Post-Game Talk: PS #3 - 09/21/19 | RANGERS @ flyers | 7:00 - MSG

[ohbaby]

Schneider stood on his head. The Devils were outplayed.

The goalie was good, especially on the PP against. But don't discount the effort of his mates in front of him. They gave up only four or five quality chances against. That is great for a regular season game,.. but just phenomenal for a preseason scrimmage. I had to go back and watch it again, cause I couldn't believe what I was seeing. At first, I thought they gave up no chances,... then someone reminded me of Kravtsov's breakaway. On second look, there were only a few more chances.

 

[Kovalev27]

Granted I missed his 5 point night, but this has actually been something I've been worried about with Fox for a while - he plays too safe in my book. He slows the pace down and takes his time with the puck which means he makes very few mistakes but the team almost always faces a set defence when he leads the breakout. In the NCAA this was obviously not an issue where his skill level was just head and shoulders above the rest but you saw as early as the World Championship that when the talent level increased his ability to create offence at even strength disappeared.

From what I watched in TC and preseason (and again I missed Fox' big game) Joey Keane was much more impressive, using his skating to put the opposition on their heels and opening things up - which naturally led to a few mistakes as well.

I think with faster decision making Fox could turn into a Strålman-type, which would be great, but I don't see him being a dynamic offensive defenceman at the NHL level unless he starts moving his feet a lot more. Strålman similarly played a safe, but very effective, game but he was always very quick to move up the puck which I haven't really seen from Fox yet.

With all due respect I couldn’t disagree more.

Fox has made multiple plays offensively with his smarts breaking up plays. He had 9 pts in 3 games in traverse city. He was the offense there. I don’t see how that opinion could be formed I guess

 

[hi]

He really is and I love that he loves his slap shot and isn’t afraid to use it. Great skater really really like him. We should never let him go back to Europe.

Reported for premeditated kidnapping

 

[Leetch3]

So which is it? If I could be right, how could it be so disconnected?

The reality is what I see on the ice. I have already shown tape of him (Lias) dogging it on the backcheck in an earlier game giving up a huge chance with Igor bailing him out. And last night for the second game in a row, showed he doesn't belong on the PK. He was lost, ineffective and invisible. He will never be mistaken for Callahan on the PK. He goes into the corners with the puck, and gives it up every time he is pressed. I don't know what others are watching, but this is the reality. He needs work is all I'm saying.

has anyone claimed that he's perfect or that he doesn't still need work or improvement? saying that he's improved from last year isn't even remotely close to saying he's a perfect player now

 

[Blue Blooded]

With all due respect I couldn’t disagree more.

Fox has made multiple plays offensively with his smarts breaking up plays. He had 9 pts in 3 games in traverse city. He was the offense there. I don’t see how that opinion could be formed I guess

Believe me, I'd love to be wrong here but it's something I haven't been able to shake off. Every time I've watched Fox I have wanted to be impressed by his offensive game and come off disappointed every time.

I will say he's impressed me defensively, which is why I'm probably going to view him in a Strålman lens from now on to have more reasonable expectations. And you probably won't find a bigger fan of prime Strålman than me.

 

[will1066]

Believe me, I'd love to be wrong here but it's something I haven't been able to shake off. Every time I've watched Fox I have wanted to be impressed by his offensive game and come off disappointed every time.

I will say he's impressed me defensively, which is why I'm probably going to view him in a Strålman lens from now on to have more reasonable expectations. And you probably won't find a bigger fan of prime Strålman than me.

I think he could be like a Stralman. He doesn't flash a lot of razzle dazzle, but his decisions on both sides of the puck are just solid almost every time. His breakout passes are accurate and efficient.

 

[Blue Blooded]

I think he could be like a Stralman. He doesn't flash a lot of razzle dazzle, but his decisions on both sides of the puck are just solid almost every time. His breakout passes are accurate and efficient.

Fox is more skilled than Strålman (though Anton was a very good offensive defenceman pre-NHL), but I can see similarities in their even strength games.

The preseason numbers bear this out so far (tiny sample) where the Rangers have attempted very few shots with Fox on the ice, but simultaneously conceded very few and doing a great job at limiting shot quality against.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Yeah I can't see the Rangers doing anything like this. NYC is a different animal and I really don't see how it could work. I mean even Mr. Met doesn't pull antics like Gritty or the Phillie Phanatic or has even close to the popularity that these two mascots have. I think due to the popularity of the Phanatic that is the only reason they were able to pull it off with Gritty.

It was funny, he was sitting down as you see eating popcorn and than I was sitting in the aisle seat and I offered to get up so he didn't have to walk all the way to the other section. So he comes over to me, shakes my hand and gives me a hug and than bows to me all the while my daughter is catching it on video. These mascots are really alot of fun and you can see how the kids in the stands eyes light up when Gritty or the Phanatic comes around as I've been to quite a few Met Phillie games over the years. Good stuff but it would never work here in our city...no way.

I did a presentation for a job interview for a market research company and one of the things I talked about was favorite brands. I picked gritty. I compared him to the Philly Phanatic and he was much more popular, at least on Social Media. They did a great job with him. It's shocking to see a hockey team do good marketing, even if it's just hiring an agency.

Edit: I actually compared him with the entire Phillies team.

 

[will1066]

Fox is more skilled than Strålman (though Anton was a very good offensive defenceman pre-NHL), but I can see similarities in their even strength games.

The preseason numbers bear this out so far (tiny sample) where the Rangers have attempted very few shots with Fox on the ice, but simultaneously conceded very few and doing a great job at limiting shot quality against.

At Traverse, he was head and shoulders above the rest of the group. It's different now, it's flipped. He's a kid among men. The opponents are harder. You have to give him time. He may be also trying to play a less risky game, playing within himself in these preseason games.

 

[ohbaby]

Lias has taken a lot of effort to get better and it's showing, he isnt perfect or a finished product yet so cut the kid some slack. Everyone develops at a different rate, he may or may not ever live up to his draft spot but its not really his fault they picked him there.

I agree with almost everything. But since when do we cut anyone slack on this board. LOL
I wish him the best. I just disagree he is NHL ready, and a lock to make the team at this time. It will be close between him, Howden, Nieves, McKegg, for what, two spots?

Nothing would please me more than for him to prove me wrong. And if he has a great game, I will be the first to point it out. But so far, I don't see all the hubbub that you guys see.

 

[Kovalev27]

Third period thoughts:

Right off the bat great rush by Chytil to Kravtsov who finds a trailing CK all alone for a great chance nice save by Lyon. Chytil’s ability to skate the puck and gain separation out of his end and back the D in with his speed thru the zone and find his wingers is becoming a lot of fun to watch.

Andersson almost died. Head first into the boards thankfully he’s ok. That was scary

DiGiuseppe absolutely sucks. Should be waived. 4th goal is a PP rip

Skjei with a lousy pass put Trouba in between and a 2 on 1 comes from it. This is just lack of sharpness in preseason game 2. Not a big deal.

The Andersson lines got abused most of this game. Strome was out for a stroll all night and DiGiseuppe was awful. Hayes line killed them. I really liked Andersson’s Game in NY but with 10 mins to go in this one, he has not played well. Surprised some thought otherwise. Again lot of it to do with his wingers but a lot on him as well. Gets a nice chance right at the end of the game but that was it.

Trouba saves a goal on the Pk with a big stick lift off a rebound and clears it.

I’m a Nick Jones guy

Robertson hasn’t played in this period from what I can tell.

This was a matter of huge discrepancy in talent up front between these teams.

 

[ohbaby]

Third period thoughts:

Right off the bat great rush by Chytil to Kravtsov who finds a trailing CK all alone for a great chance nice save by Lyon. Chytil’s ability to skate the puck and gain separation out of his end and back the D in with his speed thru the zone and find his wingers is becoming a lot of fun to watch.

Andersson almost died. Head first into the boards thankfully he’s ok. That was scary

DiGiuseppe absolutely sucks. Should be waived. 4th goal is a PP rip

Skjei with a lousy pass put Trouba in between and a 2 on 1 comes from it. This is just lack of sharpness in preseason game 2. Not a big deal.

The Andersson lines got abused most of this game. Strome was out for a stroll all night and DiGiseuppe was awful. Hayes line killed them. I really liked Andersson’s Game in NY but with 10 mins to go in this one, he has not played well. Surprised some thought otherwise. Again lot of it to do with his wingers but a lot on him as well. Gets a nice chance right at the end of the game but that was it.

Trouba saves a goal on the Pk with a big stick lift off a rebound and clears it.

I’m a Nick Jones guy

Robertson hasn’t played in this period from what I can tell.

This was a matter of huge discrepancy in talent up front between these teams.

I'd say your analysis of events is right on point. Looking forward to more once the season starts.

 

[Kovalev27]

I'd say your analysis of events is right on point. Looking forward to more once the season starts.

I’ll be screaming more when the games matter and the real team is on the ice instead of this more thoughtful analysis lol

 

[Maximus]

• Flyers renovations look sick. They're selling standing-room-only tickets for $25.
• Skjei is atrocious. Like, the dude can't make a clean pass FFS. Olive oil and vinegar he and Trouba.
• Chytil and Andersson both look noticeably more responsible in the D-zone. Now that I'm paying attention, Chytil does look quite improved.
• Nick Jones has a lot of "pep".
• Nieves and McKegg looking good this pre-season. One of them should be in the opening day lineup.
• Hayes is going to have a career-year in Philly.
• Fox is a slippery mother****er. He looks like he is the veteran and Skjei is the rookie.
• Robertson is too young to be playing in this game.
• I don't know why Di Giuseppe is on the PK.
  
• Lindgren is solid. How is his hand not broken? 4:28, 1st in PK TOI (followed by Lias w/ 3:34).
• Kreider lol
• Shersterkin looks like a wee Lundqvist.
• Apparently Ryan Strome played in this game.
• Still waiting for Trouba to do something cool. Maybe Skjei is skewing his effectiveness.
• Kravtsov looks impressive all things considered, but I could see him starting in Hartford.
• Hajek fine as expected.

Yeah I've been saying they're going to surprise people all offseason. They may be off/on for the first bit while adjusting to AV, and some of their fans expressed concern that the personnel would be adequate for his system, so we'll see. I would absolutely bet on Hayes scoring 60+ points though.

I will be targeting Hayes for absolute certain in my $$ fantasy league draft which happens to be tonight as I also believe this will be Hayes best year coming up...60-65 points.

I’ll also be looking to see where Ghost or Provorov fall as well as depending upon where I’m at, I’ll be looking to add one or the other. Flyers are going to be good...no question in my mind about it,

 

[Sens]

Quinn talks Andersson here... at 2:30


He thinks Andersson has been really good in his two games

Says Andersson has been making a great statement for himself

 

[haveandare]

Shesty was excellent imo.

Lindgren & Robertson couldn’t exit the zone cleanly to save their lives.

Robertson was way, way over his head. Not a problem given his age but he was bad.

Chytil has flashes but isn’t ready to drive a line. Wont have too if he’s with Kakko. Lias was good but not great - made some excellent breakups.

 

[Matz03]

Some way to early thoughts:

Fox defending reminds me of Stralman, if he’s that steady already can’t wait until he plays some real games and learns the league, systems, opposition, will be a solid top 4 guy for years to come, maybe even a first pairing guy. Already better at D then Ada. And I like Ada.

Trouba looks the same as his years in Winnipeg, never been impressed, just hate the way he looks out there and not a top pairing guy. Get him off pp1. He’s not strong enough transiting into offense from d.

Hayes teaching Chytil how to play big boy hockey, understandably he’s got a long way to go in his own zone and too much shouldn’t be expected of a 20yo.

Kravstov should start in Hartford, he just needs to get a hang of the pace on the smaller rinks and play but minutes. No room for him to do that here.

Shesty looks really steady and solid, he reminds me a bit of Raanta and a allt of Halak. You can tell he has pro experience. If he starts in Hartford it bodes we’ll for that team. Really hope we can hang onto him and Georgiev and have that tandem one day.

Kreider isn’t playing his game, you wonder if being on a line with Chytil he’s trying to play more defensive and protect them. He needs to be that first guy in and not the trailer like he’s been this preseason.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I didn’t watch the game because I’m working early today but two questions.

1. Why are we freaking out over PS? I mean DQ should do a little better with the lineup, but it’s his second NHL head coaching experience so I guess he’s over doing it to hopefully find an NHL player.

2. Why would we be surprised with our defense? Everyone can tell we have too many puck moving defensemen. We won’t be a good defensive team. Hence why Shesty needs to be an injury call up, you don’t want him to implode with our defense and screw with his confidence.

We have too many puck moving defenseman? We have 3 of them and being a puck moving defenseman doesn't preclude a player from being good defensively as well.

 

[haveandare]

We have too many puck moving defenseman? We have 3 of them and being a puck moving defenseman doesn't preclude a player from being good defensively as well.

Also the main issue this game was not being able to cleanly exit our zone or enter theirs with numbers. We need more clean passing from the d if anything.

On an unrelated note, does anyone else find that this site closes their mobile keyboards periodically while typing, forcing them to tap the ad under the keyboard?

 

[Kovalev27]

Lindgren did remind of Girardi.

Late in his career Girardi.

He couldn’t make an outlet pass. He was pinned all game and had to block a ton of shots because of it.

This guy is a try hard. Not a talented nhl dman. Sorry but on no planet is he going to be a regular over a Hajek Rykov Reunanen Miller Robertson or Skjei.

 

[SnowFort]

I get anxiety just by thinking of having to choose between Shestyorkin and Georgiev. And I also think both belong in the NHL right now. It’s a shame one will have to spend time in Hartford.

 

[fredrikstad]

Things will get better when the full lineup is out there, but, I still think making the playoffs is a tall order for this squad. Quinn will once again have them battle hard, and the talent level is higher than last season. But there are still too many questions that need to be answered positively to be a viable bubble playoff team. They're better than the likes of Ottawa, Detroit and Buffalo, and I can see Columbus and possibly the Islanders dropping off. But, the Devils are definitely better than last year. And, so are the Flyers. I see the Rangers finishing in the 7-9 range. They are still a year away from really taking off.

Even though I follow Zucc, I have become a Ranger fan. How has Kakko looked so far? I think he will be a great player for this team for many years. But might need a few games to adjust to NHL ice and faster pace?

 

[bobbop]

Well I was hoping to watch a victory this morning after missing the game last night due to work. I guess I won't watch now.

Miss it if you can!

 

[ponytrekker]

Even though I follow Zucc, I have become a Ranger fan. How has Kakko looked so far? I think he will be a great player for this team for many years. But might need a few games to adjust to NHL ice and faster pace?

Clearly head and shoulders above anyone else the Rangers have drafted in most of our life times. Good player. Lethal on the power play.

 

[haveandare]

Lindgren did remind of Girardi.

Late in his career Girardi.

He couldn’t make an outlet pass. He was pinned all game and had to block a ton of shots because of it.

This guy is a try hard. Not a talented nhl dman. Sorry but on no planet is he going to be a regular over a Hajek Rykov Reunanen Miller Robertson or Skjei.

Hajek wasn’t so hot last night either with the outlets. Robertson was even worse than Lindgren.