Tortorella used a question about J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider’s games to threaten changes.
“Absolutely,” Tortorella said when asked if he was pleased about how the speedy rookies played. “They’re probably going to take some people’s jobs. We have some guys that are really playing hard and we have guys that looked scared to me and tentative.”
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Rangers_rookies_only_bright_spot_in_loss_to_Devils.html
Hot seat
Stepan
Boyle
Gaborik
Richards
Hagelin?
MDZ
Medium hot
Pyatt
Asham
Nash
Powe
Halpern
Lundqvist
Stralman
Gilroy
Doghouse
Ferriero (demoted already)
Mashinter (demoted before play)
Newbury (demoted)
Segal
Haley
Eminger
Rupp - yeah... for good in the cold of Minny
Safe for now
Miller
Kreider
Bickel (pet)
Biron
McD
Staal
Not yet aboard
Callahan (injured)
Hrivik (injured)
Girardi (injured)
Palmieri (not been looked at yet)
Alright, so here's my take when I'm not sleepy.
Hagelin-BRich-Gaborik (worked before, with nothing clicking right now, might as well give it a 2nd shot)
Kreider-Stepan-Nash (give Stepan the possibility to play with two big, skilled guys creating room, opening pass lanes before throwing him under the bus)
Pyatt-Miller-Callahan (pain in the ass to play agianst, good along the boards, strong defensively, can generate some offense; I want to see more of Miller though before putting him in a 3rd line role long term)
Asham/Powe-Halpern-Boyle (PKers, good defensively, key faceoff guys, but no offense)
I was concerned about the long term implications of the Richards contract when we signed him, but that time is not now.
1. Richards was never a great skater, and he doesn't have to be.
2. As I can't say enough, The power play and Richards are synonymous. As the PP gets better, so will Richards.
3. He hasn't been shooting enough. This is, I think a product pf playing with Nash and Gaborik. Put Stepan between those two, he'll stay higher and tend to the defensive responsibilities. Put Richards with Callahan and Kreider/Hagelin, and give him a more free offensive reign. I know you guys have noticed Richards getting too deep with Nash and Gaborik, only for the puck to leave the zone for a 3 or 4 on 2 the other way.
4. Yes, his decision making has been poor. I can't argue with that. But age doesn't make you go senile at 32. I think that will come with time.
Alright, so here's my take when I'm not sleepy.
Hagelin-BRich-Gaborik (worked before, with nothing clicking right now, might as well give it a 2nd shot)
Kreider-Stepan-Nash (give Stepan the possibility to play with two big, skilled guys creating room, opening pass lanes before throwing him under the bus)
Pyatt-Miller-Callahan (pain in the ass to play agianst, good along the boards, strong defensively, can generate some offense; I want to see more of Miller though before putting him in a 3rd line role long term)
Asham/Powe-Halpern-Boyle (PKers, good defensively, key faceoff guys, but no offense)
Girardi-McD (looked better the last 3 or 4 games after a slow start, everyone here knows what they're capable of)
MDZ-Staal (shutdown guy plus PMD, have been the best pairing this season)
Stralman-Gilroy (Gilroy ... hasn't looked bad so far! Who would've thought! Stralman can play some shifts each game with one of the top 4 if you like. Should take care of 8-12 minutes each game, while providing some offense)
If Miller sticks I go with (when Cally is back)
Hags Richie Nash
Pyatt Stepan Gabby
Kreider Miller Cally
Powe/Boyle Halpern Asham
There is balance in those top three lines. All should be able to score some and defend. The 4th line will be expected to defend, play physical and PK. Nobody wants to hear this but if Miller sticks Boyle becomes the 13th forward. Asham is our only pugilist and needs to play every night and Powe is a better defensive forward than Boyle and a much better skater. Halpern and Boyle have the same role. Boyle is bigger, Halpern is faster and better with the puck. Whoever is winning more draws should play.
Nash--Richards--Callahan
Hagelin--Stepan--Gaborik
Kreider--Miller--Pyatt
Boyle--Halpern--Powe
McD--Girardi
MDZ--Staal
Gilroy--Stralman
Oh I was looking for this thread. I don't know why my thread couldn't be merged with this one instead of the mods deleting it! I just missed it.
BroadwayBlues said:Nash--Richards--Callahan
Hagelin--Stepan--Gaborik
Kreider--Miller--Pyatt
Boyle--Halpern--Powe
McD--Girardi
MDZ--Staal
Gilroy--Stralman
I like this. I like this a whole lot.