Post-Game Talk: Rangers @ Lightnings

[duhmetreE]

When you can’t generate offense throw a low shot at the net from the side boards occasionally. Generates decent rebound chances and can throw the tight D into havoc. Too many cycles end up at the point for blocked shots.

Fox looks slower and off his game a bit. He’s taken a few big hits recently, I guess the break wasn’t enough to fully recover.

PP looks pretty good generating about 2 grade A chances per PP but just having trouble finishing. Panarin’s fully screened stick shaft shot was oh so close to ending it in regulation. Our PP really covered our 5 on 5 warts earlier on but isn’t the case that much anymore.

Kakko is getting pushed around a bit along the boards but still making plays and making things happen despite that. You can see he’s still developing his man strength and balance, he’s gonna be a true beast in 1-2 years.

Laf with another tap in lol, good for him

you need to be in scoring positions to capitalize on the rebounds. The slot is No-Mans land for us. We're either touching the goalie or on the perimeter

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Didn't we just beat the best team in the league? I expect complainers after losses but we won right??? Amirriiiiight?

 

[PetahFromBensonhoist]

Didn't we just beat the best team in the league? I expect complainers after losses but we won right??? Amirriiiiight?

Nice try, but this 'win' doesn't count. It was against a bad backup goalie, in the shootout (basically a draw) while Tampa had multiple players out. Also it was New Year's Eve, so they really didn't feel like playing.

 

[will1066]

Phone battery at 79%. It's a sign.

 

[TominNC]

The Rangers don’t suck, they just aren’t going to win a Cup until they add some more young forward talent.

Or you know, their current young forward talent develops into what they can be.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Nice try, but this 'win' doesn't count. It was against a bad backup goalie, in the shootout (basically a draw) while Tampa had multiple players out. Also it was New Year's Eve, so they really didn't feel like playing.

Excuses are for losers. We won games with our backup and missing players.

 

[Kaapo Cabana]

I don’t think chytil will ever be the player we thought he might be.

He’s a bull, and gets into good positions, but just doesn’t know what to do with the puck. He also seems to have stopped progressing.

Is it early to call him a bust? Yes, but he’s trending in the wrong direction. The fact that there is still a bit of hope for him gives him value in a trade. I wouldn’t be against including him in a Gourde deal.

 

[FUZfan]

Kind of a bittersweet win for me last night. I'm still concerned at the lack of even strength chances that we're generating and the inability to hold on to a lead. That being said, they're finding a way to win games.

That dude Kilorn on the Lightning is a hell of a good hockey player.

 

[2014nyr]

I don’t think chytil will ever be the player we thought he might be.

He’s a bull, and gets into good positions, but just doesn’t know what to do with the puck. He also seems to have stopped progressing.

Is it early to call him a bust? Yes, but he’s trending in the wrong direction. The fact that there is still a bit of hope for him gives him value in a trade. I wouldn’t be against including him in a Gourde deal.

he's been abysmal lately - like you said, going backwards. he's still so soft defensively and easy to knock off the puck. he's still young but he's listed at 6'3 210 and a solid kid - theres no excuse to avoid/not be able to handle contact. hes infuriating in the d zone and on the forecheck - all he does is chase waving his stick hoping to poke a puck free...thats useless. he needs to buck up and start closing hard on guys and playing pucks through the body. before anything else its time to start showing a willingness and effort to be harder to play against.

as far as i'm concerned i'm ready to move him. i'd do it now while his age/potential still could net a nice return, and quite frankly he's not cutting it at 3c. we need someone reliable there period. not saying hes def a bust, just not worth waiting any longer on

 

[MysticLeviathan]

. Our fan base complains quite a bit. If we win it’s because the other team is weak or missing their top guys. If we lose we suck apparently lol

I don't think it's unreasonable to feel extremely concerned. Our 5v5 play has been absolutely abysmal. We scored because their goalie gifted us two goals The only one who's generating much of anything is Panarin. The other three lines aren't generating at all. And our defense has looked extremely questionable the last few weeks, including Fox who has looked extremely mortal and kinda just average all around.

I'd rather miss the playoffs entirely than get swept first round.

We have a lot of holes right now that aren't short term. Blais would help, but he's gone for the season. Kravtsov would help, but he wouldn't return likely until the season is over if he does end up returning. Our C issue is still significant, and extending Strome could be a huge financial blunder, but Chytil has looked awful. I'm far less concerned about our defense as we have some pretty great prospects who are getting some seasoning, but we're missing RW and C pretty badly, specifically C as Blais and Krav could help fill the RW hole next year.

We're mostly healthy right now. Our short term injured players aren't going to make the difference for us. You just have to hope we catch fire at the right time and our players stay healthy.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I don't think it's unreasonable to feel extremely concerned. Our 5v5 play has been absolutely abysmal. We scored because their goalie gifted us two goals The only one who's generating much of anything is Panarin. The other three lines aren't generating at all. And our defense has looked extremely questionable the last few weeks, including Fox who has looked extremely mortal and kinda just average all around.

I'd rather miss the playoffs entirely than get swept first round.

We have a lot of holes right now that aren't short term. Blais would help, but he's gone for the season. Kravtsov would help, but he wouldn't return likely until the season is over if he does end up returning. Our C issue is still significant, and extending Strome could be a huge financial blunder, but Chytil has looked awful. I'm far less concerned about our defense as we have some pretty great prospects who are getting some seasoning, but we're missing RW and C pretty badly, specifically C as Blais and Krav could help fill the RW hole next year.

We're mostly healthy right now. Our short term injured players aren't going to make the difference for us. You just have to hope we catch fire at the right time and our players stay healthy.

When the Rangers play well and we lose we don't get credit. So save us the "they didn't play as well as the final result". We outplayed the Golden Knights without Shesterkin and Panarin a couple of games ago and lost in a shootout and all we got were posts about how we can't beat a good team.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Also, if you'd rather miss the playoffs then good for you. Most people don't agree with that.

 

[TheDirtyH]

This team really needs more mobility on the blue line. Our forwards have clearly gotten the message about helping on defense but we might be the worst team in transition in the east aside from maybe Montreal, Ottawa, and the Islanders.

 

[Wtp99]

Nice try, but this 'win' doesn't count. It was against a bad backup goalie, in the shootout (basically a draw) while Tampa had multiple players out. Also it was New Year's Eve, so they really didn't feel like playing.

Would you rather they lost?. A win is a win and 2 points more towards a playoff march. An ugly win is still a win. So you have to murder a team for it to be a good win? An overtime goal in game 7 of the finals wouldn’t be a good win?
Don’t understand the thinking

 

[PetahFromBensonhoist]

Would you rather they lost?. A win is a win and 2 points more towards a playoff march. An ugly win is still a win. So you have to murder a team for it to be a good win? An overtime goal in game 7 of the finals wouldn’t be a good win?
Don’t understand the thinking

I was being facetious.

 

[Wtp99]

I was being facetious.

I get it, wasn’t picking on you, also just an answer to some other things I have seen

 

[Glen Sathers Cigar]

BTW, everyone's complaining but that 2011-12 team wasn't super deep either and had far less high end talent. They just did enough quite often and made the ECF with 109 points. I'm not a huge fan of that team but if this team is even close to as successful as that team this season would be a big success. I don't remember people whining near what they are now that season.

I really think that a lot of people have become so engrossed in focusing solely on the 'process' and dominating the stats that they have lost sight of the fact that at the end of the day all that matters is winning. Of course we all want them to be playing perfectly and an analytic darling while they're winning, but that's not the case currently. It's also not a finished product. They're finding their way and growing as a group and yet, still finding ways to win.

At the end of the day, all that really matters is winning. It's fun to analyze and dissect their play and stuff as the hardcore fans we all are here, but a win is a win. So we can complain about quality of play or whatever, but I think too many people have tipped the scales far too much in that direction to now they're barely even caring about wins and losses anymore. There needs to be a balance.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I really think that a lot of people have become so engrossed in focusing solely on the 'process' and dominating the stats that they have lost sight of the fact that at the end of the day all that matters is winning. Of course we all want them to be playing perfectly and an analytic darling while they're winning, but that's not the case currently. It's also not a finished product. They're finding their way and growing as a group and yet, still finding ways to win.

At the end of the day, all that really matters is winning. It's fun to analyze and dissect their play and stuff as the hardcore fans we all are here, but a win is a win. So we can complain about quality of play or whatever, but I think too many people have tipped the scales far too much in that direction to now they're barely even caring about wins and losses anymore. There needs to be a balance.

I didn't see the last two periods of the Lightning game but before that we went toe to toe against a team that dominated play against us the first time we played them and dominates play every game in Florida, that game looked like two heavy weights, we just ended up on the losing end. But it didn't matter because only wins and losses counted. Same against Vegas when we were a couple of minutes away from beating them without Panarin and Shesterkin. But then when we win it's not just about wins and losses you have to be flawless. The goal posts are moved and we can never have a satisfactory game even as we're *checks notes* 20-8-4 and every other team's announcer praises us as one of the best teams in the league.

 

[jay from jersey]

This team really needs more mobility on the blue line. Our forwards have clearly gotten the message about helping on defense but we might be the worst team in transition in the east aside from maybe Montreal, Ottawa, and the Islanders.

Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Always usually have someone joining the rush on the offensive side.
Though when it’s trouba, he’s not the fastest, and miller is still a bit erratic when picking his moments, but getting better.
The Nemeth-Lundkvist pairing is virtually no threat offensively at all though.
Nemeth is slow and not offensive at all and Lundkvist is a rookie.
I’m sure he’s doing his best to not get caught out of position defensively, but he rarely makes a go of it offensively...
Not knocking him, he’s got the worst partner, whose also the slowest skater....
Would a Jones-Schneider pair be better??? Imo probably, and it’s a big reason why we might see it to start next year.

 

[Chaels Arms]

I am as down on Chytil as anybody but I just looked up his stats and was floored that he's still only 22 years old. It feels like he's been around forever.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

I am as down on Chytil as anybody but I just looked up his stats and was floored that he's still only 22 years old. It feels like he's been around forever.

For me it's always been about how he plays and the limits to his hands and iq. He is what he is. A 3rd line player.

 

[egelband]

I didn't see the last two periods of the Lightning game but before that we went toe to toe against a team that dominated play against us the first time we played them and dominates play every game in Florida, that game looked like two heavy weights, we just ended up on the losing end. But it didn't matter because only wins and losses counted. Same against Vegas when we were a couple of minutes away from beating them without Panarin and Shesterkin. But then when we win it's not just about wins and losses you have to be flawless. The goal posts are moved and we can never have a satisfactory game even as we're *checks notes* 20-8-4 and every other team's announcer praises us as one of the best teams in the league.

I think most of us agree with what you’re saying. There are a few vocal posters who can only see the negative. But I’d say the silent majority are happy with the progress and the way things are going. There is obviously less agreement on just exactly how far this team will go this year, but I think most are enjoying the ride, no matter how far it takes us.

 

[AlaBlueShirt]

This team really needs more mobility on the blue line. Our forwards have clearly gotten the message about helping on defense but we might be the worst team in transition in the east aside from maybe Montreal, Ottawa, and the Islanders.

This post is from 2015. Fox, Trouba, Miller and Lundkvist is a solid group of players who can move the puck.

 

[Larrybiv]

I was ready to come on and compliment Miller until he made that horrible turnover in the third.
Still overall was good and he makes more moves with the puck than Laf/Kakko/Chytil combined. He actually grabs the puck with authority and gets into the opponents zone.

You can see my Avatar man is really starting to feel more comfy offensively. The Tampa announcers said he moves very well "for a big man", or something similar.

 

[jay from jersey]

he's been abysmal lately - like you said, going backwards. he's still so soft defensively and easy to knock off the puck. he's still young but he's listed at 6'3 210 and a solid kid - theres no excuse to avoid/not be able to handle contact. hes infuriating in the d zone and on the forecheck - all he does is chase waving his stick hoping to poke a puck free...thats useless. he needs to buck up and start closing hard on guys and playing pucks through the body. before anything else its time to start showing a willingness and effort to be harder to play against.

as far as i'm concerned i'm ready to move him. i'd do it now while his age/potential still could net a nice return, and quite frankly he's not cutting it at 3c. we need someone reliable there period. not saying hes def a bust, just not worth waiting any longer on

thats the biggest problem. I also doesn’t think he fits the scheme in what Gallant wants in his system. More of a prototypical 3rd and 4th lines.
I have no problem with our 4th line when they are whole. Hunt-Rooney-Reaves are all workers and each one of them does their job on the line and makes it tough on the opposition.
It’s a big reason why I think Barron will excel in that 3rd line role. He’s very good along the boards and down low. He’s also a load, and hard to move in front of the net.
Whether he’s at center and Goodrow is on the wing, or vice versa, you have the making of 2/3 of a solid 3rd line.
It might not be the optimal situation/line mates for LaF, but I still think he’d have more success with those 2 rather then chytil/Gauthier.
He might even shoot the puck more if he’s counted on as the offensive guy of the 3.
I’m betting those 2 cycling and working the puck down low maybe give LaF a little extra time to get a shot off even. LaF isn’t small, he’s not going to play a grinders game either, but while his skating is still a bit slow, that type of style would be more advantageous to him currently.
If Barron proves he isn’t ready, then you can make a trade for a short term stop gap ( Jarnkrok, Donskoi, Lehkonen type). And give Barron AHL time til next years camp.

As far as our last 2 games, I don’t think the panthers or the lightning blew the doors off us at any point. It was typical rangers, they play on par with their competition, whether its the coyotes, or panthers they play a close game no matter what. We should improve, if not for anything else our kids getting older/more mature, but I don’t think anyone thinks this will be the team going into the playoffs without some tweaks.
What we do about 2C long term/strome resigning etc is pushed back to an offseason problem atm.

the more close games we win is obviously better for us in the long run. There is definitely a confidence that comes from being on the winning side of 1 goal games when it goes down to the wire. No matter who the opponent is. Overall the team gets more comfortable in that situation. They just have to keep playing and never quit