I'm going to spare you all the same old speeches and clichés we've read and heard after every Ranger loss this season. "No heart, no grit, blah blah blah." We all know this.
However, last night's no-show against the arch-rival Devils exposed this team's true fatal flaw.
Yes, Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan are hurt, and Carl Hagelin hasn't played yet. This does not excuse the remainder of the roster playing as if they have dinner plans at 9:30 PM. Also, I don't want to hear any more excuses about adjusting to AV's new system. They have played 7 games now. The time for "adjustments" is over.
We can point fingers all day at Henrik Lundqvist, who had arguably the worst game of his career last night. We can point fingers at Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, who have played like the 3rd defensive pair of a high school hockey team so far.
But, the sad truth about this team is that this roster, as constructed, will not make the playoffs, much less contend for a Cup. The absence of three of this team's top six forwards exposes a glaring lack of depth and renders the team useless when they are not on the ice.
The Rangers' next game is not until Thursday night against the Flyers. The home opener is a week from Monday. If the Rangers are going to make changes, now is the time. Today, it was reported that the Rangers are rumored to be exploring a deal that would jettison top prospect Chris Kreider for a top-6 forward. Questions are also prevalent about the future of Michael Del Zotto, who was a healthy scratch in last night's game. If the Rangers are going to trade for a top-6 forward, they will have to jettison both Kreider and MDZ simply because they cannot afford the cap space for one right now if they keep MDZ.
They also need to add a lot more grit, and trading Brian Boyle and/or Taylor Pyatt is a start. This team seems to quit at the first sign of trouble, and this team right now is lacking players that can handle any type of adversity, much less crush a guy into the boards or clear the net.
Yet, if the strategy for the Rangers is to trade for a top-6 forward, the opportunity is here. Who knows when Rick Nash will return? Callahan won't be back until mid-November. The season is spiraling out of control.
Available options are the Sabres' Thomas Vanek, or the Panthers' Kris Versteeg. It will take Kreider and at least MDZ or Boyle plus perhaps a draft pick or two to get either one. The need for scoring is more paramount than ever, and a move like this may need to get done.
Again, this is only a start. Trading for a top-6 forward doesn't cure all the Rangers' woes. It will take a couple more players, like a gritty forward and a net-clearing defenseman, to make this roster more complete.
But now is the time for action. The Rangers cannot afford to go back to MSG with a 2-7 record.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Time for the Rangers to Step Up Without Cally
Last night, the New York Rangers appeared to have righted the ship, posting a 2-0 shutout road victory over their new personal whipping boys, the Washington Capitals. They were outscored 25 to 9 in their first five games against elite Western Conference opponents, and all questions about their defense and goaltending, or lack thereof, appeared to have been answered.
Now comes the news that their captain and heart and soul, Ryan Callahan, will miss the next 3 to 4 weeks with a broken thumb. He sustained the injury blocking a shot in the final two minutes of their win against Washington.
Callahan underwent offseason shoulder surgery and returned for the second game of the season. He appeared to have felt no ill-effects from the surgery and played like his normal gritty self. His presence on the ice makes the Rangers a better team, and now he will be absent up until at least mid-November.
This also compounds the Rangers' battle with the injury bug so far this season. Star winger Rick Nash suffered a concussion after a cheap shot from San Jose's Brad Stuart for which he was suspended three games. There is still no timetable for his return. Second line winger Carl Hagelin continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery, and won't be available until at least Halloween. The Rangers also dodged a bullet last night, as top-line center Derek Stepan took an accidental elbow to the head from the Caps' Troy Brouwer early in the 3rd period. Fortunately for the Rangers, he returned mid-period.
The brutal part of the Rangers' early season 9 game road trip is over, as they are no longer on the West Coast playing the best teams in the Western Conference. Their next three games before the home opener are against the Devils, Flyers, and Red Wings. The first two games are definitely winnable, while the third is a toss-up. Afterwards, the Rangers face the Canadiens, the Islanders, and the Sabres. While this part of the schedules is not as daunting as the first five games, it also represents a golden opportunity for the Rangers to climb into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference.
This is also a period in which they will have to assert themselves without their best forward and their heart and soul. Henrik Lundqvist appears to have returned to form following last night's shutout. Brad Richards looks better than ever, which is critical to the Rangers' success going forward. Stepan is forging his way back to the top of his game, and Hagelin will be back in two weeks. Several players, however, need to really step up the next few weeks. Derick Brassard has been invisible so far. Ditto Mats Zuccarello. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi have not yet played up to All-Star form. Derek Dorsett must stay out of the penalty box. If the waiving of Arron Asham and Marty Biron told us anything, it is that no one's job is safe.
For the first few games, the excuse for the Rangers was that they were still adjusting to new coach Alain Vigneault's new system. Now, with their captain out for nearly a month, and no assurances of when Rick Nash will return, the time for excuses is over.
This is the time for the Blueshirts to step up and establish themselves as a legit Eastern Conference contender.
Now comes the news that their captain and heart and soul, Ryan Callahan, will miss the next 3 to 4 weeks with a broken thumb. He sustained the injury blocking a shot in the final two minutes of their win against Washington.
Callahan underwent offseason shoulder surgery and returned for the second game of the season. He appeared to have felt no ill-effects from the surgery and played like his normal gritty self. His presence on the ice makes the Rangers a better team, and now he will be absent up until at least mid-November.
This also compounds the Rangers' battle with the injury bug so far this season. Star winger Rick Nash suffered a concussion after a cheap shot from San Jose's Brad Stuart for which he was suspended three games. There is still no timetable for his return. Second line winger Carl Hagelin continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery, and won't be available until at least Halloween. The Rangers also dodged a bullet last night, as top-line center Derek Stepan took an accidental elbow to the head from the Caps' Troy Brouwer early in the 3rd period. Fortunately for the Rangers, he returned mid-period.
The brutal part of the Rangers' early season 9 game road trip is over, as they are no longer on the West Coast playing the best teams in the Western Conference. Their next three games before the home opener are against the Devils, Flyers, and Red Wings. The first two games are definitely winnable, while the third is a toss-up. Afterwards, the Rangers face the Canadiens, the Islanders, and the Sabres. While this part of the schedules is not as daunting as the first five games, it also represents a golden opportunity for the Rangers to climb into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference.
This is also a period in which they will have to assert themselves without their best forward and their heart and soul. Henrik Lundqvist appears to have returned to form following last night's shutout. Brad Richards looks better than ever, which is critical to the Rangers' success going forward. Stepan is forging his way back to the top of his game, and Hagelin will be back in two weeks. Several players, however, need to really step up the next few weeks. Derick Brassard has been invisible so far. Ditto Mats Zuccarello. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi have not yet played up to All-Star form. Derek Dorsett must stay out of the penalty box. If the waiving of Arron Asham and Marty Biron told us anything, it is that no one's job is safe.
For the first few games, the excuse for the Rangers was that they were still adjusting to new coach Alain Vigneault's new system. Now, with their captain out for nearly a month, and no assurances of when Rick Nash will return, the time for excuses is over.
This is the time for the Blueshirts to step up and establish themselves as a legit Eastern Conference contender.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
FIRST TIRADE OF 2013-14!
Well...
It only took four games for me to flip out. What we have witnessed in the past two games, and to a degree, opening night in Phoenix, is a disgrace not only to the franchise, but to the sport of hockey.
As I type this, the Rangers trail the Anaheim Ducks, 5-0, less than halfway through the second period. They got embarrassed by the San Jose Sharks, 9-2, and lost to Phoenix, 4-1. Their win against the LA Kings looks like an absolute miracle.
Right now, the Rangers look like the worst team in the NHL. They can't score, they can't defend, and they are not showing any grit or heart. At what point does the excuse become "this team simply sucks?" It can't be "they are learning a new system, they need time." Not when sickening embarrassments like this are happening.
Look, I am not calling for Alain Vigneault's head after only four games. It's silly and ridiculous. That said, I was an ardent John Tortorella supporter, and his hard-nosed style made this team better.
But for this team to not battle and play brain-dead hockey, regardless of the system or coach, is unacceptable. Not only is the coach to blame, but every single player. Ryan McDonagh looks lost and/or indifferent. Ditto Derick Brassard. There is no physicality among any of the big boys. Other than Brad Richards, THEY AREN'T SCORING!
Now it is 6-0. Disgrace doesn't begin to cover it.
The only silver lining is that this Game 4 of the season, and there is still a long way to go. But things MUST CHANGE QUICKLY, otherwise this season will spiral out of control. This passionate fanbase deserves better.
Show some leadership, show some grit, and most importantly, show some pride, Rangers.
Otherwise, you don't want to face the wrath of the Garden Faithful.
It only took four games for me to flip out. What we have witnessed in the past two games, and to a degree, opening night in Phoenix, is a disgrace not only to the franchise, but to the sport of hockey.
As I type this, the Rangers trail the Anaheim Ducks, 5-0, less than halfway through the second period. They got embarrassed by the San Jose Sharks, 9-2, and lost to Phoenix, 4-1. Their win against the LA Kings looks like an absolute miracle.
Right now, the Rangers look like the worst team in the NHL. They can't score, they can't defend, and they are not showing any grit or heart. At what point does the excuse become "this team simply sucks?" It can't be "they are learning a new system, they need time." Not when sickening embarrassments like this are happening.
Look, I am not calling for Alain Vigneault's head after only four games. It's silly and ridiculous. That said, I was an ardent John Tortorella supporter, and his hard-nosed style made this team better.
But for this team to not battle and play brain-dead hockey, regardless of the system or coach, is unacceptable. Not only is the coach to blame, but every single player. Ryan McDonagh looks lost and/or indifferent. Ditto Derick Brassard. There is no physicality among any of the big boys. Other than Brad Richards, THEY AREN'T SCORING!
Now it is 6-0. Disgrace doesn't begin to cover it.
The only silver lining is that this Game 4 of the season, and there is still a long way to go. But things MUST CHANGE QUICKLY, otherwise this season will spiral out of control. This passionate fanbase deserves better.
Show some leadership, show some grit, and most importantly, show some pride, Rangers.
Otherwise, you don't want to face the wrath of the Garden Faithful.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Positives and Negatives from Opening Night
Now that we've all had time to digest the Blueshirts' 4-1 opening night loss in Glendale to the Coyotes, I will now attempt to make a rational and level-headed assessment of their performance. The hope is that it will talk some of the many irrational fans out of jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge after Game 1 of 82, but who am I kidding? This is the most passionate fanbase in the NHL, and a vast majority of them cannot handle losing.
Anyway, here the positives and negatives to take away from Thursday's game.
POSITIVES
1. The Power Play had life.
Although the ever-scrutinized power play "only" went 1 for 4, for the first time in a long while, you can sense a bit of confidence that this man advantage will eventually be one of the team's biggest strengths. The players had a shoot first, not pass first, mentality on the ice. They were quicker in their thinking, and quick with their puck movement. Although the Rangers don't have a Zdeno Chara-esque booming shot from the point, the point men on the power play, whether it was Del Zotto, Girardi, whoever, was willing to shoot the puck. However, one glaring weakness remains, which will be discussed later in this post.
2. Lots of puck movement.
As mentioned with the power play, one of the key phases of new coach Alain Vigneault's system was evident. We saw a lot of odd-man rushes, a lot of tic-tac-toe passing, and mainly an avoidance of dumping and chasing. The adjustment to AV's offensive-minded system will take time to flourish, but we saw signs that that players are buying into this new style of play. Imagine how good it will be by New Years'.
3. Marc Staal looks better than ever.
One of the Rangers' greatest concerns heading into the season was the health of arguably their best shutdown defenseman. After a career-threatening eye injury sustained on a slap shot to the face last season, Staal himself said he wasn't sure the eye would ever be the same. Well, not only is he back healthy, but he appears to have returned to his all-star form. Staal scored the lone Rangers goal Thursday night, on the power play, no less. Most importantly, he was the best player on the ice for the Rangers, effective in both zones. The fact that he appears to be healthy is critical to the team's chances going forward.
NEGATIVES
1. Way too much end zone play.
This was absolutely atrocious on Thursday night. The most glaring example is Phoenix's second period power play shortly after the Rangers tied the game at 1. The Rangers' failure to clear the puck and use their bodies along the boards led to Radim Vrbata's first goal of his hat trick. The penalty killing unit remained on the ice for nearly two minutes, and still failed to clear the puck after the penalty expired. This was a problem throughout the rest of the game, as well. This must change, otherwise the Rangers may average four goals allowed per game.
2. Indecisiveness on D.
Team defensive play is also a work in progress under AV's system. This was evident Thursday night. Rangers defensemen appeared to be confused about their defensive assignments, and this indecisiveness sometimes led to unnecessary scoring chances for Phoenix. Yes, the defensemen are keen on joining the rush. But they still need to remember coverages and defensive awareness are part of the game, too.
3. Not enough traffic in front of the net.
As mentioned before, this was the power play's glaring weakness. This was also a major problem at even strength as well. Credit Phoenix goalie Mike Smith; he was on his A-game Thursday night. But the Rangers made his job even easier by a failure to create traffic in front of Smith. Should the Rangers desire to generate more scoring opportunities and more rebounds, this will have to change.
The next game is Monday night in L.A. Game 2 of 82. Do the math. 2 of 82. Don't panic, Ranger fans. Pretty please, with sugar on top.
Be happy the new season has arrived! Enjoy, all!
Anyway, here the positives and negatives to take away from Thursday's game.
POSITIVES
1. The Power Play had life.
Although the ever-scrutinized power play "only" went 1 for 4, for the first time in a long while, you can sense a bit of confidence that this man advantage will eventually be one of the team's biggest strengths. The players had a shoot first, not pass first, mentality on the ice. They were quicker in their thinking, and quick with their puck movement. Although the Rangers don't have a Zdeno Chara-esque booming shot from the point, the point men on the power play, whether it was Del Zotto, Girardi, whoever, was willing to shoot the puck. However, one glaring weakness remains, which will be discussed later in this post.
2. Lots of puck movement.
As mentioned with the power play, one of the key phases of new coach Alain Vigneault's system was evident. We saw a lot of odd-man rushes, a lot of tic-tac-toe passing, and mainly an avoidance of dumping and chasing. The adjustment to AV's offensive-minded system will take time to flourish, but we saw signs that that players are buying into this new style of play. Imagine how good it will be by New Years'.
3. Marc Staal looks better than ever.
One of the Rangers' greatest concerns heading into the season was the health of arguably their best shutdown defenseman. After a career-threatening eye injury sustained on a slap shot to the face last season, Staal himself said he wasn't sure the eye would ever be the same. Well, not only is he back healthy, but he appears to have returned to his all-star form. Staal scored the lone Rangers goal Thursday night, on the power play, no less. Most importantly, he was the best player on the ice for the Rangers, effective in both zones. The fact that he appears to be healthy is critical to the team's chances going forward.
NEGATIVES
1. Way too much end zone play.
This was absolutely atrocious on Thursday night. The most glaring example is Phoenix's second period power play shortly after the Rangers tied the game at 1. The Rangers' failure to clear the puck and use their bodies along the boards led to Radim Vrbata's first goal of his hat trick. The penalty killing unit remained on the ice for nearly two minutes, and still failed to clear the puck after the penalty expired. This was a problem throughout the rest of the game, as well. This must change, otherwise the Rangers may average four goals allowed per game.
2. Indecisiveness on D.
Team defensive play is also a work in progress under AV's system. This was evident Thursday night. Rangers defensemen appeared to be confused about their defensive assignments, and this indecisiveness sometimes led to unnecessary scoring chances for Phoenix. Yes, the defensemen are keen on joining the rush. But they still need to remember coverages and defensive awareness are part of the game, too.
3. Not enough traffic in front of the net.
As mentioned before, this was the power play's glaring weakness. This was also a major problem at even strength as well. Credit Phoenix goalie Mike Smith; he was on his A-game Thursday night. But the Rangers made his job even easier by a failure to create traffic in front of Smith. Should the Rangers desire to generate more scoring opportunities and more rebounds, this will have to change.
The next game is Monday night in L.A. Game 2 of 82. Do the math. 2 of 82. Don't panic, Ranger fans. Pretty please, with sugar on top.
Be happy the new season has arrived! Enjoy, all!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sorry for the Delay, but I'M BACK!!!
To those that still read this blog, I deeply apologize. My life has been turned upside down the past couple of months.
For one thing, I have dealt with family issues. My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in July, and my grandmother recently passed away. On a professional note, I am now fortunate enough to write about hockey for h4-entertainment.com. I provide weekly blog posts on a wide range of NHL topics, but I still maintain my passion for my Rangers. If you would like to see an archive of my postings, you may click on this link. http://www.h4-entertainment.com/author/matthew-stillwell/. Recent posts include the Rangers' biggest issues, and my official 2013-14 NHL preview.
Oh, and HOCKEY IS BACK! The Rangers begin their quest for the Cup tomorrow night in Phoenix, commencing a 9-game road-trip due to the Garden renovations. With a new coach, new system, and nearly all of last year's team returning, I expect big things from our Blueshirts this year.
Rest assured, I will be providing Ranger-related posts, but please be sure to check out my writings from H4TV as well. I am on twitter @MattNYR12.
It's good to be back! LGR!
For one thing, I have dealt with family issues. My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in July, and my grandmother recently passed away. On a professional note, I am now fortunate enough to write about hockey for h4-entertainment.com. I provide weekly blog posts on a wide range of NHL topics, but I still maintain my passion for my Rangers. If you would like to see an archive of my postings, you may click on this link. http://www.h4-entertainment.com/author/matthew-stillwell/. Recent posts include the Rangers' biggest issues, and my official 2013-14 NHL preview.
Oh, and HOCKEY IS BACK! The Rangers begin their quest for the Cup tomorrow night in Phoenix, commencing a 9-game road-trip due to the Garden renovations. With a new coach, new system, and nearly all of last year's team returning, I expect big things from our Blueshirts this year.
Rest assured, I will be providing Ranger-related posts, but please be sure to check out my writings from H4TV as well. I am on twitter @MattNYR12.
It's good to be back! LGR!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Five Games to Watch Before New Years
It's August 1st, Ranger Nation, and that means one thing.
TWO MONTHS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT!
So it's never too early to look forward to a brand new Quest for the Cup, so I shall tease, I mean tickle your fancy by hyping up what this blogger believes to be the most intriguing games for the Rangers before the 2014 calendar year.
1. October 16, at Capitals.
This will be the Rangers' first game back on the east coast following a long, LONG west coast trip due to the final phase of the Madison Square Garden renovations. It is also a matchup against a team they knocked out of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. The Rangers overcame series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to beat the Caps in 7, demolishing them 5-0 in Game 7 in D.C. You can bet the Caps will come into this game angry, and the Rangers may be weary after finally returning east. But of course, Alex Ovechkin may be secretly planning his escape to the KHL a la Ilya Kovalchuk, so we'll see how motivated his team really is.
2. October 28, vs Canadiens.
Finally, the Blueshirts return home. Fans (if they can afford it), can finally see a fully renovated Madison Square Garden. They'll have ten years to enjoy it, but that's a story for another post. Either way, this original six matchup is fascinating in both teams' contrast of playing styles. Montreal boasts the black-and-blue shirt mentality that former coach John Tortorella preached upon the Rangers during their run to the 2012 Eastern Final. Montreal used a similar philosophy in being a surprise division champion last season. Now, the Rangers boast an offense-minded system under new coach Alain Vigneault. It will be interesting to see which system shines the brightest in the home opener.
3. November 7, at Blue Jackets.
Reunion day! Rick Nash, Derick Brassard, and John Moore return to Columbus for the first time as Rangers. The Rangers get to see old friends Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky, and Artem Anisimov in a Columbus uniform for the first time. How will Nash be received by the Columbus fans? The guess here is that he gets a mixed reception. He is the franchise's greatest player, but never led the team to a playoff victory. Regardless of the response, the fangirls will be out in full force for this one.
4. November 30, vs Canucks.
John Tortorella's return to the Garden. Come for the game, stay for the postgame presser. Will he throw down with Larry Brooks? What is the over/under on cuss words he will use? Will he inadvertently take a shot at Ranger personnel, namely Glen Sather? As for receptions, expect a lot of boos. Torts was not well liked among a large faction of Ranger fans.
5. December 23, vs Maple Leafs.
The last of nine consecutive home games for the Blueshirts before Christmas. Not only is this a matchup against one of the NHL's most improved teams, but the results of this long homestand will serve as a barometer for where the Rangers are at this point of the season. Finishing the stand on a high note with a win against a Leafs team that gave the Rangers fits last year will boost the team's confidence. Vigneault's style of play will be more competitive with the up-tempo style Toronto boasts. May not be the best matchup of the stand, but certainly one of the most exciting.
TWO MONTHS UNTIL OPENING NIGHT!
So it's never too early to look forward to a brand new Quest for the Cup, so I shall tease, I mean tickle your fancy by hyping up what this blogger believes to be the most intriguing games for the Rangers before the 2014 calendar year.
1. October 16, at Capitals.
This will be the Rangers' first game back on the east coast following a long, LONG west coast trip due to the final phase of the Madison Square Garden renovations. It is also a matchup against a team they knocked out of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. The Rangers overcame series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to beat the Caps in 7, demolishing them 5-0 in Game 7 in D.C. You can bet the Caps will come into this game angry, and the Rangers may be weary after finally returning east. But of course, Alex Ovechkin may be secretly planning his escape to the KHL a la Ilya Kovalchuk, so we'll see how motivated his team really is.
2. October 28, vs Canadiens.
Finally, the Blueshirts return home. Fans (if they can afford it), can finally see a fully renovated Madison Square Garden. They'll have ten years to enjoy it, but that's a story for another post. Either way, this original six matchup is fascinating in both teams' contrast of playing styles. Montreal boasts the black-and-blue shirt mentality that former coach John Tortorella preached upon the Rangers during their run to the 2012 Eastern Final. Montreal used a similar philosophy in being a surprise division champion last season. Now, the Rangers boast an offense-minded system under new coach Alain Vigneault. It will be interesting to see which system shines the brightest in the home opener.
3. November 7, at Blue Jackets.
Reunion day! Rick Nash, Derick Brassard, and John Moore return to Columbus for the first time as Rangers. The Rangers get to see old friends Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky, and Artem Anisimov in a Columbus uniform for the first time. How will Nash be received by the Columbus fans? The guess here is that he gets a mixed reception. He is the franchise's greatest player, but never led the team to a playoff victory. Regardless of the response, the fangirls will be out in full force for this one.
4. November 30, vs Canucks.
John Tortorella's return to the Garden. Come for the game, stay for the postgame presser. Will he throw down with Larry Brooks? What is the over/under on cuss words he will use? Will he inadvertently take a shot at Ranger personnel, namely Glen Sather? As for receptions, expect a lot of boos. Torts was not well liked among a large faction of Ranger fans.
5. December 23, vs Maple Leafs.
The last of nine consecutive home games for the Blueshirts before Christmas. Not only is this a matchup against one of the NHL's most improved teams, but the results of this long homestand will serve as a barometer for where the Rangers are at this point of the season. Finishing the stand on a high note with a win against a Leafs team that gave the Rangers fits last year will boost the team's confidence. Vigneault's style of play will be more competitive with the up-tempo style Toronto boasts. May not be the best matchup of the stand, but certainly one of the most exciting.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Rebranding...again.
Hello folks!
Seeing as though the vast majority of my posts are now related only to the New York Rangers, this blog will now pertain to the Rangers only.
You can still be prepared for epic tirades after bad losses, and celebratory posts after great victories!
LGR!!!
Seeing as though the vast majority of my posts are now related only to the New York Rangers, this blog will now pertain to the Rangers only.
You can still be prepared for epic tirades after bad losses, and celebratory posts after great victories!
LGR!!!
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