Larry Brooks: Multiple Brooks Articles on Rangers Future

[Mac n Gs]

The answer to becoming more like Tampa is simply experience. They got their ass handed to them by Columbus, learned to adapt from that situation, and now are comfortable playing any type of style in the playoffs. Rangers are trending in that direction too as long as they continue to be smart with who they acquire, play people in defined roles, and put their kids in positions to succeed.

 

[RangerBoy]

The Rangers didn't have an answer for Crosby's line. They need to have a line or a player to play against the other team's best line.

 

[Crease]

Part of what hurt the Rangers 5v5 is that their best defensive line is Kreider-Zibanejad-Vatrano. Can't score when you need to match your top guys against their top guys. Better to have a 3rd or 4th line that can play shutdown hockey. Injuries played a role here. Rangers only had Motte-Goodrow for a few games, and even then they were hamstrung with injury and Reaves.

 

[NickyFotiu]

Rangers were bullied to a point. I don't know if it was size or because many were already physically hurting. We had guys that are usually tough playing softer than normally. I assume thats because they were not 100% physically. I also have to give credit where credit is due. Tampa always had the last hit, slash, crosscheck or punch. If we threw the first one Tampa threw the second and third. If we responded Tampa threw another. A lot of times fans would ask where is the penalty for that punch or slash. The fans were right in theory but Tampa knew the refs weren't going to call most of them.

 

[McRanger92]

Brooks isn't wrong about the Rangers needing to get bigger with a checking/2 way/shutdown line. TB had the Gourde line. TB acquired Paul from Ottawa at the deadline. Paul isn't t breaking the bank with his current contract at a $1.35M cap hit. TB has Cirelli who can also play that role. Cirelli's line shut down Zibanejad's line.

Brooks discussed this topic on the NY Post podcast yesterday. He also mentioned this topic during the Rangers playoff run. The Rangers need that element in their top 9.

Maroon isn't breaking the bank playing on TB's fourth line at $900K for the last 3 seasons.

Bigger is better in the playoffs. TB has those big defensemen and the right mix at forward.


TB added Maroon as a free agent in the summer of 2019 and they traded two 1st round picks for Coleman and Goodrow at the 2020 trade deadline. Those players fit the cap and they helped change the dynamic of the team. The Rangers need those type of players in their bottom six.

TB has cap issues but they find players who fit their cap structure. They don't break the bank for their role players.

Brooks is pushing for an outside hire at 2C. He will be at it again this summer with the JT Miller stuff. That ship has sailed imo, because the Rangers arent extending him going into his age 31 season.

Dylan Larkin could be another option, but I was really unimpressed watching him this year. Doesnt play a lick of defense, including when Laf dogwalked him on that highlight reel goal late in the season. Pass.

Malkin would provide elements of what they need, but he is very much aging and cant stay healthy. a 1 year deal for him to play with Panarin in a city its always rumored he likes makes some sense. He has always been able to score in the postseason.

Didnt even want to mention Bergeron because its not happening, but he is a perfect fit for us.

If they are going to make a deal for a clear 2C upgrade, they should be talking to their buddies in Winnipeg. And no, not Scheifele. The guy to acquire is Pierre-Luc Dubois if they look outside the organization. Will be 24 at the start of next season, so he fits the younger timeline and theres some room to grow. Produced multiple 60 point seasons so far, has played with Panarin in the past. Has good size, is physical and has a mean streak, which is much needed in our top 6. I remember he was running around taking liberties when we played them in the 'peg. I do not see him signing long term there, and we have the pieces to acquire and extend him.

I think running it back with the same team next year is a perfectly viable option, but weve been waiting for a big 2C acquisition to cap off the rebuild. I think Drury will strike if he has a chance.

 

[HonestGabe]

We had the pieces to put together a shutdown line and for whatever reason refused to do it. The problem was as much the matchups as it was the personnel.

Copp Goodrow Motte could have been deployed against the Kucherov line. That's how you create space for your top lines and slow down the opposition.

Still, I agree that Tampa had the other pieces that we didn't. Guys like Perry and Bellemarre are great adds that they paid next to nothing for. These players exist in free agency, we just need to find them.

If we are able to keep Copp and Motte at reasonable deals, you hope a guy like Cuylle steps up and claims a role. Blais hopefully stays healthy.

As for finding that other piece, a good 4th line center is important in the playoffs. There are quite a few veteran cheap options to consider to sign at around $1m. Not the best players, but they can play key roles in series like this.

Trevor Lewis
Nick Bjugstad
Brian Boyle
Cody Eakin
Darren Helm
Chris Tierney
Derek Stepan

These guys instead of players like Hunt Rooney or Reaves make a big difference

 

[Raspewtin]

Rangers were bullied to a point. I don't know if it was size or because many were already physically hurting. We had guys that are usually tough playing softer than normally. I assume thats because they were not 100% physically. I also have to give credit where credit is due. Tampa always had the last hit, slash, crosscheck or punch. If we threw the first one Tampa threw the second and third. If we responded Tampa threw another. A lot of times fans would ask where is the penalty for that punch or slash. The fans were right in theory but Tampa knew the refs weren't going to call most of them.

well, by the time they won their first cup half of Tampa's forwards had like 80 games of playoff experience. It's no surprise they know how to work the refs. They had been to THREE conference finals before their first cup.

I wish this team would. I'm sick of playing clean defense and not throwing tons of interference. That's not how you win in this league. Quinn didn't get it and it feels like Gallant doesn't either.

 

[NickyFotiu]

well, by the time they won their first cup half of Tampa's forwards had like 80 games of playoff experience. It's no surprise they know how to work the refs. They had been to THREE conference finals before their first cup.

I wish this team would. I'm sick of playing clean defense and not throwing tons of interference. That's not how you win in this league. Quinn didn't get it and it feels like Gallant doesn't either.

I agree with most that you wrote although I disagree that Gallant does not get it. For most this season the Rangers refused to be pushed around under Gallant. Tampa was better, healthier, meaner, and fresher. Despite all that they basically won a bunch of 1 goal games. We improved dramatically from the much softer teams of the past. Still need to get tougher though if we dont want to be bullied more in the future.

 

[Rongomania]

People can bring up the 'we played backups' bullshit all they want. How many scrub goalies did Hank have to watch hoist the cup?

'Meh' goalies get hot and win a lot every playoffs.

 

[HonestGabe]

People can bring up the 'we played backups' bullshit all they want. How many scrub goalies did Hank have to watch hoist the cup?

'Meh' goalies get hot and win a lot every playoffs.

Raanta had like a .927 save percentage over two series.

We were just the better team for the large part of that series, game 2 and game 5 not withstanding. It's a terrible excuse and he actually stole them a game (game 1) as well.

 

[Rongomania]

Raanta had like a .927 save percentage over two series.

We were just the better team for the large part of that series, game 2 and game 5 not withstanding. It's a terrible excuse and he actually stole them a game (game 1) as well.

We would've beaten those two teams because we were better no matter the goalie. We honestly were what, 3 goals from sweeping the Canes?

 

[McRanger92]

Raanta had like a .927 save percentage over two series.

We were just the better team for the large part of that series, game 2 and game 5 not withstanding. It's a terrible excuse and he actually stole them a game (game 1) as well.

Raanta played well at home until Game 7. We are a better team than Carolina when it comes to playoff hockey. We matched their intensity and flat out intimidated them as the series went on. They had 0 pushback in any of the games when we had the lead, excluding Game 1 which their goalie stole and they won on a lucky bounce in OT.

Its clear to me that we've passed the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference pecking order

 

[pld459666]

I just do not think that the Rangers are a team that is built as a go to the front sort of team and when you are not built that way or have not yet matured into that type of player, the opposing team has an easier time allowing the goalie to see the puck.

Blais size and willingness to battle will be helpful next year. I think he and Goodrow will make that 4th line something special especially if Motte sticks around.

Strome, Copp, CK are not really go to the net sort of guys at even strength although CK with his size would be near impossible to move if he did that.

I am hoping that with maturity, the three kids Lafreniere, Kakko and Chytil we can see that aspect of the game develop with those guys. I'm pretty confident that we will get that from Cuylle and I am hoping Othmann does it as well.

playing east west hockey will never win you a championship.

North/South hockey, straight to the opposing teams net will.

 

[JimmyG89]

As for finding that other piece, a good 4th line center is important in the playoffs. There are quite a few veteran cheap options to consider to sign at around $1m. Not the best players, but they can play key roles in series like this.

Trevor Lewis
Nick Bjugstad
Brian Boyle
Cody Eakin
Darren Helm
Chris Tierney
Derek Stepan

These guys instead of players like Hunt Rooney or Reaves make a big difference

Eakin is dead to me and should be to everyone else. Ran over Hank behind the net when he was with Dallas. Not welcome in the locker room.

The other guys are fine for that role, but there is no way I want Eakin on this team.

 

[RangerBoy]

Vince Mercogliano is on the Jeff Marek show discussing the Rangers offseason. He has heard the Rangers want to add a checking line and add speed to their lineup. Vince brought up Carolina's line. Staal's line.

 

[Machinehead]

Get tougher and sign plugs. Classic Larry.

 

[Machinehead]

Vince Mercogliano is on the Jeff Marek show discussing the Rangers offseason. He says the Rangers want to add a checking line and add speed to their lineup. Vince brought up Carolina's line. Staal's line.

Now these are good ideas.

You already have two good pieces of a checking line with Blais and possibly Kakko. Just get a center.

People can bring up the 'we played backups' bullshit all they want. How many scrub goalies did Hank have to watch hoist the cup?

'Meh' goalies get hot and win a lot every playoffs.

Healthy Raanta is a top 10 goalie in the league. He's a backup because he's never healthy.

 

[Don Chytil]

Now these are good ideas.

You already have two good pieces of a checking line with Blais and possibly Kakko. Just get a center.

Why not Goodrow? I think Blais-Goodrow-Kakko is an interesting idea for a 3rd line/checking line.

Let Laf and Chytil graduate into the top 6, Kakko can move up if there are any injuries.

 

[Luger]

What if they try to promote the kid libe while shoring up the depth to start the season.

Kreider Zibanijad Panarin
Lafayette Chytil Kakko
UFA/Trade UFA/Trade Blais
Motte? Goodrow UFA

The 2 third line UFAs would be middle 6 players who can slide to the second line with any issue.

Hopefully the Kid Line performs. If not, a Copp type trade could be made at the trading deadline. But having more depth means saving the draft picks that were used to acquire depth guys this year.

 

[Machinehead]

Why not Goodrow? I think Blais-Goodrow-Kakko is an interesting idea for a 3rd line/checking line.

Let Laf and Chytil graduate into the top 6, Kakko can move up if there are any injuries.

Goodrow is slow and doesn't really drive play 5v5. The only thing redeeming about him at center is that he wins faceoffs. I would much rather him be the 4C or on Panarin's RW.

 

[Luger]

Why not Goodrow? I think Blais-Goodrow-Kakko is an interesting idea for a 3rd line/checking line.

Let Laf and Chytil graduate into the top 6, Kakko can move up if there are any injuries.

That's another interesting idea.

Kreider Zibanejad Panarin
Laf Chytil Copp
Blais UFA Kakko
UFA Goodrow Motte

If they get some depth players who can play on the 3rd line when needed, plus Copp, it's a good team.

 

[Machinehead]

That's another interesting idea.

Kreider Zibanejad Panarin
Lafayette Chytil Copp
Blais UFA Kakko
UFA Goodrow Motte

If they get some depth players who can play on the 3rd line when needed, plus Copp, it's a good team.

Nathan Lafayette is coming back?!

 

[Rongomania]

Now these are good ideas.

You already have two good pieces of a checking line with Blais and possibly Kakko. Just get a center.


Healthy Raanta is a top 10 goalie in the league. He's a backup because he's never healthy.

Gotta stay healthy to be great. Career backup.

 

[Machinehead]

Gotta stay healthy to be great. Career backup.

Doesn't change the fact that he was healthy against the Rangers.

 

[NCRanger]

Now these are good ideas.

You already have two good pieces of a checking line with Blais and possibly Kakko. Just get a center.


Healthy Raanta is a top 10 goalie in the league. He's a backup because he's never healthy.

Draft Kakko and think you have the best of Tomas Sandstrom and end up with a clone of Jan Erixon.

As for Raanta and Domingue...No idea how Freddie Andersen would respond to the playoffs and we know that Tristan Jarry has been a choker.