Speculation: Roster Building Thread LXXX: Going 8-0 to close out might not be enough!

[jay from jersey]

Which part? Kakko given chances in top-6 or that Blackwell did better than Gauthier over the whole season?

Blackwell for sure has played well but he’s shooting pucks of the passes from panarin and such. Gauthier never had or probably will never get that opportunity for whatever reasons. And that’s not taking away from the fine play of others. But the guy barely was ever elevated off 4th line. Sometimes there’s just not enough spots

 

[RGY]

right like I particularly don't understand Gauthier because he's big and physical, and he drives the net. definitely things not a lot of our players are known for. like, we're dying for a player that Gauthier could be but we're running blackwell instead. not as if he didn't earn it but this 19 minutes a game stuff for a career minor leaguer is just so odd. he's the exact kind of player where you ride the hot hand then move on when it dries up.

Blackwell is a plug. He is a career minor leaguer who had a little hot streak and sprinkled in some goals thereafter. But there is no reason he should still be in the top 6. I also dont see how he cant be a replacement for Howden on the PK. They will survive. If anything the PK is perfect for Blackwell, a hustle player who I think would be willing to block a shot, and he can take advantage during a shorthanded opportunity rush.

Lafreniere-Zib-Buch
Panarin-Strome-Kravtsov
Kreider-Chytil-Kakko
Blackwell-Rooney-Gauthier

Those should be the lines.

 

[Machinehead]

We went through this with Glass. Howden's underlying numbers aren't far off the team being shorthanded. Guys like that shouldn't play 30 seconds.

 

[Edge]

I could see leaning on Blackwell back when he was red hot and Kakko and Laf were doing nothing.

All of those ships have sailed.

That's kind of where I'm at.

Okay, you go with the hot hand. I get it.

Okay, you want to bring the kids along a certain way. I get it.

But there comes a point where enough is enough. Blackwell is a steak sauce. He's meant to compliment the meal. And kind of like a steak sauce, there is a point where you can over do it.

Give him 6-10 minutes a night, move him around if openings emerge. But he has 1 assist and is a minus two in his last 5 games, and has been getting anywhere from 13:34 to 19:24 a game --- including 15:27 last game.

There comes a point where we have enough young talent that is showing their potential and we need to be looking at them. The reasoning used to be that Blackwell was perceived to have a shorter leash and the kids needed to take advantage of their opportunities.

Well Blackwell's ice time is as high as ever, and the kids aren't moving.

 

[wafflepadsave]

That's kind of where I'm at.

Okay, you go with the hot hand. I get it.

Okay, you want to bring the kids along a certain way. I get it.

But there comes a point where enough is enough. Blackwell is a steak sauce. He's meant to compliment the meal. And kind of like a steak sauce, there is a point where you can over do it.

Give him 6-10 minutes a night, move him around if openings emerge. But he has 1 assist and is a minus two in his last 5 games, and has been getting anywhere from 13:34 to 19:24 a game --- including 15:27 last game.

There comes a point where we have enough young talent that is showing their potential and we need to be looking at them. The reasoning used to be that Blackwell was perceived to have a shorter leash and the kids needed to take advantage of their opportunities.

Well Blackwell's ice time is as high as ever, and the kids aren't moving.

Quinn

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

I've struggled to understand the Blackwell thing a lot - one possibility I haven't really seen discussed is that Panarin specifically asked to play w Blackwell. Maybe a stretch, but it's a possibility no?

 

[duhmetreE]

I've struggled to understand the Blackwell thing a lot - one possibility I haven't really seen discussed is that Panarin specifically asked to play w Blackwell. Maybe a stretch, but it's a possibility no?

It's David Quinn and his perspective.

They need someone to get the puck and do the grunt work. It was Fast last year. It's Blackwell in that 'mold' this year. My issue is Kravtsov is better than Blackwell in every single category. It does not make sense.

Blackwell had a decent run a month or so ago but he's turned back into a pumpkin. Kravtsov is arguably our best forechecker right now. There's no reason for him not to be there.

This brings up my issue with Strome.... he may have 'clicked' with Panarin, but I don't know how successsful they'll be in the Playoffs or playoff style games.

Panarin Chytil Kravtsov makes a lot of sense stylistically, if/when Strome is moved. I honestly think Strome is a better center for Kreider

 

[LORDE]

That's kind of where I'm at.

Okay, you go with the hot hand. I get it.

Okay, you want to bring the kids along a certain way. I get it.

But there comes a point where enough is enough. Blackwell is a steak sauce. He's meant to compliment the meal. And kind of like a steak sauce, there is a point where you can over do it.

Give him 6-10 minutes a night, move him around if openings emerge. But he has 1 assist and is a minus two in his last 5 games, and has been getting anywhere from 13:34 to 19:24 a game --- including 15:27 last game.

There comes a point where we have enough young talent that is showing their potential and we need to be looking at them. The reasoning used to be that Blackwell was perceived to have a shorter leash and the kids needed to take advantage of their opportunities.

Well Blackwell's ice time is as high as ever, and the kids aren't moving.

You're cooking steak wrong if you need "steak sauce" unless you mean red wine, then carry on.

 

[haohmaru]

Is it though? Because against the Islanders Howden had a point blank chance to get the Rangers back in the game and of course failed miserably.

And then against Philly he couldn’t finish a tap-in shorthanded that likely takes the wind out of their sails.

Are those games all his fault? Maybe not, but the timing of each occurrence were crucial points in each game.

So I guess its crazy to want to give Gauthier a look instead, who is more offensively gifted...which the bar is set very low by Mr. Howden.

And for the people that clamor for his ability to PK, I guarantee Blackwell can be just as efficient in his spot next to Rooney.

I pray Seattle is dumb enough to take Howden

You're cherry picking whiffs from Howden and not doing the same for Gauthier - who, fwiw, takes some really lousy penalties resulting in lost "trust" from the coaching staff. Howden has been averaging less and less ice time each year under Quinn and, pretty clearly, the coach thinks he's the better PK option than either Gauthier or Blackwell. With playoff fantasies still on their brain, it's not really the time to see if Blackwell can actually play the PK or not.

Again, it's a lot of huff and puff about a guy who probably plays eight minutes a night at even strength and is a decent option on the PK. I just don't get it. Gauthier had a bunch of shots and he's clearly either not doing something that's specifically being asked of him or not doing something well enough to stay in the lineup. That's not on Howden, that's on Gauthier.

If we're looking at why we're in the spot we're in, look at Zibby's first 20 games, Panarin's leave of absence, our goaltending leave of absence in the first 15-20 games, etc... Howden isn't why we're in this position. He's a role player and replaceable and likely will be in the near future.

 

[duhmetreE]

You're cooking steak wrong if you need "steak sauce" unless you mean red wine, then carry on.

I wouldn't even call him steak sauce.. He's like Ketchup... not even Heinz brand..

Panarin is A5 wagyu... you do not pair him with any form of condiment. You can pair him with a great young yet balanced red though

 

[RGY]

You're cherry picking whiffs from Howden and not doing the same for Gauthier - who, fwiw, takes some really lousy penalties resulting in lost "trust" from the coaching staff. Howden has been averaging less and less ice time each year under Quinn and, pretty clearly, the coach thinks he's the better PK option than either Gauthier or Blackwell. With playoff fantasies still on their brain, it's not really the time to see if Blackwell can actually play the PK or not.

Again, it's a lot of huff and puff about a guy who probably plays eight minutes a night at even strength and is a decent option on the PK. I just don't get it. Gauthier had a bunch of shots and he's clearly either not doing something that's specifically being asked of him or not doing something well enough to stay in the lineup. That's not on Howden, that's on Gauthier.

If we're looking at why we're in the spot we're in, look at Zibby's first 20 games, Panarin's leave of absence, our goaltending leave of absence in the first 15-20 games, etc... Howden isn't why we're in this position. He's a role player and replaceable and likely will be in the near future.

I can’t really even begin to entertain your thoughts when you open with Gauthier “takes some lousy penalties”.

He took 6 minors. 6. 3 of which came in the same game. You take out that one bad game and he has 1 more minor than Howden has this year. Gauthier is a young, big, fast kid. He drives the net. He is physically stronger than a lot of players. Penalties are going to happen.

Just because an NHL coach favors one player or thinks one way, does not mean its the right way. The point being made is Blackwell can take Howden’s PK minutes and there very likely would not be a significant drop-off. But we will never know because this coach refuses to bench Howden.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

Howden isn’t the problem but he’s not the solution either, put him in the non-investment portfolio and upgrade accordingly. Our 4th line next year projects to be Blackwell - Rooney - Barron/Gauthier which looks good on paper but for the most part is an island of misfit toys. I’m going to commit one of my pet peeves and just throw a problem out there without offering a solution.

 

[wafflepadsave]

I've struggled to understand the Blackwell thing a lot - one possibility I haven't really seen discussed is that Panarin specifically asked to play w Blackwell. Maybe a stretch, but it's a possibility no?

Yeah, I wouldn’t dismiss that possibility. I don’t really think of Blackwell as the type player that attracts the defense and thus creates space for panarin. He certainly made the most of his opportunity though. Wondering if there’s an underlying injury that has slowed him down?

 

[wafflepadsave]

It's David Quinn and his perspective.

They need someone to get the puck and do the grunt work. It was Fast last year. It's Blackwell in that 'mold' this year. My issue is Kravtsov is better than Blackwell in every single category. It does not make sense.

Blackwell had a decent run a month or so ago but he's turned back into a pumpkin. Kravtsov is arguably our best forechecker right now. There's no reason for him not to be there.

This brings up my issue with Strome.... he may have 'clicked' with Panarin, but I don't know how successsful they'll be in the Playoffs or playoff style games.

Panarin Chytil Kravtsov makes a lot of sense stylistically, if/when Strome is moved. I honestly think Strome is a better center for Kreider

Yeah, agree 100%. If the Rangers do miraculously make the playoffs, the other teams will copy Carolina from back in August.

 

[Edge]

You're cooking steak wrong if you need "steak sauce" unless you mean red wine, then carry on.

A lovely Pinot Noir reduction, and a crab cake on the side?

 

[effen]

A lovely Pinot Noir reduction, and a crab cake on the side?

Is that some kind of bougie ketchup

 

[Clark Kellogg]

That's kind of where I'm at.

Okay, you go with the hot hand. I get it.

Okay, you want to bring the kids along a certain way. I get it.

But there comes a point where enough is enough. Blackwell is a steak sauce. He's meant to compliment the meal. And kind of like a steak sauce, there is a point where you can over do it.

Give him 6-10 minutes a night, move him around if openings emerge. But he has 1 assist and is a minus two in his last 5 games, and has been getting anywhere from 13:34 to 19:24 a game --- including 15:27 last game.

There comes a point where we have enough young talent that is showing their potential and we need to be looking at them. The reasoning used to be that Blackwell was perceived to have a shorter leash and the kids needed to take advantage of their opportunities.

Well Blackwell's ice time is as high as ever, and the kids aren't moving.

Kravtsov needs to Wally Pipp that guy.

 

[kovazub94]

right like I particularly don't understand Gauthier because he's big and physical, and he drives the net. definitely things not a lot of our players are known for. like, we're dying for a player that Gauthier could be but we're running blackwell instead. not as if he didn't earn it but this 19 minutes a game stuff for a career minor leaguer is just so odd. he's the exact kind of player where you ride the hot hand then move on when it dries up.

Glad you said “forechecker” so we won’t have to discuss this. The thing is that big body Gauthier is less of a forechecker than smaller Blackwell.

And I just want to go on a record that I also think that one of Ks should get a chance to replace Blackwell on Strome’s line. The question issue is that we with hindsight can point out exactly when Blackwell stopped producing. The coach doesn’t have this advantage.

 

[Ola]

Hope that’s what happens. Quinn would be heartbroken though.

To be honest, I definitely hope that Howden isn’t lost.

Seriously, he is slowly but surely improving. Definitely better now than a year ago. We all have legit objections on how he has been used, but facts are that we have invested in him a ton and that pays off.

He is improving and he has room to improve more. The lack of production is almost a plus because he will be cheap. We need that. Physically, hockey sense, learning how better players think, FOs, he can improve a lot still.

 

[DutchShamrock]

I don't know how you watch Kravtsov play and have restraint and discipline to not move him into a more prominent role. Maybe it's sportsmanship. You have too much of an advantage if he plays more than 10 minutes with Panarin, Kreider or Zibanejad.

What is the thought process where you see this kid and say, "yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and use you sparingly, throw you out the with the other spares when my lines are all screwed up after the PP1 got 1:50"?

 

[wafflepadsave]

To be honest, I definitely hope that Howden isn’t lost.

Seriously, he is slowly but surely improving. Definitely better now than a year ago. We all have legit objections on how he has been used, but facts are that we have invested in him a ton and that pays off.

He is improving and he has room to improve more. The lack of production is almost a plus because he will be cheap. We need that. Physically, hockey sense, learning how better players think, FOs, he can improve a lot still.

I think we all would’ve been fine if went to Hartford for a season or two. But at first glance, some people might guess he’s the owners son.

Even if he’s improving, I’d rather cut bait and find someone with some more bite to their game.

 

[wafflepadsave]

we must be resigning him with this career year.

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

Proposal:

You know the Senators fans would always chant "Alfie! Alfie! Alfie!" when it hit the 11 minute mark?

What about if we did "Laffy! Laffy! Laffy!" at the 13 minute mark?

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

we must be resigning him with this career year.

Well, we know Lindgren and K'Andre will take up two spots (as they should) and they'll be taking the bulk of the top-4 LHD minutes.

But you have Reunanen, Zac Jones, Matthew Robertson and Hajek lined up on the left side. IDK how you can keep Smith, especially since he may want a raise and a more prominent role.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Well, we know Lindgren and K'Andre will take up two spots (as they should) and they'll be taking the bulk of the top-4 LHD minutes.

But you have Reunanen, Zac Jones, Matthew Robertson and Hajek lined up on the left side. IDK how you can keep Smith, especially since he may want a raise and a more prominent role.

Smith already got his first ufa contract. He’s overpaid at 4m a year. he’s looking at the jack Johnson special.

I don’t mind him as a 7d. I’m more worried the rangers don’t want to run two rookies on the third pair.