Rangers vs. Devils… It’s Go Time!

HAV go time. Wife still sick and I’m sick to my stomach over losing both of my fantasy football semifinal matches despite having been in 1st place with the most points in both leagues. I’m cursed.

393 thoughts on “Rangers vs. Devils… It’s Go Time!”

  24. A derbils player runs into a Ranger player in the zone in a delayed offsides… Wtf? The ref should blow the whistle immediately amd the ensuing faceoff should be down in the offensive zone. Learn your job, ref.

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  32. Stepan isn’t slow. That’s far too kind.

    Headzo – tell the mrs. that salmon Joe has nice big thighs which is strange given salmon ain’t got legs…

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  46. Should’ve score at the beginning in a short dominated period. Now, guys look like out of gas – young Debbies faster, more persistent and hungrier.

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  47. Do since they’ve ruined the nightly trivia question game and don’t give you the answer during the game anytime… Ego was on net for the rangers first game against the derbils. I already guessed the derbils goalie correctly but I can’t find the Rangers’ goalie in that game online anywhere.

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  54. This team is starting to reflect the coach a little too much. Too calm and cool and businesslike. They need more feistiness and just more passion. They never seem fired up.

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  59. No signs so far that Rangers could change a tide…Much less to win. Nash, however, is really good – pleasure to watch. Lindberg his former self. In a bad way.

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  93. Skjel is going to be a very good NHL D man in a couple of years.
    –
    This whole team (minus ein kleiner) reminds me of Gomez when he was a ranger..another half stride and could deliver a body check, but instead turns and no contact.

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  107. Girardi and Zucc made horrific plays. McD late getting there but a basic Squirt play Girardi couldn’t make ends up in back of net. Hard to blame McD

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  120. This is such crappy hockey the Devils play. Admirable–they’ve blocked 150 shots–but designed to bore the opposition into submission, along with the fans. Give me a non-conference foe every time instead of these guys.

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  180. I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to this 3 on 3 OT. Let’s play 69 minutes one way for s point and then a few minutes of something out of a video game for the other point. Thanks Bettman

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  225. Good morning, boneheads!
    What a difference between two tied games in two days. One entertaining, one boring. Looked like the Rangers were able to wake up for a few shifts only last night. Boy, NJ is in deep trouble. Even with Taylor Hall ( was he dressed last night?) they can’t score.
    On a different note, NY is falling behind in a ROW category too now since the last 2 wins are in SO 🙂

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  226. Is Columbus the best team in the league at the moment? Haven’t seen too many games played by them. January 7th in Columbus. They’d better put their big boy pants on for that date

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  227. I’m out here in Columbus and there is definitely a buzz around this team again. But they’ve been so used to disappointment that everyone is very wary of getting too optimistic. I don’t have the heart to tell them that Torts is going to F it all up.

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  228. Good morning all. well, last night was a good example of just finding a way to win. Does Buchnevich still play for the Rangers? is he coming back? and what’s the under/over on THE’s goal total this season? Doubt it is what it was the first week or two of the season. Offense has cooled off big time. Suddenly that bum Nash sure looks more like our best offensive player and a veteran leader on the ice than an 8 million dollar albatross EH?

    ILB, Columbus is a pleasant surprise this year. they’re finally at full strength, their goalie is healthy and playing his A game and they’ve got young players and veterans all clicking pretty well. Good for the fans and good for Torts. I thought they’d be doing this a year or two ago. That said, ‘best in the league’ – at least to me- is a fluid concept until we hit the post holiday schedule. Should be fun to watch them play the Rangers.

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  229. I think in a way the injuries to this team has actually caused them to have to discover a bit more about themselves and how to win without the flash and dash offense that they started out of the gate with. they’ve done it with veterans stepping up, they’ve done it with team defense and they’ve done it with goaltending. Give these guys some credit. 23-10-1 heading into the week of Christmas after some major injuries and slumps (and with Girardi as the number 2 dman). Again, it’s that long post holiday stretch that shows a lot about a team but to this point they’ve certainly shown themselves as more than the “one trick pony” many accused them of being. even if they’re softer than we’d like them to be.

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  230. An awful lot of negative posts about this team. I know some of it is in jest, and some are from people who root for other teams(not you Olga). It has me curious as to what is actually the right way to be 23/10/1.

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  232. The Metro is absolutely loaded save for 2 cellar dwellers located not too far away from MSG. Azzlanders dead last in Conference with Derbils right behind them. Feel bad…not.
    .
    Now with everyone bunched up top (BJs 3 pts away in 5 less games) 2017 should be fun.
    NYR has played:
    Pits (1-1-0) 3 games left included 2 in last 9 days of season
    BJs (0-1-0) 4 games left
    Craps (1-0-0) 3 games left
    Flyers (1-0-0) 3 games left
    Guess with new schedule only play some teams in Div 5 and others 4?? Only 2 left with Brooklyn as well.
    .
    Just win baby.
    .

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  239. BDL, I agree. I’m not one to look at the standings but I know it’s been “tight”. When I looked today I realized that they are 2nd in the league in points and 1st in the Eastern Conf. Is it just me or is that pretty good for a team that supposedly was going to have a hard time competing this year and was a one trick pony? Granted, when this team loses it loses ugly at times (who doesn’t?) but let’s face it. Even in the Presidents’ses Trophy year people screamed bloody murder all 22 times they lose in regulation that year.
    Now I’m not saying they’re the best in the league but they’re getting the job done. And without some guys that were supposed to be important pieces this year. They win on the road, they win at home, their PP and PK are in the upper tier of the league, they’ve won by scoring, they’ve won with goaltending, they’ve won win stingy “all in” defensive play..I’m not sure what else you could ask for this time of year. Still a ways to go, and I’m sure it’s not going to be all peaches and cream, but I don’t expect the bottom to fall out (I had my moments earlier in the season).

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  240. The one thing I will say is that I’d feel a lot better if they could solve the likes of Matt Murray, Bobrovsky and some of the other big name goalies in the league. The way they attacked the net and put shots on goal in the third last night would be nice to see more often. It’s usually the “hot goalie” that gives them the most issues. especially in the post season

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  242. James – good points. Team is very good; last stretch feels more like March than December. Going to need some Tums in the stocking.
    .
    Team has 9 players on pace for over 40 pts while missing 2 of top 9; very good balance.
    .
    Don’t forget Step’s 6th goal put him ahead of Zika to be tied wit Pirri for second in goals scored among NYR centers…
    .
    Need to figure out rotating chairs on bottom 6; not getting much, if any, O from them.

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  246. Now that LoHud and every other newspaper has jettisoned editors and their talented, experienced, even-handed, insightful writers who don’t need editors (like Reisman and Carp, for example) the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls – garbage journalism. Sad.

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  253. Engblom – “JR, you are stupider than me and that’s saying something”

    JR – “1) you are stupider than me; b) you are totally stupider; 4) you are dumber than stupid”

    Engblom – “what?”

    JR – “clean the ears out of your wax!”

    Engblom – “good lord”

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  278. Holy Sweet Baby Jesus thats the funniest thing I’ve seen in awhile! That’s my new Christmas Story, I have to watch that ever year now.

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  279. SN this team was supposed to improve at center this year. I’m disappointed in the production from Stepan thus far but he can be streaky so hopefully he gets it going a bit more. Delighted with Hayes so far. Kids done what I hoped he would do. Zibanejad update?

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  282. James G – This what Steve Zipay tweeted out yesterday when asked about Mika Z: “A few days ago, I saw him on crutches near training center locker room. Still wearing boot/cast”.

    I did some quick research and in the 14 games that Brandon Pirri has played with Mika out the lineup, Pirri has a goal and an assist – both in the 5-0 win over the Devils. I guess he misses Mika setting up in the Ovie spot on the PP.

    I know AV doesn’t change the lineup much (if at all) when they are winning, but Puempel’s not doing anything to stay in the lineup. Put Pirri back in as a PP specialist/odd 5-on-5 shift and double shift Nash or a couple of the other forwards who are flying on a particular night.

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  287. Thank you, Anthony. I’m going to guess he’s not gonna be ready until closer to the beginning of Feb but at least he’ll have time to get back in game shape for the spring.

    The bottom 6 is tough right now. I think playing Puempel is more to serve as a wake up for Pirri. At least I hope it is. Pirri is too limited to be an answer in the top 6 even in a fill in role but if you’re going to go with your best 12 I guess he’s part of it. My hope is that the offense gets a spark when Buchnevich gets back.

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  291. JamesG – Buch was on fire when he went down. If he can pick up where he left off, it’ll be yuge when he gets back. Good ripple effect down the lineup too.

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  304. I for one am sick and tired of being stuck with the #23 and #24 centers in Hayes and Stepan, in this 30-team league. Trade Step for a warm body, I say–anyone could have made that last-minute tip last night. Not sure why AV had him out there to begin with.

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  306. Well, it looks like Rick Nash has reached Jaromir Jagr heights in terms of groin injuries – something Jagr struggled with going back to last century (circa 1999). I seem to remember hearing or reading about a potential cause for Jagr’s problems arising from having one leg that was longer than the other. Yes, I realize that I opened the door for the peanut gallery, but what the heck, inquiring minds want to know 🙂

    I tried to find articles on it, but came up short (yes, I know I opened the door again). But there are tons of articles dealing with Jagr’s problems. One remedy was acupuncture at one time. Okay, now I am making waaay to easy for youse guys! 🙂

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  312. (rr2, I was attempting verbal irony, an occupational hazard in the teaching profession, especially when allegedly under the daytime influence.)

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  324. Step is 10th NHL center in assists. This year’s team is so good, so balanced, you have to really struggle to find a good whipping boy. It will come, though, it will come.

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  334. Stepan is not the first line centre on this team (Hayes is now, z pack was) and stepan has not been a number one centre for the rangers since the lockout shortened season.
    –
    He’s a nice ranger drafted player, but let’s not get carried away about his overall value or ability. He’s a 2C on most NHL teams including this one and a 3C on the rest.

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  335. And yet, Wicky, there Stepan is, in the the top 25, among 30 teams. He’s a #3 center only in a mythical NHL, as opposed to the league he’s actually playing in.

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  337. I think there is a difference between what role you’re used in by a particular team and what role you’re used in by a championship team. Stepan would be the 2C, at best, on the past few Stanley Cup finalists other than the Rangers, as they were constituted at the time:

    3 on the Sharks, 3 on the Penguins, 2 on the Hawks, 3 on the Lightning, 3 on the Kings, 2 on the Hawks, 3 on the Bruins, etc.

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  339. Correct…if stepan is your 1C, you are not winning the cup.
    –
    This team, stepan included, have some inflated stats due to the earlier “scoring bonanza run” they had (that everyone here said they could not maintain). Hayes is a better centre right now and a healthy z pack cuts into stepan’s time and stats.
    –
    Stepan is a good player, he just isn’t the 1st ballot HOFer some of you make him out to be.

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  342. Good morning, boneheads!
    Stepan’s on the menu, I see.
    How about Nash being sidelined again with the same injury? Different side. This one is difficult, anatomically speaking, to differentiate between lower or upper body, so they had to call the way it is.
    Going to be an interesting game tonight, although Pittsburgh is without Letang.

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  346. Stepan has had the most points of any player on the team, including or excluding playoffs, since AV has taken over (and not even including this year). He is still deployed in all situations, and the coach plays him the most minutes of any C on the team by more than a minute per game (including Z). Like it or not, he’s the 1C on this team.

    At least Brassard played he same amount of minutes per game, so there was an argument. Wicky just likes to pick any Not Stepan as the 1C 🙂

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  350. ILB – I have good news. I got a letter from life source today. 3 of Chase’s organ donations were a success.
    .
    So here’s to a Chase Hat Trick! Hip Hip ….. Horay!!!
    .
    Funny thing is 2 of the 3 went to Gopher fans, a little bit of irony there don’t you think. Since all Gopher fans can’t stand the Sioux. (We win most of the time 🙂

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  356. Stepans minutes are no way inflated by the absence of z pack.
    –
    While I appreciate gravy’s (and others) unwavering misguided over rating of stepan, he has not centred the number one line on this team for a few seasons now and still doesn’t…if your 1C does not centre the #1 line…what is he? A good offensive centre with decent defencive instincts (the part of his game that is overrated in my opinion)? Absolutely! A good NHL player? Absolutely! A hall of famer and all World 1C like some here make him out to be? Nope.

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  359. Hey Carp,
    –
    Just out of curiosity, why don’t you take over this site? I’ve been fired and know that finding a new position is a full time job, so I realize it’s a bit of extra effort. I would think that if you still wanted to be a sports columnist, having a sports themed website with measurable traffic/readership would be a good discussion topic with a prospective employer. Unless you have no interest, which is totally fair too but seeing you post on the site leads me to think otherwise…..

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  361. Wicky

    He’s paid like a first liner and is second highest paid forward.

    Do you know when his no trade kicks in?

    For what it’s worth I agree with you on Stepan.

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  362. He’s not the best centre on this team and hasn’t been for a few seasons. A bit biased and delusional to think otherwise so might as well make that HOF jump.
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    Again, good NHL player 2C on most NHL clubs. If Hayes also gets injured (while z pack is still out), then yes stepan is the 1C by default.

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  364. I agree, paid like a mid level 1C but I think that contract was based upon his 1C season here (which was the lockout shortened one). Also the season where his lack of speed (due to the system played during that season) was a non factor.

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  365. Interesting Derek Stepan mention from USA Today’s Kevin Allen from last night. He listed 10 predictions for 2017 and coming in at #6 was the Rangers dealing Stepan for help on defense (no specific deal mentioned). Interestingly enough, #10 was Kevin Shattenkirk drawing the most interest as an UFA during the summer (Allen lists BOS, DET, TB and NYR).
    http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/columnist/allen/2016/12/19/ten-nhl-predictions-2017-bold-obvious/95624476/

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  367. Any contract clause ( either NTC or NMC) can not kick in until a player reaches his potential UFA status, either 7 year in the league, or 27 years of age. In Stepan’s case it starts next season.

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  368. Out of curiosity I just opened the old link to LoHud’s RR. According to these clowns Carp is still providing “news, video, and commentary” even though all articles are by AP. Carp, I think you’re entitled to certain privileges then, if you catch my drift.

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  370. I don’t know anyone here who has proposed Stepan for the Hall of Fame–show yourself, you straw man! What he has been, though, is a productive 1 or 2 center on a Stanley Cup contender. If the Rangers had won a Cup, he’d still be a productive 1 or 2 center, no more, no less. You can trade him for a defensive upgrade if you like, though the Rangers have hardly been leaking too many goals, but you won’t get much back that you don’t already have. I still think the streaky, big-upside Kreider is the guy to move if you want something significant in return, but I wouldn’t trade him. I’d wait until Zibanejad and Greta Garbo Buchnevich return to see where the once-again speedy Rangers stack up as a playoff team.

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  371. Trading Stepan for a defensive upgrade would be a mistake. Call him 1 or 2 center, it doesn’t matter. But he is deployed by his coach to play in every single imaginable situation, be at 5 on 5, PP, PK, or against the best opposing skaters. That would leave a big void at center, something that most of the contenders are trying to avoid.

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  372. I believe the Islanders are suffering from losing Nielsen more than Okposo and Martin, There is nobody in their lineup who can fill that role. And Nielsen is significantly less productive ( both goals and points) than Stepan.

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  373. I think Stepan is a No.1 center only on a team that doesn’t have a more legit No. 1 center, and he’s also a very, very good, if not outstanding, No. 2 center if the team has a better center. I think he’s one of the two or three most important forwards on the team — though I can only think of one I actually consider more important.

    But I will say this. He’s been poor around the front of his net in spots the last two years, hasn’t been the righty shot they need on the PP and, most of all, Kreider is a better player with Zibanejad, at least in the small sample.

    Liked by 3 people

  375. Too many people equate goals with how effective a player is. Stepan is a valuable player on this team. No, not a #1 center, but not a guy that you trade just because he isn’t lighting up the scoreboard.

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  376. Can’t listen to AV’s video at work. What did he have to say about Pirri? I hope he’s going back in the lineup because Pumps adds nothing.

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  377. ‘When you’re a Ranger,
    If the spit hits the fan,
    You got brothers around,
    You’re a family man!

    You’re never alone,
    You’re never disconnected!
    You’re home with your own:
    When company’s expected,
    You’re well protected!’

    Uh…

    Liked by 1 person

  382. Looking for a better effort than the last time they played. That may not result in a win. With Nash out scoring will be even harder to come by.

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  388. Jim Cerny ‏@JimCerny
    12 minutes ago

    Unwraping presents early this week: @RickCarpiniello joins us on #BlueshirtRadio tomorrow & Chris Pronger is my guest THU on #THW Live!!

    Liked by 2 people

  389. The wife pointed out last night once the other metro teams make up their games in hand, we’ll probably have a more accurate gauge of where this team should be in the metro

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