Pre-Game Talk: Series discussion: NYR vs MTL

[Eyedea40]

For me one of the potentially interesting questions for this series will be whether or not AV was willing to play Talbot in the Montreal games if Henrik has poor performances in game 1, or games 1 and 2.

The obvious immediate reactionary answer is no, but if Talbot performs better in Montreal, you have to consider it and let Henrik benefit from the extra rest.

I don't see this even being an Issue. The only way you see Talbot is if Henrik gets pulled from a game.

Henrik is on top of his game right now.

 

[Fitzy]

Habs fans actually think they have a better defense than us.

The Rangers allowed many fewer goals in the regular season and stand alone at #1 http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.ht...&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary when it comes to team defense in the playoffs.

Not having a go at a very talented Montreal team, but I think we have a slightly better defense. Montreal's claim to fame is their #1 playoff ranking in goals per game, and a 26% power play.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Habs fans actually think they have a better defense than us.

If you say it in French, it becomes true.

 

[TeamStewie]

Habs fans actually think they have a better defense than us.

Let them keep thinking that

 

[NYRPat21]

I have this totally different feel about this year's run compared to 2012. In 2012, we were the favorites, almost won the President's trophy, etc. Struggled against the Sens and barely got out in 7, barely got out against the seven seed Caps in seven, on top of the grinding Torts style of coaching with rolling 3 lines and blocking shots etc. That on top of Gabby's shoulder and the Devils just ran through us. Although we went 7 in the first 2 rounds, it's a much different feel for me at least. Against the Flyers it was kind of like a survival, could've easily been won in 5 or 6 but that's another topic of conversation. Now the Pittsburgh series, I'll be honest I had zero hope in this team after Game 4. None. And I've always been on the half glass full side of things with this team as some of you might already know. On top of this you have the tragedy of Martin St. Louis, I just knew they were done. I missed game 5 because of work and then watched him score in the first 5 minutes on Mother's Day. Disney couldn't write that. And after Game 7 Tuesday, I didn't feel relief of surviving, I felt absolute joy and elation and now I think anything is possible. AV rolls 4 lines plus the 3 days of rest, and we're basically playing a carbon copy of ourselves. This will be a great series that will go at least 6, but man I've never been more proud to be a Ranger fan. I'm rambling but LGFR. Sky's the limit.

 

[Eyedea40]

I give Montreal the edge in pregame ceremonies its awesome.

 

[theJUMPER]

The Rangers allowed many fewer goals in the regular season and stand alone at #1 http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.ht...&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary when it comes to team defense in the playoffs.

Not having a go at a very talented Montreal team, but I think we have a slightly better defense. Montreal's claim to fame is their #1 playoff ranking in goals per game, and a 26% power play.

Brian Boyle needs to make like a sponge and absorb every shot from Subban on the pp.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Only halfway? I'm never going to survive - my blood pressure already set new records the last few weeks!

 

[Idlerlee]

Brian Boyle needs to make like a sponge and absorb every shot from Subban on the pp.

or the Rangers D can part like the sea and allow Hank a clear shot on the pucks, will be easy pickings!

 

[Gardner McKay]

The Rangers allowed many fewer goals in the regular season and stand alone at #1 http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.ht...&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary when it comes to team defense in the playoffs.

Not having a go at a very talented Montreal team, but I think we have a slightly better defense. Montreal's claim to fame is their #1 playoff ranking in goals per game, and a 26% power play.

I don't doubt they are talented. I feel good about this series but I know it is a very real possibility we lose.

When I see claims that they have the edge in goaltending, defense, and offense, it is funny. They are a good team but it is very evenly matched.

 

[Fitzy]

A couple noteworthy stats comparing this run to 11-12 ECF run.

Girardi and McDonagh have played 2 and 4 minutes less per game, respectively. Staal has played almost 5 per game less.

Average per-game ice time per pairing (approximate)

11-12- 26:50, 23:10, 11 (16:55 for Stralman, 5 for Bickel)

13-14- 23:30, 20:00, 14:00

What is interesting is that they are playing, in many cases more shifts. It's just because NYR aren't penned in the zone as often they can afford to change earlier.

This year, our third line (Richards) is playing about 15 per game and the 4th is playing about 11. In 11-12, we had a guy in Rupp who played all 20 games at only 6 minutes a game. Richards and Callahan played 22 and 23 minutes a game, NYR have no forward about 19 minutes in these playoffs.

A more fresh, rested, balanced squad that almost never needs to shorten it's bench. Only Dorsett and Moore need be omitted in desperate situations.

 

[gardenparty]

One of the keys to winning the series is to mitigate the early onslaught from the Habs. They seem to come out really fast out of the gate. I don't know what the average time was for their first goals against the Bruins in the 7 games, but it was ridiculously early.

They appear to me to be a much faster team than the Penguins. They don't have as much high end skill like Malkin and Crosby, but they play better as a team.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

The key to this series? Stay out of the box. We are the better, more balanced team. 5 on 5 hockey should lead to our success.

Keep out of the box.

 

[aufheben]

A couple noteworthy stats comparing this run to 11-12 ECF run.

Girardi and McDonagh have played 2 and 4 minutes less per game, respectively. Staal has played almost 5 per game less.

Average per-game ice time per pairing (approximate)

11-12- 26:50, 23:10, 11 (16:55 for Stralman, 5 for Bickel)

13-14- 23:30, 20:00, 14:00

What is interesting is that they are playing, in many cases more shifts. It's just because NYR aren't penned in the zone as often they can afford to change earlier.

This year, our third line (Richards) is playing about 15 per game and the 4th is playing about 11. In 11-12, we had a guy in Rupp who played all 20 games at only 6 minutes a game. Richards and Callahan played 22 and 23 minutes a game, NYR have no forward about 19 minutes in these playoffs.

A more fresh, rested, balanced squad that almost never needs to shorten it's bench. Only Dorsett and Moore need be omitted in desperate situations.

The TOI last game was roughly 22:00 for everyone in the Top 4, and 13:00 for Moore-Klein. It was the most glorious thing I've ever seen.

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

Every player we have right now is in their prime.. the big time players that is...this is our best shot with these players to win the cup...let's take care of the all star Canadian team sarcasm and let's win us that cup!

 

[Miamipuck]

A couple noteworthy stats comparing this run to 11-12 ECF run.

Girardi and McDonagh have played 2 and 4 minutes less per game, respectively. Staal has played almost 5 per game less.

Average per-game ice time per pairing (approximate)

11-12- 26:50, 23:10, 11 (16:55 for Stralman, 5 for Bickel)

13-14- 23:30, 20:00, 14:00

What is interesting is that they are playing, in many cases more shifts. It's just because NYR aren't penned in the zone as often they can afford to change earlier.

This year, our third line (Richards) is playing about 15 per game and the 4th is playing about 11. In 11-12, we had a guy in Rupp who played all 20 games at only 6 minutes a game. Richards and Callahan played 22 and 23 minutes a game, NYR have no forward about 19 minutes in these playoffs.

A more fresh, rested, balanced squad that almost never needs to shorten it's bench. Only Dorsett and Moore need be omitted in desperate situations.

Thank you for quantifying this. I have been saying it ad nauseum:

The coaches have done a fantastic job of keeping this team fresher with a much worse schedule while playing the same amount of games. This team is a different animal from last ECF team, with a lot of help from AV.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I don't really think i'm making any mistakes scouting the team's we are playing, thus far. Knew Philadelphia was a good match for us despite the fact that they would muck it up and might take a couple games as a result of that. I knew the Pitt series would eventually favor us because of our open style of hockey.

Whether the Rangers advance to the SCF or not is entirely up to them. Montreal could play better for them, for all that matters, but it wouldn't be as a result of them being the better team - if that makes sense.

I like Eller, for what its worth. Subban killed the Bruins last series and it's definitely been exciting watching his maturation from when he came into the NHL. You're right, I don't necessarily watch the most Canadians games - but from what i've seen which is about a 20 game sample size, they see like a worse version of our team, on paper. Vanek is a Bruin killer, and that trend continued. He's not a big Rangers killer.

While not trying to take away anything from the success of your team, while they took down the giant in a quite a satisfying way, a few luckier bounces for the Bruins would have potentially topedoed your team's success.

Additionally, this was your chief rival. Subban cites Lucic and Thornton tactics as the motivation that put them over the top. Can you see anyone on the Rangers incising your team to that degree? You can argue that Henrik sprayed Crosby in the face with his water bottle, similar to what Thornton did, but the Pens are one of our biggest foes, and Crosby and Lundqvuist have a history of ill will. I can't say that anyone on our team really has hateful intentions towards anyone on your team... and our coach will jam discipline down our throats, especially for a team that he not only wants personal revenge against, but one that doesn't really symbolize anything significant to our team and fan base, emotionally.

I don't think it'll be an easy series for either team, nor did I ever say that. But if the Rangers continue to play inspired and urgent hockey... the better team will be clearly indicative. If the Rangers team comes out playing like the team that came out in games 2-4 against Pittsburgh... Montreal will take a stranglehold of the series.

Not taking anything away from your team, but I thought the Rangers were the 2nd best team in the East before the playoffs even started, 2nd only to Boston because of how bad we matched up against them. I ranked Pitt 3rd and Montreal 4th. IMO, this is the Rangers' series to lose, as it was theirs to lose in round 1 and 2 against opponents that I thought we were better than. This series is no different in my eyes, for the Rangers.

So if the Rangers play well, they will win. If they don't, they will lose.

Thank you for the hard hitting analysis.

 

[OverTheCap]

We have been very fortunate to have only been involved in one brief OT game so far. In 2011-12, we had played in 4 OT games through two rounds, one of them being a 3OT game.

 

[bobbop]

If this series has a few overtime games (very real possibility considering only 4 goals scored between the two teams in three games) big advantage to Rangers. Montreal's 3rd line is soft and 3rd defensive pair can be a train wreck at times.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

So if the Rangers play well, they will win. If they don't, they will lose.

Thank you for the hard hitting analysis.

During my week long hiatus from this board I can really say I missed your constantly off-base negativity that you pass along as realism.

My hard-hitting analysis of the team seems much more accurate than the tune you sing on a game in basis. And it definitely trumps your forecast of the team's success in this year's playoffs.

 

[Mike8]

Depth will also be a key. The Habs have 3 lines. The Rangers have 4 and AV has found a terrific balance in using all of the players in the right spots at all times. He has also leanred from past failures and is taking a page out of Julien's playbook with short shifts and trust. Everyone is pulling their weight and you cannot underestimate that factor in this series. The Habs have a nice thing going too, but it doesnt permeate throughout the full lineup.

How can you say this? Montreal's fourth line has been very productive. Briere, Weise and Prust on the fourth line have contributed a lot -- including two of Montreal's three goals in game 7. Weise also scored an OT winner in the first series. Further, Galchenyuk is back from injury which adds more depth to the club.

I like Eller, for what its worth. Subban killed the Bruins last series and it's definitely been exciting watching his maturation from when he came into the NHL. You're right, I don't necessarily watch the most Canadians games - but from what i've seen which is about a 20 game sample size, they see like a worse version of our team, on paper. Vanek is a Bruin killer, and that trend continued. He's not a big Rangers killer.

Not to be snarky, but it's Canadiens. Tough to start out a post discussing scouting and make that error.

While not trying to take away anything from the success of your team, while they took down the giant in a quite a satisfying way, a few luckier bounces for the Bruins would have potentially topedoed your team's success.

Right. And the same could be said for any team that's won in a tight series -- including the Rangers.

Additionally, this was your chief rival. Subban cites Lucic and Thornton tactics as the motivation that put them over the top. Can you see anyone on the Rangers incising your team to that degree?

Subban, like everyone on the club, is a professional that wants to win. They didn't need dirty plays for motivation to win in Tampa. This is a non-factor.

 

[LORDE]

Habs fans actually think they have a better defense than us.

Ahhhhhh but they traded "what's his name?" for Gomez!

 

[Mike8]

If this series has a few overtime games (very real possibility considering only 4 goals scored between the two teams in three games) big advantage to Rangers. Montreal's 3rd line is soft and 3rd defensive pair can be a train wreck at times.

Third line isn't soft. Eller, Bourque and Gionta. Where's the softness? They play a grinding game. Eller's big, strong and wins the majority of his board battles. They've been strong fundamentally all playoffs.

The third pairing was a train wreck until Beaulieu was injected. Now it's been a bright spot as Weaver is a +/- leader -- for whatever that's worth -- and Beaulieu's talent has shone in transition.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

How can you say this? Montreal's fourth line has been very productive. Briere, Wiese and Prust on the fourth line have contributed a lot -- including two of Montreal's three goals in game 7. Weise also scored an OT winner in the first series. Further, Galchenyuk is back from injury which adds more depth to the club.





Not to be snarky, but it's Canadiens. Tough to start out a post discussing scouting and make that error.



Right. And the same could be said for any team that's won in a tight series -- including the Rangers.



Subban, like everyone on the club, is a professional that wants to win. They didn't need dirty plays for motivation to win in Tampa. This is a non-factor.

That's being called anal, not snarky. Spelling shouldn't necessarily discount the major points someone makes.

Motivation is a big part of any team's success. The Canadiens talked a lot about finally earning respect from the Bruins. That's the big bully that never gave them the time of day. They used that for motivation to come together as a team and play that much harder. The Rangers had a similar phenomenon when a player on their team suffered a tragedy.

They're a relatively inexperienced team going this far into the playoffs who doesn't have the emotional motivation that they had against the Bruins.

 

[broadwayblue]

Not to be snarky, but it's Canadiens. Tough to start out a post discussing scouting and make that error.

Right, because proper spelling is directly correlated to the accuracy of a scouting report. Glad we cleared that up.