Chicago visits Madison Square Garden tonight. Watch it on NBC Sports Network at 8:00pm!
The Rangers get Captain Ryan McDonagh D back from concussion-like symptoms. The Rangers have played well without him - going 3 - 0 - 1 with a loss to Los Angeles. I hope the line-jostling due to his return doesn't loosen their own-zone play. They have kept the middle of the ice pretty clean despite giving up a lot of shots.
Chicago would be in their worst slump of the season with a loss here. 1 - 2 - 1 in the four prior to tonight. Not that the Blackhawks are in any trouble, they've played a pretty open style and it will eventually burn a team. The thing is this team also know how to close it back down. If I am coaching them, why not open it up some.
The other two games tonight:
Montreal at Colorado
I still have problems believing in Colorado. And on the flip-side, Montreal is tough to beat if they get a couple of early goals. Colorado in moments is one of the more efficient finishing teams in the league.
Minnesota at Calgary
Calgary has plenty to prove, if they can. If not, they have some players to trade by the end of the month. Minnesota needs to prove things. I believe in this team being better than they have been. The new coach can give them a fresh start. Tonight is the second game under new coach: John Torchetti.
The way I saw it last night, the Rangers are not a cup-contending team. They played well in spots, even took the lead thanks to the 4-minute PP, but they still didn't do the little things right. Didn't finish checks, didn't skate back hard for the back check, bad penalties and turnovers. They show no inclination to make immediate corrections, and even with McD back they give up 4+ goals. So, if I was the GM, I'd be trading players left and right. You're not going to win the cup with the team you have, and you're not one piece/player away (unless you get a Stamkos or Toewes or something stupid) so trade players, clear cap space which you're hitting your head against, restock the farm which has been depleted, and build anew. Throw away the Sather regime that was good, even great at times, but just missed and is now on the wane. Stepan, Kreider, Hayes, Nash, Staal, Yandle (only cause now he has value) trade trade trade trade....
ReplyDeleteAgain, you speak the truth. Maybe a little too extreme. Trade smart, there is still a young enough core to keep some of them. McDonagh isn't old and can be built around. Same with Stepan. Brassard is solid as well.
ReplyDeleteThis season at the trade deadline trade. Just be cautious with it. The main truth is - the Rangers club at best - BEST - is getting beaten in the Finals, but probably is getting beaten in the second round, as is - and that depends entirely on who they draw for the first round.
Overall, the system is tough to play against. I don't mind AV. But I don't trust his ability to bring in talent...he did little to that effect in Vancouver - ultimately leaving them pretty depleted.
Personally, I lean on making trades and seeing what AV and the new blood can do in this year's playoffs. Anyone is tradeable except McDonagh, Stepan, Brassard. Even keep Kreider, because right now his trade value is low - but if the right deal comes in - TRADE!
The hard question is Lundqvist! If you could get a player and some picks? Most everyone says NO. But look at New Jersey - Brodeur can never be replaced, so you'd think, but Schneider is putting up better numbers. Dallas would give up a lot for Lundquist I bet.
I agree. NYR will probably get bounced in the second round. Only way to get to finals is if Wash, Det or TB get upset (i think Fla is good but don't have the playoff experience yet and susceptible to upset)
ReplyDeleteYes, trade the King if you can get a sweet deal in return. Problem is he has a hefty contract, so you'd need a desperate team, dumb GM and a load of talent. Maybe FL or Edm will take him :)
JT Miller needs to get back on track too. 1 G and 1 A in last 6 games
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting that when a team gets a new coach, they often improve at first. Maybe we should fire Vigneault!
ReplyDeleteHire Kirk Muller or Guy Boucher
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