This is a Bad Hockey Team: Part 2

[LieutenantLackluster]

at what point do we stop saying "it's early" "it's rust from the lockout" "it's the amount of roster turnover" and acknowledge that maybe this team actually is not put together well?

Well, never of course! Theres always an excuse. I am seeing 0 signs of improvement over last year, and I am even beginning to think last year was just a fluke. They had a crappy start and a crappy end and somehow managed to get through 2 7-game rounds.

Also, I dont care about how good the teams we played were. We are supposed to be that good team.

I'd also like to add that the doom and gloom, for me, is that this team has the same old problems year, after year, after year. Powerplay. Puck Possession. Same old Rangers.

Yep. Can't agree more.

 

[Tawnos]

We stop saying it is early when it's no longer early. Simple.

 

[Whiplash27]

Jets fans have SOJ. The Rangers have SOR it seems.

If the PP doesn't improve this team will be junk this year. Teams don't fear the Rangers PP and have no reason to. It is the least creative system that I've ever seen.

 

[Trxjw]

I agree to an extent. No doubt that preferred style of play last year was to win battles in the trenches below the hash. With that said, I dont see any evidence that offensive creativity on the rush is being stifled. In fact, most of our the teams good scoring chances have come off the rush these first 9 games.

If you have a chance on the rush, take it. If theres no play in the neutral zone, dump it and win a few battles. Its not rocket science. Im not sure why this team is having such a hard time with it.

Yeah, there aren't enough east-west players on the roster to indicate to me that we're stifling creativity on the rush. We're just not great in the puck handling department. Kreider and Gaborik have wicked shots, but are average at best when it comes to "dangling" with the puck through traffic. Richards is too slow to be elusive in traffic. Stepan isn't strong enough to battle through traffic. Hagelin is blazing fast, but isn't a great puck handler either.

The real problem, IMO, is the lack of intensity on the forecheck. It's called dump and chase, not dump and casually pester the opposing defense before retreating.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Yeah, there aren't enough east-west players on the roster to indicate to me that we're stifling creativity on the rush. We're just not great in the puck handling department. Kreider and Gaborik have wicked shots, but are average at best when it comes to "dangling" with the puck through traffic. Richards is too slow to be elusive in traffic. Stepan isn't strong enough to battle through traffic. Hagelin is blazing fast, but isn't a great puck handler either.

The real problem, IMO, is the lack of intensity on the forecheck. It's called dump and chase, not dump and casually pester the opposing defense before retreating.

Yes, and lack of intensity in general, to be honest. Last year's team played with a chip on its shoulder every night. So far, this team is playing like there hasnt been NHL hockey in 8 months AND a team thats read the Stanley Cup prediction. Torts needs to find a spark, and I think he will.

The special teams is a whole different story. Heavily concerned about that.

 

[Bluenote13]

He needs two sparks, one on the backend and one upfront. We need at least two guys who can carry the puck.

 

[Trxjw]

We seem to have a lot of guys who can either rush the puck, or pass the puck, but not do both. Del Zotto makes great outlet passes, but hasn't shown a consistent ability to lead a rush. Staal and McDonagh can go end to end, but can't figure out what to do with it after they cross the blue line. Richards is too slow. Gaborik can't move the puck anywhere other than a straight line. Etc, etc...

 

[Wamsutta]

Bring back Avery, Korpikoski, Naslund and Kalinin!

 

[Jabroni]

We seem to have a lot of guys who can either rush the puck, or pass the puck, but not do both. Del Zotto makes great outlet passes, but hasn't shown a consistent ability to lead a rush. Staal and McDonagh can go end to end, but can't figure out what to do with it after they cross the blue line. Richards is too slow. Gaborik can't move the puck anywhere other than a straight line. Etc, etc...

One play that stuck out last night was when Nash decided to *GASP* carry the puck across the blue line, back the defender off and give a drop pass to Richards, who then had a great scoring chance.

Why not do that more often?

 

[broadwayblue]

One play that stuck out last night was when Nash decided to *GASP* carry the puck across the blue line, back the defender off and give a drop pass to Richards, who then had a great scoring chance.

Why not do that more often?

Because quite often that drop pass goes to the opposing team for an odd man rush the other way?

 

[LieutenantLackluster]

Bring back Avery, Korpikoski, Naslund and Kalinin!

Probably wont even notice a difference with them.

 

[Jabroni]

Because quite often that drop pass goes to the opposing team for an odd man rush the other way?

Richards was the trailer and Nash backed up the defensman. It was timed well.

You just need to make sure there is a player from your own team behind you.

 

[broadwayblue]

Richards was the trailer and Nash backed up the defensman. It was timed well.

You just need to make sure there is a player from your own team behind you.

I agree...some improved chemistry should help with that.

 

[Wamsutta]

Probably wont even notice a difference with them.

Stepan is the new Prucha

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

We seem to have a lot of guys who can either rush the puck, or pass the puck, but not do both. Del Zotto makes great outlet passes, but hasn't shown a consistent ability to lead a rush. Staal and McDonagh can go end to end, but can't figure out what to do with it after they cross the blue line. Richards is too slow. Gaborik can't move the puck anywhere other than a straight line. Etc, etc...

I've been saying we lack and need a puck skating defenseman, for how long now?

Transition game, getting through the neutral zone, gaining the offensive zone.

Something we do not do consistently. We do not have a player that can do it consistently.

It drastically effects the power play, as well.

The Rangers NEED to find a defenseman that can be a consistent threat every night.

Del Zotto is a threat only once the team is set up in the offensive zone, or if he reads a play and jumps in to help on a rush. But he isn't the guy creating that rush or gaining the zone.

How long does it take this team to reacquire possession and gain the zone on the power play? It seems like they waste 20 seconds a piece every time the opposition clears the zone. And we fumble with it trying to get back up ice.

IMO, it's priority #1 at the draft in June. If they were smart, they would put themselves in position at the draft to get their hands on the top offensive defenseman in the draft, not named Seth Jones, he is going #1 or #2 overall. Depends on who ever picks, values McKinnon or Jones more.

This is where clearing Gaborik's 7 million and getting a first round pick comes in, in June. Cap is decreasing. RFAs need to be resigned. We have needs. Where else is that cap space coming from. Gaborik + lesser pieces for a 1st and lesser pieces.

Rely less on top heavy, and become more by committee.

We desperately need a defenseman like this.

I feel our forward depth will start to correct its self soon. Lindberg and Fast will be ready at some point next year. Hrivik will be too, depending on his health.

We are devoid of a consistent legitimate threat from the back end.

It's a lot easier to find a cheap veteran to fill the 3rd pair.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Bring back Avery, Korpikoski, Naslund and Kalinin!

I'd gladly take Korpeedo back on this team.

Should never have traded him in the first place.

 

[Heyoooo*]

I've been saying we lack and need a puck skating defenseman, for how long now?

Transition game, getting through the neutral zone, gaining the offensive zone.

Something we do not do consistently. We do not have a player that can do it consistently.

It drastically effects the power play, as well.

The Rangers NEED to find a defenseman that can be a consistent threat every night.

Del Zotto is a threat only once the team is set up in the offensive zone, or if he reads a play and jumps in to help on a rush. But he isn't the guy creating that rush or gaining the zone.

How long does it take this team to reacquire possession and gain the zone on the power play? It seems like they waste 20 seconds a piece every time the opposition clears the zone. And we fumble with it trying to get back up ice.

IMO, it's priority #1 at the draft in June. If they were smart, they would put themselves in position at the draft to get their hands on the top offensive defenseman in the draft, not named Seth Jones, he is going #1 or #2 overall. Depends on who ever picks, values McKinnon or Jones more.

This is where clearing Gaborik's 7 million and getting a first round pick comes in, in June. Cap is decreasing. RFAs need to be resigned. We have needs. Where else is that cap space coming from. Gaborik + lesser pieces for a 1st and lesser pieces.

Rely less on top heavy, and become more by committee.

We desperately need a defenseman like this.

I feel our forward depth will start to correct its self soon. Lindberg and Fast will be ready at some point next year. Hrivik will be too, depending on his health.

We are devoid of a consistent legitimate threat from the back end.

It's a lot easier to find a cheap veteran to fill the 3rd pair.

Havent been on this site for a full day and im already contemplating leaving. Some of these ****in comments are just, amazing.

 

[Let Blaine Die]

Havent been on this site for a full day and im already contemplating leaving. Some of these ****in comments are just, amazing.

Really? With the acquisition of Nash, there is no way we can keep him, Gaborik, and Richards long term with all the raises our young talent are going to get. It is best long term to trade Gaborik for picks, prospects, NHLers before we lose him for nothing the following year. The hope is that an older Kreider and Stepan, plus the introduction of Miller, Fast, etc., can make up for losing Gaborik's production.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Stepan is the new Prucha

No, Zuccarello is the new Prucha.

 

[RangerBoy]

Philly was 3-7-1 in the first 11 games in 1995. They swapped Recchi for Desjardins and LeClair. The team ended up at 28-16-4. 25-9-3. 1st in the Atlantic. 2nd in the conference. Jersey was 3-5-2 in their first 10. They were not over .500 until game #33. Jersey was 12-13-6. Ended up 22-18-8. 10-5-2 to finish the season. 8-14-2 on the road. 2nd in the division. 5th in the conference. Rolled over everyone in the playoffs.

 

[Heyoooo*]

Really? With the acquisition of Nash, there is no way we can keep him, Gaborik, and Richards long term with all the raises our young talent are going to get. It is best long term to trade Gaborik for picks, prospects, NHLers before we lose him for nothing the following year. The hope is that an older Kreider and Stepan, plus the introduction of Miller, Fast, etc., can make up for losing Gaborik's production.

Id rather keep Gaborik. In a city/franchise that has proven to be kryptonite to so many stars/elite players, Gaborik and Jagr are the only two in recent memory that come to mind that still produced here. Im sure Nash will get going at some point, but color me unimpressed thus far with him. Richards looks lost this year, but last year he was as advertised. I really dont want to go through the last 10 years of other failed Sather projects, but Gaborik and Jagr are definitely the two that jump out. I think its foolish to move Gaborik if he can re-sign for less.

 

[Heyoooo*]

This is getting really hard to watch. They look slow as heck, they dump and chase 100% of the time despite nobody on the team having the speed (or effort) to beat the opposing team to the puck. The powerplay consists of guys standing still passing for 120 seconds. Nobody is really throwing the body at all, either. You have three lines of grinders blocking shots and a top line who is also expected to grind and block shots. Who's supposed to score?

I watch games because it's a thing that I do. I watch Rangers games. But I'm not enjoying them at all at this point.

Dont watch other games. Youll be amazed/depressed at the same time just watching their PPs.

 

[Samuel Culper III]

On these boards there are the following crowds:

Gaborik is invisible and softer than tissue; get him out of here!

Gaborik is our best player and the only guy who can score goals!

Nash has been terrible! The trade was terrible! Nash can't even shoot!

Nash is our new best player and the only one who creates offense!

Richards is beginning to decline and it's easy to see; we should probably use our buyout on him!

Richards is the only legit C we have and his play style indicates he can keep going even as he ages!

Stepan is garbage and shouldn't be in the top-six!

Stepan is a legit young 2C with a defensive game to boot!

Bring back Zucc! Zucc is SO offensively skilled! He's just what this team needs!

More grit! More JAM!

Hank has been garbage! Biron is the best goalie on the team!

MDZ is our best defenseman!

MDZ has rocks for brains!

Boyle is a garbage, fringe NHLer who shouldn't even see regular shifts!

Boyle is an adequate 3C with a good defensive game!

Hagelin sucks!

Wait for our youth to develop and stop panicking!

Torts is a clown and he's to blame! Him and his system! It kills offense!

It's Sullivan! Fire Sullivan!!!

But Sullivan doesn't even run the PP!

Oh yes he does!!

Fire Sather!


And I'm sure I've missed plenty. It's enough to lose faith in humanity, let alone your ability to take pride in being a Rangers fan.

 

[bubba5]

Really? With the acquisition of Nash, there is no way we can keep him, Gaborik, and Richards long term with all the raises our young talent are going to get. It is best long term to trade Gaborik for picks, prospects, NHLers before we lose him for nothing the following year. The hope is that an older Kreider and Stepan, plus the introduction of Miller, Fast, etc., can make up for losing Gaborik's production.

I really believe the Rangers will buy-out Richard after next season ( I believe that is in the CBA). No way to justify his cap it after next season.

 

[Championship*]

Philly was 3-7-1 in the first 11 games in 1995. They swapped Recchi for Desjardins and LeClair. The team ended up at 28-16-4. 25-9-3. 1st in the Atlantic. 2nd in the conference. Jersey was 3-5-2 in their first 10. They were not over .500 until game #33. Jersey was 12-13-6. Ended up 22-18-8. 10-5-2 to finish the season. 8-14-2 on the road. 2nd in the division. 5th in the conference. Rolled over everyone in the playoffs.

No loser points in 95