Roster Building Thread IV (2022-23): Luck of the Irish

[gravey9]

Kinda unfair to place all the blame on the coach if you're expecting two guys who've only played for one team in their entire careers to just show up & magically fix the other issues this team clearly has. Neither one of those guys can cure Igor's inconsistencies, the inconsistent kids, or the overpassing, lazy turnover style game we've been famous for. Shit they might make the last part worse.

Regardless, it's a big ask to expect all of this to magically come together in 2 months & then dump it all on the head coach because the chemistry experiment failed. Gallant has his faults, but this team, even with Kane & Tarasenko, is still far from perfect as constructed.

We've sure taken an interesting approach to this deadline.

Have we filled all the holes in the top 9? Yes. And likely then some. I am going to take sh*t for this, but I think Vesey is a better fit with Panarin and Tro than Tarasenko. I have no clue where Vladi fits. I really don't. Had we known we could Kane for a ransom (hopefully!) I would have gone with a more versatile forward who played a more two way game with speed. I think that type of player would be a better compliment to the way our top 6 plays. The addition of Tarasenko has made one thing clear -- our top 6 players play with considerable pace. Tarasenko is closer to Kakko's speed than Vatrano's. And thus, he's just not as helpful in various areas of the ice. He is a good player with nowhere to fit in my eyes right now.

Kane may fit really well with Kreider/Zib. And Vesey works really well with Tro/Bread. And then there's the kid line. And then there's 2/3 of a fourth line... and Tarasenko.

Gallant is gonna be dealing with an imperfect mix the rest of the way. It feels. I think we'll always have 2 lines going, maybe 3, but never 4.

Are we actually putting together the right mix of talent and grit for the playoffs? ....we'll see.

But the biggest issue other than chemistry and mix is getting the team on the same page in all 3 zones.
Enough of the poor puck management and inconsistent backcheck and lack of commitment in front of the net. That's what everyone has to come together on, no matter the personnel. And the players who have already been here are the ones who likely need to lead the way.

This team has so much offensive firepower now. It should be really really obvious to them that they don't need to cheat up ice. They need to clamp down defensively and capitalize on their chances. Becuase they have the skill to not screw up those chances now.

There's gonna have to be some kind of magical thing that happens inside that locker room that we won't be privy to where everyone truly feels inspired to playing a more detail-oriented style. A championship-worthy 200 ft team game.

 

[DanielBrassard]

that's true. but Winnipeg also sucks


Rockstar top6 and their best line will be their 3rd line.

Hockey is Different here.

The kid line hasn't been their best line since the playoffs.

 

[Savant]

so we are paying less for Kane?

They are probably paying the same as they agreed a week ago

 

[duhmetreE]

The kid line hasn't been their best line since the playoffs.

Good thing the Playoffs are almost here

 

[Savant]

The kid line hasn't been their best line since the playoffs.

When the team has been hit this season, it’s been when the kid line was hot.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

 

[Alluckks]

I can't believe that Othmann, Kakko, Laf, etc. were ever even discussed for a rental by anyone with a media following

 

[Savant]

We've sure taken an interesting approach to this deadline.

Have we filled all the holes in the top 9? Yes. And likely then some. I am going to take sh*t for this, but I think Vesey is a better fit with Panarin and Tro than Tarasenko. I have no clue where Vladi fits. I really don't. Had we known we could Kane for a ransom (hopefully!) I would have gone with a more versatile forward who played a more two way game with speed. I think that type of player would be a better compliment to the way our top 6 plays. The addition of Tarasenko has made one thing clear -- our top 6 players play with considerable pace. Tarasenko is closer to Kakko's speed than Vatrano's. And thus, he's just not as helpful in various areas of the ice. He is a good player with nowhere to fit in my eyes right now.

Kane may fit really well with Kreider/Zib. And Vesey works really well with Tro/Bread. And then there's the kid line. And then there's 2/3 of a fourth line... and Tarasenko.

Gallant is gonna be dealing with an imperfect mix the rest of the way. It feels. I think we'll always have 2 lines going, maybe 3, but never 4.

Are we actually putting together the right mix of talent and grit for the playoffs? ....we'll see.

But the biggest issue other than chemistry and mix is getting the team on the same page in all 3 zones.
Enough of the poor puck management and inconsistent backcheck and lack of commitment in front of the net. That's what everyone has to come together on, no matter the personnel. And the players who have already been here are the ones who likely need to lead the way.

This team has so much offensive firepower now. It should be really really obvious to them that they don't need to cheat up ice. They need to clamp down defensively and capitalize on their chances. Becuase they have the skill to not screw up those chances now.

There's gonna have to be some kind of magical thing that happens inside that locker room that we won't be privy to where everyone truly feels inspired to playing a more detail-oriented style. A championship-worthy 200 ft team game.

Here’s an idea. Let’s hope the coaching staff can figure out what’s best in practice and go from there. Pretty useless to speculate right now. The Rangers have a lot of options and shouldn’t be locked in to any of their lines. Statistically their best line this season was Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko so l am not married to the idea that the kids need to stay together

 

[gravey9]

Here’s an idea. Let’s hope the coaching staff can figure out what’s best in practice and go from there. Pretty useless to speculate right now. The Rangers have a lot of options and shouldn’t be locked in to any of their lines. Statistically their best line this season was Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko so l am not married to the idea that the kids need to stay together

Well, Gallant has said already that there's very limited practice the rest of the way. Hopefully enough to get the lines right. But most of the line stuff is likely sorted out in game.

I tend to agree with the idea of moving Kakko up and trying Tarasenko with Chytil/Laf. Just don't know if that line without Kakko will be trusted by GG to play a complete game.

EDIT: Another combo I am curious to see: Laf-Chytil-Kane. For some reason, I really wanna see Kane and Laf together.

 

[Kaapo Cabana]

Here’s an idea. Let’s hope the coaching staff can figure out what’s best in practice and go from there. Pretty useless to speculate right now. The Rangers have a lot of options and shouldn’t be locked in to any of their lines. Statistically their best line this season was Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko so l am not married to the idea that the kids need to stay together

I think the only thing keeping the kids together is the fact that Lafreniere can't seem to figure it out with anybody else. Kakko and Chytil have been fine when on other lines but Laf just disappears.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I hope Kane brings in the swagger and confidence we all know he possesses.

The Rangers could use that just as much as his skill set on the ice

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Gallant is an idiot with line combos so I’m sure he’ll come to the best lines as they’re fighting for their life in the playoffs

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

I hope Kane brings in the swagger and confidence we all know he possesses.

The Rangers could use that just as much as his skill set on the ice

If there’s one thing I’m very confident in it’s that Kane is going to relish the big stage of playing in NY at MSG. He’s going to embrace it and not be bashful.

 

[bobbop]

We've sure taken an interesting approach to this deadline.

Have we filled all the holes in the top 9? Yes. And likely then some. I am going to take sh*t for this, but I think Vesey is a better fit with Panarin and Tro than Tarasenko. I have no clue where Vladi fits. I really don't. Had we known we could Kane for a ransom (hopefully!) I would have gone with a more versatile forward who played a more two way game with speed. I think that type of player would be a better compliment to the way our top 6 plays. The addition of Tarasenko has made one thing clear -- our top 6 players play with considerable pace. Tarasenko is closer to Kakko's speed than Vatrano's. And thus, he's just not as helpful in various areas of the ice. He is a good player with nowhere to fit in my eyes right now.

Kane may fit really well with Kreider/Zib. And Vesey works really well with Tro/Bread. And then there's the kid line. And then there's 2/3 of a fourth line... and Tarasenko.

Gallant is gonna be dealing with an imperfect mix the rest of the way. It feels. I think we'll always have 2 lines going, maybe 3, but never 4.

Are we actually putting together the right mix of talent and grit for the playoffs? ....we'll see.

But the biggest issue other than chemistry and mix is getting the team on the same page in all 3 zones.
Enough of the poor puck management and inconsistent backcheck and lack of commitment in front of the net. That's what everyone has to come together on, no matter the personnel. And the players who have already been here are the ones who likely need to lead the way.

This team has so much offensive firepower now. It should be really really obvious to them that they don't need to cheat up ice. They need to clamp down defensively and capitalize on their chances. Becuase they have the skill to not screw up those chances now.

There's gonna have to be some kind of magical thing that happens inside that locker room that we won't be privy to where everyone truly feels inspired to playing a more detail-oriented style. A championship-worthy 200 ft team game.

A lot of truth to this. As I said in the other thread, it could be spectacular. It could also turn out to be a spectacular disaster.

Gallant could end up paying a hard price for something that’s out of his control.

 

[gravey9]

I know this video was mostly created to make a giant hug montage, but it's so funny how many empty net goals are in this. Leaves one with tons of confidence.

 

[Savant]

Well, Gallant has said already that there's very limited practice the rest of the way. Hopefully enough to get the lines right. But most of the line stuff is likely sorted out in game.

I tend to agree with the idea of moving Kakko up and trying Tarasenko with Chytil/Laf. Just don't know if that line without Kakko will be trusted by GG to play a complete game.

EDIT: Another combo I am curious to see: Laf-Chytil-Kane. For some reason, I really wanna see Kane and Laf together.

That’s why you pay the coaching staff the big bucks.

But yeah I have no problem with 13 72 88, I think that was a line that Buccigross liked the idea of as well (not that I give a shit about Buccigross) but yeah I mean the flexibility that that Rangers will have after this Kane trade will be their differentiator. If Gallant can’t figure it out he shouldn’t Last into next season

I think the only thing keeping the kids together is the fact that Lafreniere can't seem to figure it out with anybody else. Kakko and Chytil have been fine when on other lines but Laf just disappears.

Well whenever Lafreniere has been moved up, he’s be playing RW. He doesn’t have to play RW anymore. And frankly if Lafreniere can’t “figure it out” with Kane then it’s time to be terrified

 

[TheDirtyH]

If there’s one thing I’m very confident in it’s that Kane is going to relish the big stage of playing in NY at MSG. He’s going to embrace it and not be bashful.

I hope Kane proves a lot of the doubters wrong. I hope Tarasenko starts shooting the puck again. And I hope Igor locks into last year's form.

If we get those three things, it's hard for me to see us losing to anyone tbh. Of them, Kane feels like the safest bet, but I wonder if the other two aren't more important.

 

[Kaapo Cabana]

Well whenever Lafreniere has been moved up, he’s be playing RW. He doesn’t have to play RW anymore. And frankly if Lafreniere can’t “figure it out” with Kane then it’s time to be terrified

Fair enough to your point about playing right wing, but at this point in their careers, I would say guys like Zibanejad and Panarin are more skilled than Kane. I don't see him as any sort of measuring stick considering the players he has already played with.

since we are pretty much locked in to 3rd place, I would love to see laf getting an extended shot higher up in the lineup on the left side. maybe something like

Laf - Zib - Kane
Panarin - Trochek - Tarasenko
Kreider - Chytil - Kakko
Motte - Goodrow - Vesey

 

[bl02]

I think the only thing keeping the kids together is the fact that Lafreniere can't seem to figure it out with anybody else. Kakko and Chytil have been fine when on other lines but Laf just disappears.

and to me that is a pretty big reason. Lafreniere was one of our best forwards last year in the playoffs. Physical and put up points. If we put him on a line were he is not engaged he basically becomes a 4th liner.
There has to be a way to get another line going with chemistry without breaking up the kid line and with now hopefully a decent 4th line this team should be able to roll out 3-4 lines nicely.

 

[Savant]

Fair enough to your point about playing right wing, but at this point in their careers, I would say guys like Zibanejad and Panarin are more skilled than Kane. I don't see him as any sort of measuring stick considering the players he has already played with.

since we are pretty much locked in to 3rd place, I would love to see laf getting an extended shot higher up in the lineup on the left side. maybe something like

Laf - Zib - Kane
Panarin - Trochek - Tarasenko
Kreider - Chytil - Kakko
Motte - Goodrow - Vesey

I think people are forgetting how good Kane is.

(Hopefully) we will see

 

[The New Russian Five]

With Kane in the mix does the power play finally put Panarin on the half wall and Zibanejad on the bumper, where they should be?

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I hope Kane proves a lot of the doubters wrong. I hope Tarasenko starts shooting the puck again. And I hope Igor locks into last year's form.

If we get those three things, it's hard for me to see us losing to anyone tbh. Of them, Kane feels like the safest bet, but I wonder if the other two aren't more important.

I think Igor will be fine. They just need to allow him to work out of his funk.

So much of Tarasenko's effectiveness is tied to the players around him. Kane, at his best, is more than capable of doing things by himself, which is why throwing him with Panarin is such a shit idea because Tarasenko with Kreider-Mika has been a school bus fire.

As for @gravey9 's assessment that Vesey is a better fit for that line, Vesey has driven phenomenal results with Panarin and Trocheck, but they'd still trend to have better offensive numbers with Tarasenko (and thats with this version of Tarasenko) than they have with Vesey. With the way this team is made up right now, I'll take the hit on defense for the boost in offense.

If we're in the 3rd period trying to close out a 1 goal lead? Bump Vesey up there in Tarasenko's place.

 

[Kaapo Cabana]

I think people are forgetting how good Kane is.

(Hopefully) we will see

*has been

hes had a recent surge but has been pretty lackluster this year outside of that.

That doesn't mean i think hes necessarily cooked. its definitely possible that his decline in play is due to getting over an injury and a lack of motivation playing for a lottery team. Maybe the move to a contender will bring back out the competitor who won 3 cups in Chicago.

but also maybe it won't

I'm mostly playing the devil's advocate as I'm ecstatic that he will most likely be ours. I guess im trying not to get my hopes up.

 

[TheDirtyH]

I think Igor will be fine. They just need to allow him to work out of his funk.

So much of Tarasenko's effectiveness is tied to the players around him. Kane, at his best, is more than capable of doing things by himself, which is why throwing him with Panarin is such a shit idea because Tarasenko with Kreider-Mika has been a school bus fire.

As for @gravey9 's assessment that Vesey is a better fit for that line, Vesey has driven phenomenal results with Panarin and Trocheck, but they'd still trend to have better offensive numbers with Tarasenko (and thats with this version of Tarasenko) than they have with Vesey. With the way this team is made up right now, I'll take the hit on defense for the boost in offense.

If we're in the 3rd period trying to close out a 1 goal lead? Bump Vesey up there in Tarasenko's place.

Truly, I have no opinion on how the lines should be put together lol. It's a ridiculous mix and we don't have much runway to experiment with.

All I know is that Tarasenko is taking under 5 shots per 60 mins 5v5 since he came here. He's never had a season under 7, and the only two seasons under 8 were two of his worst: this year and the year he had surgery. Last year he was taking nearly 10. I don't care what line he's on or what their metrics look like, if the dude isn't going to shoot anymore, he's not going to have an impact. JMO, but for all the talk about Tank showing up in the playoffs... there's one way he showed up: he shot the puck and he scored goals.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

*has been

hes had a recent surge but has been pretty lackluster this year outside of that.

That doesn't mean i think hes necessarily cooked. its definitely possible that his decline in play is due to getting over an injury and a lack of motivation playing for a lottery team. Maybe the move to a contender will bring back out the competitor who won 3 cups in Chicago.

but also maybe it won't

I'm mostly playing the devil's advocate as I'm ecstatic that he will most likely be ours. I guess im trying not to get my hopes up.

Points per game this season

Timo Meier 0.91
Patrick Kane 0.83

He’s still got it imo.

But I’m also keeping my expectations low. I mean what else should you do as a Rangers fan. 1 cup in 82 years