goalies these 2 teams have faced.

I swear LA has played against some of the worst goaltending of these playoffs

I was going to say - Ludquist could be the difference.

 

[True Blue]

On paper, we'd be LA's weakest opponent of the playoffs, and Chicago's 2nd weakest. Still, as these playoffs have shown, "on paper" means nothing. We'll certainly have our hands full with either team, but this seems like one of those years where the story is so good that it simply has to win out.

We will be seen as a great underdog. I think that either opponent has more talent on their top lines and certainly has talent on defense. But I do think that the Rangers are deeper when taking all 4 lines and all of the defense pairings. And Henke is the best right now. Quick however, is not that far below him. If at all.

Rangers need to continue to roll all 4 lines and not be afraid to play their 4th line against the other teams top lines.

 

[Nona Di Giuseppe]

Not sure. I think its an argument that can be made from both sides. For the longest time the Kings couldn't score to save their lives. They brought in Gabby to help one of the worst offenses in the league.

People have incredibly short memories and just remember the last 2 or 3 weeks where they look like unstoppable monsters.

Great.

But, by and large, the group of Flyer forwards have consistently outscored the group of Kings forwards.

My only contention in this entire rant is that it's not like the Rangers just played 3 horrendous teams to make the cup. its not like they were playing against substandard comeptition. We've shut down the #5 ranked offensive team (Pittsburgh) the 8th Ranked offensive team (Philly) and the 8th ranked defensive team (Montreal).

Chicago is 12th in defense & 2nd in offense
Los Angeles is 26th in offense, and 1st in defense.

Challenging? Absolutely. Great teams? Absolutely. Unstoppable teams that we'd have no shot against? Considering the 3 teams we just beat? I'd say absolutely not

But in the play-offs LA has curbed their biggest issue: 3.42 G/G

That's why they are scary.

You look at who they have beat ? Those teams were pretty good and if they beat the defending champs on top, I think they faced tougher competition. I mean.. Tokarski ? Come on.

 

[Miamipuck]

Not sure. I think its an argument that can be made from both sides. For the longest time the Kings couldn't score to save their lives. They brought in Gabby to help one of the worst offenses in the league.

People have incredibly short memories and just remember the last 2 or 3 weeks where they look like unstoppable monsters.

Great.

But, by and large, the group of Flyer forwards have consistently outscored the group of Kings forwards.

My only contention in this entire rant is that it's not like the Rangers just played 3 horrendous teams to make the cup. its not like they were playing against substandard comeptition. We've shut down the #5 ranked offensive team (Pittsburgh) the 8th Ranked offensive team (Philly) and the 8th ranked defensive team (Montreal).

Chicago is 12th in defense & 2nd in offense
Los Angeles is 26th in offense, and 1st in defense.

Challenging? Absolutely. Great teams? Absolutely. Unstoppable teams that we'd have no shot against? Considering the 3 teams we just beat? I'd say absolutely not

I agree with your post here. I have nothing to really argue on your general points of view.

I think the main board has a ludicrous opinion saying, the Rangers are going to get manhandled and they're woefully mismatched. That's borderline Down's Syndrome stuff.

Kings:

I think adding Gabby has made their mix of forwards much stronger the sum greater than the part kind of thing. It strengthened their entire forward group. Sutter can now spread the scoring out.

Carter's line is going to make Staal/Stralman more important because I am pretty sure McD is getting Kopitar's line. I am not worried about that line (Kopitar) because pretty much every top line going against McD/Girardi has been neutralized. It's no different than what Doughty presents against Stepan, Kreider and Nash.

I would definitely take the Kings forward group over the Flyers. I don't think the Rangers are going to deter that group like they did with the Flyers.

Staal, is a key, he really has to pick up his game this series, he was terrible at times against Montreal. I am not sure if it was a strict match up problem or injury/fatigue but Staal has to be way better.

I don't think LA has seen a team with the speed of the Rangers so it should be interesting how LA's defense handles Hagelin and Kreider who can back the D up, and prevent them (Doughty) from jumping into the play.

 

[free0717]

Well Opinions are like ******** Everyone has one.

Marty St. Louis said it best. Anything can happen if you BELIEVE

 

[Fletch]

eco's...

that's a lot of needs! Agreed, though. It is a series that will be winnable - for both teams. I don't know who said it, but while the Rangers would appear to be huge underdogs, they didn't get here by mistake, and a Vancouver team pushed the President Trophy Rangers to the brink in 1994, and seemed to have been gaining momentum. The Flyers, Pens and Montreal were damn good teams. Some may say the Rangers were lucky they didn't play the Bruins, but they played even better, a team that beat the Bruins in a series! Some may say the Rangers were lucky they didn't go against Price. The answer to that question we won't know, but his substitute played pretty well and I think the guys in front of him ran out of gas, as well as, of course, the Rangers played pretty well. We shall see against the next opponent. I will guarantee that it won't be easy. "On paper", I think both matchup better against the Rangers than the teams they faced. It may not show up on a stat sheet, but I think both teams left are better, which doesn't mean the Rangers' best played games won't beat either.

 

[Raspewtin]

I'd love to see the cumulative GAA & SV% of the goalies these 2 teams have faced.

I swear LA has played against some of the worst goaltending of these playoffs

People conveniently ignore that.

But nah bro. West >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> East AINEC. Rangers will lose 40-0 in each game.