Here's a quick update on the team. Josh Jooris has a separated shoulder and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks of action. Jooris is snakebit, missing most of the pre-season with an injury and getting hurt against Boston after playing in only five games as fourth line center. He did score a key goal in the Rangers' win over Arizona.
Dylan McIlrath was waived with the intent of sending him to Hartford to get some playing time. This caused a huge uproar in many of the fan websites (Blueshirt Banter mostly) with dire predictions of losing him for "nothing." Well, surprise, surprise....at noon today, he cleared waivers. While it is difficult to explain Vigneault's reliance on Tanner Glass, McIlrath's lack of playing time can be explained pretty easily. He is not as good as the seven other defensemen on the team (and that includes Adam Clendening). Why would another GM take a risk and claim McIlrath (even at a bargain price) when he cannot come even close to cracking this lineup? Don't forget, claiming a player means you have to drop someone from your own roster. The positive is that Dylan will get some needed playing time in Hartford and will hopefully drive up his value (or ability). He needs to play 41 games in the NHL or he becomes a UFA next summer. There's no way he will get into that many games so hopefully he will do well in the AHL and could become a useful tool at the trade deadline.
Speaking of defensemen, Dan Girardi is exhibiting no ill effects of the head shot from David Pastrnak on Wednesday. Surprise, surprise, Pastrnak was suspended for two games Girardi has been getting third pair playing time and has not played badly (unleash to Girardi hate now).
Click below for the NHL explanation of the suspension:
Pastrnak Suspension Explanation
It's ironic that he was suspended, considering that the analysts on the national broadcast thought that the hit was "clean." So much for Keith Jones and Mike Milbury. The league felt that the head shot could have been avoided and that is why there is a suspension. Makes sense.
Anaheim was able to sign RFA Hampus Lindholm to a 6-year big money deal. Although hard against the salary cap, they were able to do this due to a concussion for defenseman Simon Despres. They were able to put him on Injured Reserve, clearing the salary for Lindholm. Anaheim is still in cap hell and throw in expansion draft hell as well. They have six defensemen on the roster, all making more than $3 million annually (with Lindhom at $5.25m and Sami Vatanen at $4.9m). Don't forget that they can only protect three defensemen in the draft so a Cam Fowler trade is still a very likely scenario. J.T. Miller keeps getting mentioned as a piece of that puzzle, but his salary, while cap-friendly, is still not low enough to help the Ducks. It would take an Oscar Lindberg type salary to work...so look for the Rangers to showcase him a bit in the coming games.
Tonight the Rangers take their show on the road to Raleigh for the Hurricanes home opener. Kreider is still out, but Buchnevich could make a return. Carolina began the season with six road games and only one win so they will be a challenge. The Rangers need to tighten up their play in the first five minutes of games. Believe it or not, in the seven games played, the Rangers have allowed goals in less than a minute and 35 seconds in four games. Ten seconds, 33 seconds, 73 seconds and 93 seconds. Not good and a great way to take the crowd out of a game. The only positive is that they have rebounded to win the last three games. They DID score at the 1:09 mark against Detroit...but failed to score again and lost that one 2-1.
Anyway, let's enjoy the solid start to the season with two very challenging games coming next week at the Garden vs. Tampa and St. Louis.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
What's the Difference?
So, six games into the new season and Rangers sit at 4-2 and they easily could be undefeated if they had a little puck luck or finishing ability versus St. Louis and Detroit. Totally ignored by the NHL prognosticators, the Blueshirts are among the top teams in points and offense. The big question is why the improvement? What is the difference between last year's team and this new group?
All of the hockey cognoscenti point to the Rangers improved speed. They are FAST. The interesting fact is that while they are faster, they didn't go out and get a slew of new, faster skaters. Look at who is there and who is gone, starting with the forwards. Incumbents include Nash, Stepan, Hayes, Zuccarello, Kreider, Fast, Lindberg and Miller. Gone are Stalberg, Glass, Eric Staal and Brassard. They were replaced by Vesey, Grabner, Pirri, Jooris, Buchnevich and Zebanejad. I would argue that Stalberg and Brassard were two of the faster skaters on the team and they were replaced by Grabner and Zebanejad. That's a wash. Clearly, Vesey for Staal and Pirri for Glass are speed upgrades.
On defense, it is even more perplexing. The team lost arguably their two best puck moving defensemen in Yandle and Boyle. They were replaced by the underrated Adam Clendening and Nick Holden. While Clendening has been a whiz at fast breakouts, Holden is a stay at home defenseman.
So...what gives? The personnel has not changed so much, yet they seem like a new team. Remember that when the Rangers surprised everyone with their charge to the Finals three years ago, it was their SPEED that everyone was talking about. Pardon me for looking, but I defy anyone to call Brad Richards, Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett or Benoit Pouliot a speedster. The only forward who qualifies for that title is Carl Hagelin. Is it not curious that the "slow," plodding Pittsburgh team became a fast team when they acquired Hagelin from Anaheim?
I see it as two things that happened to New York in the off-season. First is a change of coaching philosophy and return to the patented Vigneault offensive uptempo system the team employed in 2014 and 2015. The second factor is embarrassment. Yandle said on NHL radio over the summer, that the Rangers expected that they would handle Pittsburgh easily in the playoffs....especially when they had to start their THIRD string goalie (Jeff Zatkoff) in game one.
The Penguins embarrassed the team and as a result with extra time off to get healthy, the players came to camp with new resolve. Witness Chris Kreider who is finally using his body and speed to wreak havoc on the opposition. Witness Kevin Hayes who has lost thirty pounds and is skating faster and is first to the puck and has been rewarded with time on the penalty kill and the power play. Ryan McDonagh has finally woken up and is the dynamic offensive weapon he was three years ago.
There are several important factors that has helped the Rangers to their "fast" start. Their fourth line is finally contributing for the first time since 2014. Grabner/Fast/Pirri or Jooris or Lindberg is head and shoulders better than last year's version simply by the subtraction of Tanner Glass. The rookies are also playing well. Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei have all gotten their schooling and are NHL ready. Vesey waiting to graduate, Buchnevich honing his skills in the KHL and Skjei spending last year in the AHL has really helped them be able to contribute at this level. Finally, Jeff Gorton deserves kudos for this getting the team the depth it needs to compete. Lindberg, Buchnevich and Girardi have all missed a lot of time and it didn't hurt the team.
The bottom line is that the personnel on this team is not that different from the team that had 101 points last season, nor the team that won the Presidents Trophy in 2014 with 113 points. It's a mindset and coaching direction that is the big difference.
STUFF TO BE AWARE OF....
That depth is potentially going to be an issue when everyone gets healthy. They put Buchnevich on IR to clear space for Girardi. When Pavel is ready to return they will either have to send Josh Jooris to the minors or hope that Dylan McIlrath clears waivers so he can go to Hartford.
With all of these issues, trade speculation is growing. The Rangers have been scouting Anaheim and Anaheim has been scouting the Rangers. The Ducks started the season with four straight losses and young stud RFA defenseman Hampus Lindholm is still home in Sweden, waiting for a deal. Anaheim has no cap space so a deal is really necessary. The rumor is the Rangers are in the running for 24 year old defenseman Cam Fowler who got six of his ten goals and 23 of his 40 points on the power play last year. The deal could include J.T. Miller and Dylan McIlrath though that doesn't provide enough cap space for Anaheim. An Oscar Lindberg/Dylan McIlrath/Ryan Gropp trade makes much more financial sense for the Ducks. Maybe Anaheim will throw in Emerson Etem to sweeten the pot? Yes, Etem's odyssey has taken him back to the Ducks who claimed him when he was waived by Vancouver.
There has also been no noise at all about Winnipeg's Jacob Trouba who is still sitting out waiting for a trade he has demanded. The Jets have none of the cap issues that face the Ducks so there is much less speculation about Trouba.
Till next time.
All of the hockey cognoscenti point to the Rangers improved speed. They are FAST. The interesting fact is that while they are faster, they didn't go out and get a slew of new, faster skaters. Look at who is there and who is gone, starting with the forwards. Incumbents include Nash, Stepan, Hayes, Zuccarello, Kreider, Fast, Lindberg and Miller. Gone are Stalberg, Glass, Eric Staal and Brassard. They were replaced by Vesey, Grabner, Pirri, Jooris, Buchnevich and Zebanejad. I would argue that Stalberg and Brassard were two of the faster skaters on the team and they were replaced by Grabner and Zebanejad. That's a wash. Clearly, Vesey for Staal and Pirri for Glass are speed upgrades.
On defense, it is even more perplexing. The team lost arguably their two best puck moving defensemen in Yandle and Boyle. They were replaced by the underrated Adam Clendening and Nick Holden. While Clendening has been a whiz at fast breakouts, Holden is a stay at home defenseman.
So...what gives? The personnel has not changed so much, yet they seem like a new team. Remember that when the Rangers surprised everyone with their charge to the Finals three years ago, it was their SPEED that everyone was talking about. Pardon me for looking, but I defy anyone to call Brad Richards, Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett or Benoit Pouliot a speedster. The only forward who qualifies for that title is Carl Hagelin. Is it not curious that the "slow," plodding Pittsburgh team became a fast team when they acquired Hagelin from Anaheim?
I see it as two things that happened to New York in the off-season. First is a change of coaching philosophy and return to the patented Vigneault offensive uptempo system the team employed in 2014 and 2015. The second factor is embarrassment. Yandle said on NHL radio over the summer, that the Rangers expected that they would handle Pittsburgh easily in the playoffs....especially when they had to start their THIRD string goalie (Jeff Zatkoff) in game one.
The Penguins embarrassed the team and as a result with extra time off to get healthy, the players came to camp with new resolve. Witness Chris Kreider who is finally using his body and speed to wreak havoc on the opposition. Witness Kevin Hayes who has lost thirty pounds and is skating faster and is first to the puck and has been rewarded with time on the penalty kill and the power play. Ryan McDonagh has finally woken up and is the dynamic offensive weapon he was three years ago.
There are several important factors that has helped the Rangers to their "fast" start. Their fourth line is finally contributing for the first time since 2014. Grabner/Fast/Pirri or Jooris or Lindberg is head and shoulders better than last year's version simply by the subtraction of Tanner Glass. The rookies are also playing well. Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei have all gotten their schooling and are NHL ready. Vesey waiting to graduate, Buchnevich honing his skills in the KHL and Skjei spending last year in the AHL has really helped them be able to contribute at this level. Finally, Jeff Gorton deserves kudos for this getting the team the depth it needs to compete. Lindberg, Buchnevich and Girardi have all missed a lot of time and it didn't hurt the team.
The bottom line is that the personnel on this team is not that different from the team that had 101 points last season, nor the team that won the Presidents Trophy in 2014 with 113 points. It's a mindset and coaching direction that is the big difference.
STUFF TO BE AWARE OF....
That depth is potentially going to be an issue when everyone gets healthy. They put Buchnevich on IR to clear space for Girardi. When Pavel is ready to return they will either have to send Josh Jooris to the minors or hope that Dylan McIlrath clears waivers so he can go to Hartford.
With all of these issues, trade speculation is growing. The Rangers have been scouting Anaheim and Anaheim has been scouting the Rangers. The Ducks started the season with four straight losses and young stud RFA defenseman Hampus Lindholm is still home in Sweden, waiting for a deal. Anaheim has no cap space so a deal is really necessary. The rumor is the Rangers are in the running for 24 year old defenseman Cam Fowler who got six of his ten goals and 23 of his 40 points on the power play last year. The deal could include J.T. Miller and Dylan McIlrath though that doesn't provide enough cap space for Anaheim. An Oscar Lindberg/Dylan McIlrath/Ryan Gropp trade makes much more financial sense for the Ducks. Maybe Anaheim will throw in Emerson Etem to sweeten the pot? Yes, Etem's odyssey has taken him back to the Ducks who claimed him when he was waived by Vancouver.
There has also been no noise at all about Winnipeg's Jacob Trouba who is still sitting out waiting for a trade he has demanded. The Jets have none of the cap issues that face the Ducks so there is much less speculation about Trouba.
Till next time.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
It's Time
So, the season starts tonight. Thankfully, the NHL has gotten more savvy and they have scheduled rivalries for season openers. Last night saw Calgary vs. EDMONTON, Toronto vs. OTTAWA, Chicago vs. ST. LOUS and Los Angeles vs. SAN JOSE (winners in CAPS). So, tonight the Rangers get the Parenteau-less New York Islanders.
I will be taking a look at the rest of the league with special emphasis on the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference in the coming days. The Rangers are set for their opener with a roster still filled with question marks. Oscar Lindberg is on Injured Reserve so the team is carrying 13 forwards. Either Josh Jooris or Brandon Pirri will the odd man out tonight. With Kevin Klein suffering back spasms, Dylan McIlrath will sit as the 7th defenseman. Newcomers Adam Clendening and Nick Holden will play as will Brady Skjei. If you hadn't heard, Mats Zuccarello will remain the shortest player on the team. Nathan Gerbe was released from his contract when he didn't make the big league roster and went off to play in Switzerland.
One thing to keep in mind is that this will literally be the first time that the Rangers will play a game with their complete (almost) NHL roster. Zuccarello didn't play a single exhibition game after returning from the World Cup. The coaching staff was playing all of the newbies right through the end of the pre-season...so the idea that there is any kind of established chemistry could be wishful thinking. One line that will be together will be Zibanejad/Kreider/Buchnevich. None of the other lines got any quality time together and the line of Zuccarello/Vesey/Stepan has never played together. Considering Vesey's propensity for shooting the puck, the idea that he will be fed by Zuccarello and Stepan is an appetizing one. The third line is Nash/Miller/Hayes and the fourth line will feature Grabner/Fast and it appears for tonight, Pirri. For all of you pessimists, McDonagh will again be paired with Dan Girardi. Staal and Holden are the second duo with Clendening and Skjei the third pair.
As in last year, we will be taking a look at the season broken down into ten game blocks. Here's a look at the first ten. The first ten games take place in 20 days, a tight pace, but there is only one set of games on successive nights. Seven of those ten games are at Madison Square Garden. Seven of the ten games are against teams that made the playoffs last season including four games against teams that made it to the Conference Finals (San Jose, St. Louis and Tampa). The three games against non-playoff teams are against Carolina, Boston and Arizona (the first two at MSG). The other playoff teams they play are the Islanders, Detroit and Washington. Ironically, they play two games in the first ten against the Blues...then never see them again (unless it is in the Stanley Cup Finals).
So...what to expect from the first ten games? A realistic expectation would twelve points out of 20 with six wins and four losses. If they get off to a fast start and can gel quickly, 16 points is not out of the question, but that would mean beating Tampa, San Jose and St. Louis, winning all of their home games and beating Carolina on the road. Stranger things have happened.
Considering that we have yet to see the real Rangers play a game this season, it is very tough to predict how they will do. Lundqvist should be ready considering his World Cup experience. The team has been talking tough and Vigneault verbally challenged the team (according to Larry Brooks). Tonight we will hopefully get some answers. Thank goodness that hockey is back.
PS: If you live on Mars you don't know that Austin Matthews scored all FOUR goals for Toronto in their OT loss to Ottawa last night. Derick Brassard had a goal and an assist for the Senators. It's good to know that the Leafs are still awful as they lost despite Matthews' heroics. Former Ranger Matt Hunwick was leveled by a Chris Neil hit and had to leave the game. Future Ranger Kevin Shattenkirk had a goal and two assists for St. Louis in their win against the Blackhawks. Matthews' four goals set a record for most goals in an NHL debut. A current Ranger had that record (he was tied with three others) with a hat trick in his first NHL game. Who was it????
I will be taking a look at the rest of the league with special emphasis on the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference in the coming days. The Rangers are set for their opener with a roster still filled with question marks. Oscar Lindberg is on Injured Reserve so the team is carrying 13 forwards. Either Josh Jooris or Brandon Pirri will the odd man out tonight. With Kevin Klein suffering back spasms, Dylan McIlrath will sit as the 7th defenseman. Newcomers Adam Clendening and Nick Holden will play as will Brady Skjei. If you hadn't heard, Mats Zuccarello will remain the shortest player on the team. Nathan Gerbe was released from his contract when he didn't make the big league roster and went off to play in Switzerland.
One thing to keep in mind is that this will literally be the first time that the Rangers will play a game with their complete (almost) NHL roster. Zuccarello didn't play a single exhibition game after returning from the World Cup. The coaching staff was playing all of the newbies right through the end of the pre-season...so the idea that there is any kind of established chemistry could be wishful thinking. One line that will be together will be Zibanejad/Kreider/Buchnevich. None of the other lines got any quality time together and the line of Zuccarello/Vesey/Stepan has never played together. Considering Vesey's propensity for shooting the puck, the idea that he will be fed by Zuccarello and Stepan is an appetizing one. The third line is Nash/Miller/Hayes and the fourth line will feature Grabner/Fast and it appears for tonight, Pirri. For all of you pessimists, McDonagh will again be paired with Dan Girardi. Staal and Holden are the second duo with Clendening and Skjei the third pair.
As in last year, we will be taking a look at the season broken down into ten game blocks. Here's a look at the first ten. The first ten games take place in 20 days, a tight pace, but there is only one set of games on successive nights. Seven of those ten games are at Madison Square Garden. Seven of the ten games are against teams that made the playoffs last season including four games against teams that made it to the Conference Finals (San Jose, St. Louis and Tampa). The three games against non-playoff teams are against Carolina, Boston and Arizona (the first two at MSG). The other playoff teams they play are the Islanders, Detroit and Washington. Ironically, they play two games in the first ten against the Blues...then never see them again (unless it is in the Stanley Cup Finals).
So...what to expect from the first ten games? A realistic expectation would twelve points out of 20 with six wins and four losses. If they get off to a fast start and can gel quickly, 16 points is not out of the question, but that would mean beating Tampa, San Jose and St. Louis, winning all of their home games and beating Carolina on the road. Stranger things have happened.
Considering that we have yet to see the real Rangers play a game this season, it is very tough to predict how they will do. Lundqvist should be ready considering his World Cup experience. The team has been talking tough and Vigneault verbally challenged the team (according to Larry Brooks). Tonight we will hopefully get some answers. Thank goodness that hockey is back.
PS: If you live on Mars you don't know that Austin Matthews scored all FOUR goals for Toronto in their OT loss to Ottawa last night. Derick Brassard had a goal and an assist for the Senators. It's good to know that the Leafs are still awful as they lost despite Matthews' heroics. Former Ranger Matt Hunwick was leveled by a Chris Neil hit and had to leave the game. Future Ranger Kevin Shattenkirk had a goal and two assists for St. Louis in their win against the Blackhawks. Matthews' four goals set a record for most goals in an NHL debut. A current Ranger had that record (he was tied with three others) with a hat trick in his first NHL game. Who was it????
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Quick Roster Update
This afternoon, the Rangers made some roster moves. They sent Mat Bodie, John Gilmour, Malte Stromwell, Robin Kovacs, Mackenzie Skapski, Ryan Graves and Chris Summers to Hartford. The placed Nicklas Jensen and Marek Hrivik on waivers for the purpose of sending them to Hartford as well. They will have to clear waivers by noon Thursday in order to go to the AHL.
These moves provide some clarity leading into the game against the Flyers. There are still 17 forwards in camp meaning four will be cut before opening night. Rookies Gabriel Fontaine and Boo Nieves should see action vs. the Flyers, but they are definitely destined for the AHL. With Hrivik in Hartford, it appears that Nathan Gerbe will get fourth line center duties until Josh Jooris is healthy who will have the job until Oscar Lindberg returns. Brandon Pirri appears to be the odd man out unless Buchnevich doesn't make the big club. Of course, the wild card is Tanner Glass.
On defense, the jockeying for positioning will be as described in my last post, though Brady Skjei had a good outing at Barclays and will get another look on Thursday as will Clendening and probably McIlrath.
We haven't talked much about trade possibilities. There are a rash of RFA's who haven't signed new contracts. They include Johnny Gaudreau who is embroiled in a very nasty fight with Calgary. Jacob Trouba is a top tier defenseman who may end up sitting out much of this season after requesting a trade from Winnipeg. Another stud defenseman on the sidelines is Buffalo's Rasmus Ristolainen who is practicing with the team, but cannot play in games. Anaheim has two unsigned RFA's in defenseman Hampus Lindholm (ten goals last season) and center Rickard Rakell and only $7.5 million in cap space to sign them. 30 goal scorer Nikita Kucherov of Tampa is looking to get paid big bucks and Tampa is already hard against the salary cap. In the "I told you so" category, Ryan Callahan has bad knees and four more years on a contract that pays almost $6 million per year, money that is badly needed to sign Tampa's young stars.
With the Mets out of the post season, it is time to focus on hockey. Opening night is a week away when the Blueshirts take on the Islanders next Thursday night at the Garden. The Cup is ours!
These moves provide some clarity leading into the game against the Flyers. There are still 17 forwards in camp meaning four will be cut before opening night. Rookies Gabriel Fontaine and Boo Nieves should see action vs. the Flyers, but they are definitely destined for the AHL. With Hrivik in Hartford, it appears that Nathan Gerbe will get fourth line center duties until Josh Jooris is healthy who will have the job until Oscar Lindberg returns. Brandon Pirri appears to be the odd man out unless Buchnevich doesn't make the big club. Of course, the wild card is Tanner Glass.
On defense, the jockeying for positioning will be as described in my last post, though Brady Skjei had a good outing at Barclays and will get another look on Thursday as will Clendening and probably McIlrath.
We haven't talked much about trade possibilities. There are a rash of RFA's who haven't signed new contracts. They include Johnny Gaudreau who is embroiled in a very nasty fight with Calgary. Jacob Trouba is a top tier defenseman who may end up sitting out much of this season after requesting a trade from Winnipeg. Another stud defenseman on the sidelines is Buffalo's Rasmus Ristolainen who is practicing with the team, but cannot play in games. Anaheim has two unsigned RFA's in defenseman Hampus Lindholm (ten goals last season) and center Rickard Rakell and only $7.5 million in cap space to sign them. 30 goal scorer Nikita Kucherov of Tampa is looking to get paid big bucks and Tampa is already hard against the salary cap. In the "I told you so" category, Ryan Callahan has bad knees and four more years on a contract that pays almost $6 million per year, money that is badly needed to sign Tampa's young stars.
With the Mets out of the post season, it is time to focus on hockey. Opening night is a week away when the Blueshirts take on the Islanders next Thursday night at the Garden. The Cup is ours!
New Kids on the Block
So, we've been watching the pre-season games and considering the other options (Giants on MNF, Vice Presidential Debates, Mets post-season push, David Ortiz farewell) most Ranger fans have probably not been as diligent in monitoring the pre-season. The games have not been very compelling other than it has been fun to watch the players fight for jobs.
The one undeniable fact is that there are wide open roster spots. We have yet to see the Rangers field a team that is anything close to what we will see when the season begins next week. Here's a look at some of the kids and where they stand (as of this morning).
JIMMY VESEY - Okay, so a lot has been written about this not so young (23) rookie. Consider him a lock for a top nine slot when the season begins. First off, he is tough. There clearly is a target on his back. He was checked headfirst into the crossbar in one game and Radek Gudas almost ended his season with a face first boarding penalty in Filthydelphia. He shook off both hits and went on to score the tying goal against the Flyers. Second, the best thing about Vesey is he shoots. Clearly, the team was instructed to shoot more and Vesey is tailor made for that strategy. He is solid, smart and he can play.
BRADY SKJEI - In the "what have you done for me lately" category, the Rangers' best defenseman in the series against Pittsburgh is clearly on the cusp. He hasn't had a great pre-season and Vigneault has been talking about his need to improve. When you hear the coach saying that, it means time to buy a ticket to Hartford. I think it is not so much a lack of effort or ability, but the remarkable showing by Adam Clendening who I dismissed as a "career minor leaguer" in my last blog. He has been a semi-revelation on the point on the power play and has been playing a smart, conservative game. He is winning a job. They probably want Skjei to get playing time so he may very well start the season in Connecticut.
MAREK HRIVIK - Hrivik was signed as a free agent four years ago and just turned 25. You could consider him a late bloomer as he is contending for the job of 4th line center (at least until Lindberg comes back from hip surgery). He was a primary call-up for the Rangers last year and showed some ability on the PK. He was a big scorer in the QMJHL, but is now considered more of a checking center (though he is listed as a left winger).
PAVEL BUCHNEVICH - He has shown a lot in the pre-season, getting a lot of playing time. As previously noted, he is more of a passer than a shooter and his hockey instincts are excellent. He tends to make passes to teammates who SHOULD be there, but aren't. I think it will be telling to see him playing with the major league roster...it will be much more instructive to see how he does with better linemates. He is on the cusp. There is a slight risk that he will return to the KHL if he doesn't make the big club.
NICKLAS JENSEN - Boy, do Ranger fans want this guy to be the real deal. Why? Because in essence, he was traded for Carl Hagelin, coming over from Vancouver in the Emerson Erem fire sale. Jensen (a Dane) was a late first rounder for the Canucks and never lived up to his billing (like Etem). He's got knack for the net (scored a nice goal vs. Isles last night). He came into his own at Hartford last season, scoring 15 goals in 41 games and he also had a very solid showing in the World Championships, leading Denmark in scoring with five goals and seven points in eight games. He still has a shot, though a slim one, of making the roster.
ROBIN KOVACS & MALTE STROMWELL - Linemates in the Swedish Elite League, they have been playing together from rookie camp through the exhibition season and have shown a chemistry. They will continue playing together in the AHL, though we may see them at some point this season. With this their first season in North America, they need to get used to the smaller rink.
JOHN GILMOUR - He was the free agent the Rangers signed out of Providence College in late August. He has shown a very solid ability to play the point on the PP, though at age 23, he is more mature than most rookies. His workon the point is why he is still with the big club this late in the pre-season. Destined for Hartford, he could be a sleeper.
RYAN GRAVES - Listed as one of the team's top prospects, this 21-year old won the "hardest shot" award at the AHL All-Star Game last season. He's getting a lot of ice time and is in the Gilmour category with another season in the AHL probably his future. Look for him to be on Broadway sooner than later.
DYLAN MCILRATH - He's been getting a lot of playing time and that is a good and a bad thing. He has shown that his cannon of shot is still there along with his ability to make some really dumb moves in the defensive zone. He's still an intimidating presence (though that didn't stop Gudas from laying out Vesey, McIlrath was on the ice at the time) and my sense is since he has to clear waivers to go to the minors, he will be around as the seventh defenseman.
MCKENZIE SKAPSKI - Our only "Undefeated in the NHL (2-0) with a GAA under 1.00" goalkeeper has had a very solid pre-season coming back from major hip surgey last season, that limited him to forty minor league games. Still only 22, he will share goaltending duties with Magnus Hellberg in Hartford.
That's it for the kids. There are a boatload of veterans fighting for a handful of jobs as well and it has been fascinating to watch. Here are the locked in roster slots:
Forwards (9):
Nash, Kreider, Zuccarello, Stepan, Zibanejad, Fast, Vesey, Hayes & Miller.
Contenders for four open positions include Brandon Pirri, Michael Grabner, Nathan Gerbe, Tanner Glass, Josh Jooris, Marek Hrivik, Nicklas Jensen & Pavel Buchnevich. Considering the salary, Grabner will make the team leaving only three slots (if the team carries 13 forwards) for the remaining seven players. Brandon Pirri should be a no-brainer with four goals in four games, but Vigneault is saying not so nice things about his defensive game. Oh oh. Ranger fans are trembling in fear as Tanner Glass has played a lot and not badly. He's lost some weight and apparently he learned that one of his legs is 40% weaker than the other (whatever that means). Jooris has been injured so the jury is out on him. His slot as 4th line center may be Hrivik's. Jensen has shown a lot, but probably not enough. Gerbe would be a good extra forward to keep on the roster. It looks like Buchnevich may start the season in Hartford, not an awful thing as long as he doesn't bolt back to Russia. Look for the four from this group to be Grabner, Hrivik, Gerbe and Pirri or Jooris. It gets interesting when Oscar Lindberg gets healthy.
Defensemen (5):
McDonagh, Girardi, Staal, Klein & Holden.
The team will probably carry seven defensemen and the contenders are Brady Skjei, Adam Clendening, Dylan McIlrath, John Gilmour and Ryan Graves. As mentioned, Clendening appears to have won a job (at Skjei's expense) leaving the extra slot to probably go to McIlrath. Gilmour and Graves could use the AHL seasoning so they will be sent down. It gets interesting if Skjei makes the team...then it is a choice between Clendening and McIlrath.
Don't even look at the won-lost record in the pre-season. Zuccarello hasn't played a game. Lundqvist has played a half game. McDonagh played in one game. Staal and Girardi haven seen more ice time. with Staal looking pretty good and Girardi still slow. They've only got one more pre-season game left vs. Filthydelphia on Thursday. I would assume that the team you see will be the one that will open the season, though Vigneault may use that game to make some last decisions. Expect some roster moves today and tomorrow as well.
FINAL WORD ON THE WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY
When ESPN lost its NHL contract they clearly forgot how to produce hockey games. The team of Steve Levy and Barry Melrose were the worst announcing team I have ever heard. The outright rooting for Canada was embarrassing. It was a joke as they totally overlooked the fact that Team Europe outplayed Canada in both of their games in the finals and the officiating in game two was unbalanced. Don't forget that Europe also were playing without Marian Gaborik, one of their top offensive players. Our own Mats Zuccarello showed his ability to step up on a world stage. It's unfortunate that he always has to represent Norway at international competitions as he is the only Norwegian citizen who can actually play hockey. At any rate, the tournament ranged from incredibly boring to breathtaking...but does it really matter if they do this again? Probably not.
With the roster still up in the air, next time we will take a look at the regular season schedule and what to expect from the good guys in blue.
The one undeniable fact is that there are wide open roster spots. We have yet to see the Rangers field a team that is anything close to what we will see when the season begins next week. Here's a look at some of the kids and where they stand (as of this morning).
JIMMY VESEY - Okay, so a lot has been written about this not so young (23) rookie. Consider him a lock for a top nine slot when the season begins. First off, he is tough. There clearly is a target on his back. He was checked headfirst into the crossbar in one game and Radek Gudas almost ended his season with a face first boarding penalty in Filthydelphia. He shook off both hits and went on to score the tying goal against the Flyers. Second, the best thing about Vesey is he shoots. Clearly, the team was instructed to shoot more and Vesey is tailor made for that strategy. He is solid, smart and he can play.
BRADY SKJEI - In the "what have you done for me lately" category, the Rangers' best defenseman in the series against Pittsburgh is clearly on the cusp. He hasn't had a great pre-season and Vigneault has been talking about his need to improve. When you hear the coach saying that, it means time to buy a ticket to Hartford. I think it is not so much a lack of effort or ability, but the remarkable showing by Adam Clendening who I dismissed as a "career minor leaguer" in my last blog. He has been a semi-revelation on the point on the power play and has been playing a smart, conservative game. He is winning a job. They probably want Skjei to get playing time so he may very well start the season in Connecticut.
MAREK HRIVIK - Hrivik was signed as a free agent four years ago and just turned 25. You could consider him a late bloomer as he is contending for the job of 4th line center (at least until Lindberg comes back from hip surgery). He was a primary call-up for the Rangers last year and showed some ability on the PK. He was a big scorer in the QMJHL, but is now considered more of a checking center (though he is listed as a left winger).
PAVEL BUCHNEVICH - He has shown a lot in the pre-season, getting a lot of playing time. As previously noted, he is more of a passer than a shooter and his hockey instincts are excellent. He tends to make passes to teammates who SHOULD be there, but aren't. I think it will be telling to see him playing with the major league roster...it will be much more instructive to see how he does with better linemates. He is on the cusp. There is a slight risk that he will return to the KHL if he doesn't make the big club.
NICKLAS JENSEN - Boy, do Ranger fans want this guy to be the real deal. Why? Because in essence, he was traded for Carl Hagelin, coming over from Vancouver in the Emerson Erem fire sale. Jensen (a Dane) was a late first rounder for the Canucks and never lived up to his billing (like Etem). He's got knack for the net (scored a nice goal vs. Isles last night). He came into his own at Hartford last season, scoring 15 goals in 41 games and he also had a very solid showing in the World Championships, leading Denmark in scoring with five goals and seven points in eight games. He still has a shot, though a slim one, of making the roster.
ROBIN KOVACS & MALTE STROMWELL - Linemates in the Swedish Elite League, they have been playing together from rookie camp through the exhibition season and have shown a chemistry. They will continue playing together in the AHL, though we may see them at some point this season. With this their first season in North America, they need to get used to the smaller rink.
JOHN GILMOUR - He was the free agent the Rangers signed out of Providence College in late August. He has shown a very solid ability to play the point on the PP, though at age 23, he is more mature than most rookies. His workon the point is why he is still with the big club this late in the pre-season. Destined for Hartford, he could be a sleeper.
RYAN GRAVES - Listed as one of the team's top prospects, this 21-year old won the "hardest shot" award at the AHL All-Star Game last season. He's getting a lot of ice time and is in the Gilmour category with another season in the AHL probably his future. Look for him to be on Broadway sooner than later.
DYLAN MCILRATH - He's been getting a lot of playing time and that is a good and a bad thing. He has shown that his cannon of shot is still there along with his ability to make some really dumb moves in the defensive zone. He's still an intimidating presence (though that didn't stop Gudas from laying out Vesey, McIlrath was on the ice at the time) and my sense is since he has to clear waivers to go to the minors, he will be around as the seventh defenseman.
MCKENZIE SKAPSKI - Our only "Undefeated in the NHL (2-0) with a GAA under 1.00" goalkeeper has had a very solid pre-season coming back from major hip surgey last season, that limited him to forty minor league games. Still only 22, he will share goaltending duties with Magnus Hellberg in Hartford.
That's it for the kids. There are a boatload of veterans fighting for a handful of jobs as well and it has been fascinating to watch. Here are the locked in roster slots:
Forwards (9):
Nash, Kreider, Zuccarello, Stepan, Zibanejad, Fast, Vesey, Hayes & Miller.
Contenders for four open positions include Brandon Pirri, Michael Grabner, Nathan Gerbe, Tanner Glass, Josh Jooris, Marek Hrivik, Nicklas Jensen & Pavel Buchnevich. Considering the salary, Grabner will make the team leaving only three slots (if the team carries 13 forwards) for the remaining seven players. Brandon Pirri should be a no-brainer with four goals in four games, but Vigneault is saying not so nice things about his defensive game. Oh oh. Ranger fans are trembling in fear as Tanner Glass has played a lot and not badly. He's lost some weight and apparently he learned that one of his legs is 40% weaker than the other (whatever that means). Jooris has been injured so the jury is out on him. His slot as 4th line center may be Hrivik's. Jensen has shown a lot, but probably not enough. Gerbe would be a good extra forward to keep on the roster. It looks like Buchnevich may start the season in Hartford, not an awful thing as long as he doesn't bolt back to Russia. Look for the four from this group to be Grabner, Hrivik, Gerbe and Pirri or Jooris. It gets interesting when Oscar Lindberg gets healthy.
Defensemen (5):
McDonagh, Girardi, Staal, Klein & Holden.
The team will probably carry seven defensemen and the contenders are Brady Skjei, Adam Clendening, Dylan McIlrath, John Gilmour and Ryan Graves. As mentioned, Clendening appears to have won a job (at Skjei's expense) leaving the extra slot to probably go to McIlrath. Gilmour and Graves could use the AHL seasoning so they will be sent down. It gets interesting if Skjei makes the team...then it is a choice between Clendening and McIlrath.
Don't even look at the won-lost record in the pre-season. Zuccarello hasn't played a game. Lundqvist has played a half game. McDonagh played in one game. Staal and Girardi haven seen more ice time. with Staal looking pretty good and Girardi still slow. They've only got one more pre-season game left vs. Filthydelphia on Thursday. I would assume that the team you see will be the one that will open the season, though Vigneault may use that game to make some last decisions. Expect some roster moves today and tomorrow as well.
FINAL WORD ON THE WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY
When ESPN lost its NHL contract they clearly forgot how to produce hockey games. The team of Steve Levy and Barry Melrose were the worst announcing team I have ever heard. The outright rooting for Canada was embarrassing. It was a joke as they totally overlooked the fact that Team Europe outplayed Canada in both of their games in the finals and the officiating in game two was unbalanced. Don't forget that Europe also were playing without Marian Gaborik, one of their top offensive players. Our own Mats Zuccarello showed his ability to step up on a world stage. It's unfortunate that he always has to represent Norway at international competitions as he is the only Norwegian citizen who can actually play hockey. At any rate, the tournament ranged from incredibly boring to breathtaking...but does it really matter if they do this again? Probably not.
With the roster still up in the air, next time we will take a look at the regular season schedule and what to expect from the good guys in blue.
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