Post-Game Talk: Pain

[Synergy27]

He’s better than Tinordi but he certainly didn’t look calm to me, he looked really shaky and kept fumbling passes he received as if there were a hole in his stick blade lol, puck kept rolling under his stick

A rookie playing his first game. To be expected. He settled down nicely and I expect he’ll continue to do so. Tinordi needs to stay far away from the lineup.

 

[Cmox]

Hank and Sharp need their own show.

The Handsome Corner

 

[Doctyl]

Top 6 needs a shake up. Laf looked like he had a little chemistry with Panarin last season. Kakko and Panarin are both guys who need to have the puck. Seems like an easy flip. I’m not worried once the top 6 figures their shit out and I think that’s the most likely group of players to be good on this team.

 

[Kovalev27]

Get Laf off that 1st line, that's all I have.

so unless I’m mistaken and I’m sure @Machinehead can tell us. This line is dominating possession metrics. Goals aren’t happening yet but they’re doing much better than the eye test suggests

 

[Sayba]

So for all you blaming Trouba on the goal go watch it again- the Stars have a 2-1 and the other player skating down the middle is wide open. Trouba is trying to defend both players by staying in the middle. It’s not a lack of effort- he’s doing what he thinks he should do.

More importantly, it is extremely clear to me that Gallant has these guys buying into what he wants from them and is an exceptionally better coach than we had in Quinn. Last night as Laf went into MIA mode he was quickly demoted to the third line and, not likely coincidently, the team then went on the major 2 goal push after which Laf was brought right back up with his line. No benching, no “accountability nonsense” after the game- just a simple, “you are not doing what we want so I’ll find someone who is right now but it’s over as soon as you turn it around.” Fantastic job by Gallant last night to get this team even a point.

I understand the play he thought he was making but he could have been a bit more aggressive on the shooter, the 2nd player was a distance behind him. The real issue for me it he shouldn't be in that position. He is probably the worst skater of all our defenseman unless Tinordi is playing.

Play him 5vs5 and on the PK, play to his strengths, 3vs3 does not suit him.

 

[Raspewtin]

so unless I’m mistaken and I’m sure @Machinehead can tell us. This line is dominating possession metrics. Goals aren’t happening yet but they’re doing much better than the eye test suggests

I know you didn't ask me but the metrics did indicate they controlled play while they were on the ice. I wouldn't have believed that if I didn't see it myself lol, they really looked bad.

 

[KevinFinnerty]

I think Gallant will realize Trouba doesn’t skate well enough for 3 on 3. We need to have a lineup of Zibanejad and Panarin with Fox out there

 

[PalmCoastRanger]

They need to tighten up their defensive game, especially the transitional play. Forwards need to work back harder and pick up assignments. They surrendered too many high danger opportunities to Dallas. Igor made a lot of key stops. Which is why I won’t kill him for the 1st and 3rd goals.

But overall I think this team will be fine. Lundkvist will get better and better. They will have more wins than losses. Panarin and Zib will be better and more impactful.

The forwards are still flying the zone too early. When they do offer proper support for a controlled breakout, they're right on top of the puck carrier or the worse happens, the support is nowhere to be seen. This led to even Fox coughing up the puck on more than one occasion. It was irritating to watch. Could've sworn if I squinted I would've seen AV behind the bench.

No panic at this stage, but our vets need to lead the way. I like what I see from Kreider so far and I admittedly think resigning him was a mistake, but if he keeps this attitude and energy up only good things will happen.

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

Don't get hung up on Trouba's bizarre play on the winning goal. That one stupid play is not truly indicative of how the season is looking.

What is indicative is the fact that the Rangers played a heavy, bruising, momentum shifting style the 2nd half of the game. That team looked so much different than the Rangers of last year. They were absolutely buzzing at points of that game. Where they have to get to is a point where they can consistently impose their will, as clearly they are capable of. We will have ups and downs this year...but man, the potential is there. Dallas is a good team.

 

[Kovalev27]

I thought trouba was phenomenal in that game

I see what he was trying to do on that last play just cut the guys angle down a bit and protect the pass the the trailer. Didn’t work as I said I think he actually ended up deflecting the puck but the goal is on Panarin. Stupid play with that much open ice to go right up the middle.

 

[gravey9]

Top 6 needs a shake up. Laf looked like he had a little chemistry with Panarin last season. Kakko and Panarin are both guys who need to have the puck. Seems like an easy flip. I’m not worried once the top 6 figures their shit out and I think that’s the most likely group of players to be good on this team.

Leaving Laf aside for a moment, Panarin and Strome have to grow up. Strome even more so. What they need from their 3rd linemate is asking too much. They need the linemate to go in and dig pucks out of corners because neither seem able to do that with any consistency. They need their linemate to then always be the first man back. Always be F3 because they rarely hustle back on the forecheck. Often caught in deep and then both act like wingers from the 1970s where they basically just try to cover the trailing D. (as long as those D dont bother to join the rush of course!) Not only do we need more complete games from these two but we need to take kakko off that line.

Kakko is our best forechecking boardworker. He needs to be able to play in the corners and with the puck. And he shouldn't be tasked with having to always be F3. It's impossible to be both the guy digging out pucks and first guy back in every situation. Playing with P&S also greatly minimizes Kakko's touches on any given shift. Kakko is a possession guy. He needs to be with Zib/Kreider or Chytil/Blais/Gauthier/Hunt/Goodrow. His game will flourish with those configs.

As for Laf? I don't think he should be tasked with the responsibilities of being F3 on that Panarin line. That said, because he's a bit shy on the forecheck, its possible he could be decent at being F3. But his ability to dig out pucks is not great so I would think Goodrow is the ideal linemate. I would strongly consider that. The other possibility is bringing up Barron and putting him on that line with Strome/Panarin. Barron is being groomed as a C, but boy would he be an interesting compliment on that Strome/Panarin line. The question is, when he plays wing what side does he play? Honestly Kravy would be better in this spot. Truly. But well, Kravy gotta Kravy

 

[Doctyl]

Leaving Laf aside for a moment, Panarin and Strome have to grow up. Strome even more so. What they need from their 3rd linemate is asking too much. They need the linemate to go in and dig pucks out of corners because neither seem able to do that with any consistency. They need their linemate to then always be the first man back. Always be F3 because they rarely hustle back on the forecheck. Often caught in deep and then both act like wingers from the 1970s where they basically just try to cover the trailing D. (as long as those D dont bother to join the rush of course!) Not only do we need more complete games from these two but we need to take kakko off that line.

Kakko is our best forechecking boardworker. He needs to be able to play in the corners and with the puck. And he shouldn't be tasked with having to always be F3. It's impossible to be both the guy digging out pucks and first guy back in every situation. Playing with P&S also greatly minimizes Kakko's touches on any given shift. Kakko is a possession guy. He needs to be with Zib/Kreider or Chytil/Blais/Gauthier/Hunt/Goodrow. His game will flourish with those configs.

As for Laf? I don't think he should be tasked with the responsibilities of being F3 on that Panarin line. That said, because he's a bit shy on the forecheck, its possible he could be decent at being F3. But his ability to dig out pucks is not great so I would think Goodrow is the ideal linemate. I would strongly consider that. The other possibility is bringing up Barron and putting him on that line with Strome/Panarin. Barron is being groomed as a C, but boy would he be an interesting compliment on that Strome/Panarin line. The question is, when he plays wing what side does he play? Honestly Kravy would be better in this spot. Truly. But well, Kravy gotta Kravy

Agreed with a lot of this. Panarin is one of the only players in the league who can get away with some of the deficiencies he has. He is just that good. Strome is abso-f***ing-lutely not that caliber of player and his attitude makes me sick. I absolutely hate him as a player. It disturbs me that he was given an A, I don't think Strome embodies the culture we want this team to have in the slightest.

 

[Kovalev27]

Strome is and has been the problem in the top 6. I’ve said many times I could care less about his points. He doesn’t backcheck he doesn’t forcheck he just plays roller hockey in the middle of the ice.

maybe I’m wrong maybe Drury should have blown up things a bit with an Eichel trade. We’ve got too many nhl ready prospects they should have been dealt. And Strome is not a good fit behind Mika and ahead of Chytil. Danault again would have been a perfect fit. A true two way guy that would have let Panarin and kakko do their thing.

 

[Doctyl]

Strome is and has been the problem in the top 6. I’ve said many times I could care less about his points. He doesn’t backcheck he doesn’t forcheck he just plays roller hockey in the middle of the ice.

maybe I’m wrong maybe Drury should have blown up things a bit with an Eichel trade. We’ve got too many nhl ready prospects they should have been dealt. And Strome is not a good fit behind Mika and ahead of Chytil. Danault again would have been a perfect fit. A true two way guy that would have let Panarin and kakko do their thing.

Danault would've been perfect, but you kinda have to think he wanted to go to LA. He took pretty much the same deal he rejected from MTL IIRC.

 

[gravey9]

I thought trouba was phenomenal in that game

I see what he was trying to do on that last play just cut the guys angle down a bit and protect the pass the the trailer. Didn’t work as I said I think he actually ended up deflecting the puck but the goal is on Panarin. Stupid play with that much open ice to go right up the middle.

I agree mostly. But Troubas was on an island there. At that point, it was either a 2-1 with an open passing lane or a partial breakaway. He made a great read and adjusted.

Taking away the passing option was the best move because it allowed Shesty to focus on the shooter. But it was a great shot. And I also think Troubs did get a tick of the shot. Regardless, he was on an island because the forwards were nowhere near him and Panarin forced the play at the blue line. We focus on Trouba because he was the only one in frame when the puck went in but that goal is not on him. He was literally the only one on the ice who bothered to defend. That's not how 3-3 supposed to work.

If anything Troubs was trying to do just a little too much by putting his stick in the shooting lane.

My growing frustration regarding this team is that some of our most important vet forwards are being selfish jerks. They need to buy in. They need to help Laf learn how to play the right way. Right now they're teaching Laf that if you're really skilled you don't have to play the right way. It's a baaaad message. I think I'm mostly blaming Strome here. But the way he and Panarin play when they're together is just so Junior Hockey it's crazy. It's a little destructive to what the coaches are trying to instill.

That said, Troubs and Fox stepped up and were the true leaders last night. No question. I guess that's the bright spot.

 

[LokiDog]

Don't get hung up on Trouba's bizarre play on the winning goal. That one stupid play is not truly indicative of how the season is looking.

What is indicative is the fact that the Rangers played a heavy, bruising, momentum shifting style the 2nd half of the game. That team looked so much different than the Rangers of last year. They were absolutely buzzing at points of that game. Where they have to get to is a point where they can consistently impose their will, as clearly they are capable of. We will have ups and downs this year...but man, the potential is there. Dallas is a good team.

100%. Love seeing people maintain some perspective. It’s 2 games in. All the bad habits and tendencies weren’t going to get ironed out in preseason. The team has lots to work on. They also clearly have a dimension or two that was missing the past several years. Let’s let them figure things out for 5-10 games, eh? There’s clear promise.

 

[EdJovanovski]

The piece this team is missing is Kravtsov. Add him and they 100% win both games. We need someone who appreciates the aesthetics of hockey, who cares about putting on a show and having some flash. He adds a different swagger and another dimension to a team. This team is going nowhere fast.

 

[bigdog16]

I understand the play he thought he was making but he could have been a bit more aggressive on the shooter, the 2nd player was a distance behind him. The real issue for me it he shouldn't be in that position. He is probably the worst skater of all our defenseman unless Tinordi is playing.

Play him 5vs5 and on the PK, play to his strengths, 3vs3 does not suit him.

But the issue is who else do you put out there as a dman?

Fox had just come off the ice, K'Andre has been shaky and is prone to boneheaded plays, Lindgren is just as bad of a skater and provides nothing past the redline offensively, Nemeth is just not good, and Nils has probably never played 3 v 3 hockey in his career - tough to throw him in that spot in his debut.

I think ultimately Nils is the guy who you throw out after Fox as the season goes on. But last night, I think Trouba was the only option

 

[LokiDog]

Leaving Laf aside for a moment, Panarin and Strome have to grow up. Strome even more so. What they need from their 3rd linemate is asking too much. They need the linemate to go in and dig pucks out of corners because neither seem able to do that with any consistency. They need their linemate to then always be the first man back. Always be F3 because they rarely hustle back on the forecheck. Often caught in deep and then both act like wingers from the 1970s where they basically just try to cover the trailing D. (as long as those D dont bother to join the rush of course!) Not only do we need more complete games from these two but we need to take kakko off that line.

Kakko is our best forechecking boardworker. He needs to be able to play in the corners and with the puck. And he shouldn't be tasked with having to always be F3. It's impossible to be both the guy digging out pucks and first guy back in every situation. Playing with P&S also greatly minimizes Kakko's touches on any given shift. Kakko is a possession guy. He needs to be with Zib/Kreider or Chytil/Blais/Gauthier/Hunt/Goodrow. His game will flourish with those configs.

As for Laf? I don't think he should be tasked with the responsibilities of being F3 on that Panarin line. That said, because he's a bit shy on the forecheck, its possible he could be decent at being F3. But his ability to dig out pucks is not great so I would think Goodrow is the ideal linemate. I would strongly consider that. The other possibility is bringing up Barron and putting him on that line with Strome/Panarin. Barron is being groomed as a C, but boy would he be an interesting compliment on that Strome/Panarin line. The question is, when he plays wing what side does he play? Honestly Kravy would be better in this spot. Truly. But well, Kravy gotta Kravy

Blais is the player for the Panarin line. That’s his natural MO, just dig pucks out and be hard in the corners and on the walls.

Kakko’s style of play would help Zib, IMO. And while long term that should probably be Laf on the left, Kreider is playing better and Laf could probably benefit from softer matchups on the third line. Chytil would benefit from having more skill on his line, and Goodrow babysits the young guys and takes some draws.

 

[gravey9]

Blais is the player for the Panarin line. That’s his natural MO, just dig pucks out and be hard in the corners and on the walls.

Kakko’s style of play would help Zib, IMO. And while long term that should probably be Laf on the left, Kreider is playing better and Laf could probably benefit from softer matchups on the third line. Chytil would benefit from having more skill on his line, and Goodrow babysits the young guys and takes some draws.

Blais is terribad in his own zone. I think he's the perfect linemate for Panarin and Strome for 50% ofthe ice.

The issue I keep running into with our forward lines is that we have too many players who don't play a complete 200 ft game. It's impossible to create any true line flexibility when you're always worried about babysitting this guy or that guy. This is the major flaw still present in our forward corps.

The biggest culprits are Strome, Laf, Panarin and Blais. Gauthier to a lesser degree. You can have 1 maybe 2 forwards you need to shelter or babysit, but a) they cannot be a center. b) you cant have more than 2 because it becomes impossible to shuffle lines.

Here are a few solutions to our issues: 1 - bench players who aren't playing the full sheet. 2 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 3 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 4 - replace strome with a center whose responsible.

 

[zlev]

yeah i would go:
kreider-mika-kakko
panarin-strome-blais
lafreniere-chytil-goodrow

i think gallant will end up there eventually, even though laf-mika-kreider had a 100% CF last night somehow.

 

[LokiDog]

Blais is terribad in his own zone. I think he's the perfect linemate for Panarin and Strome for 50% ofthe ice.

The issue I keep running into with our forward lines is that we have too many players who don't play a complete 200 ft game. It's impossible to create any true line flexibility when you're always worried about babysitting this guy or that guy. This is the major flaw still present in our forward corps.

The biggest culprits are Strome, Laf, Panarin and Blais. Gauthier to a lesser degree. You can have 1 maybe 2 forwards you need to shelter or babysit, but a) they cannot be a center. b) you cant have more than 2 because it becomes impossible to shuffle lines.

Here are a few solutions to our issues: 1 - bench players who aren't playing the full sheet. 2 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 3 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 4 - replace strome with a center whose responsible.

As I was reading your post, I was preparing my response of “yeah, but if you just replace Strome with a center whose actually responsible…” and then I got to the end of your post. 100% I lobbied for Danault all off season to replace Strome. It’s what Panarin needs. He can pass and he’s physical and has skill even if he isn’t a big scorer (I think that changes in LA) but he’s defensively excellent and allows you a lot more flexibility on the off wing.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Strome is and has been the problem in the top 6. I’ve said many times I could care less about his points. He doesn’t backcheck he doesn’t forcheck he just plays roller hockey in the middle of the ice.

maybe I’m wrong maybe Drury should have blown up things a bit with an Eichel trade. We’ve got too many nhl ready prospects they should have been dealt. And Strome is not a good fit behind Mika and ahead of Chytil. Danault again would have been a perfect fit. A true two way guy that would have let Panarin and kakko do their thing.

I agree although clearly Drury didn’t because they didn’t offer him a 6th year, which LA did

 

[McRanger92]

I loved the 2nd period. Utter domination.

But let's not kid ourselves. The first period could've easily been 6-2 the other way. Pavelski must have missed like 4-5 grade A chances.

Way too many oddman rushes.

No doubt, but this early in the season with a new coach, we had to expect defensive lapses. Specifically I noticed they weren’t holding Dallas up at all in the neutral zone in the 1st. It got better but they are definitely a work in progress.

 

[NYR Viper]

Blais is terribad in his own zone. I think he's the perfect linemate for Panarin and Strome for 50% ofthe ice.

The issue I keep running into with our forward lines is that we have too many players who don't play a complete 200 ft game. It's impossible to create any true line flexibility when you're always worried about babysitting this guy or that guy. This is the major flaw still present in our forward corps.

The biggest culprits are Strome, Laf, Panarin and Blais. Gauthier to a lesser degree. You can have 1 maybe 2 forwards you need to shelter or babysit, but a) they cannot be a center. b) you cant have more than 2 because it becomes impossible to shuffle lines.

Here are a few solutions to our issues: 1 - bench players who aren't playing the full sheet. 2 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 3 - replace strome with a center whose responsible. 4 - replace strome with a center whose responsible.

As I was reading your post, I was preparing my response of “yeah, but if you just replace Strome with a center whose actually responsible…” and then I got to the end of your post. 100%

And in fairness to the management team, I think they are thinking the same thing long-term. If they can find another center who can be good offensively AND responsible defensively, they have something to cook with. That's why we have heard rumors of guys like Larkin.