He IS a bit pricey for a guy who gives you Dom Moore-level offense. One of those Hawks guys that got their number inflated due to winning it all. But having said that – I would’ve done it and hoped that his playing with Vesey and others could’ve gotten some production out of him.
Bozak is the better option tho if we can make a trade work.
They have passed on some available Cs. Gorton doesn’t panic, but, either they are working on a a trade for a 1C or they think Anderson will make the team. May not know until after Labor Day. Lots of time to kill here.
I completely understand the rational behind trading Stepan. But once you have done it, commit to it. As we sit right now, the Rangers are a lot worse then they were last year.
I said it’s not all about this year. Otherwise they would not have traded for 7th overall and they would have traded their own 1st round pick for a bandaid fix.
This past season 7 times missed the playoffs who made it the year prior. With few exceptions it happens to almost everybody. The cap and the draft are designed to even up the playing field.
I agree we are worse this year BDL. For lots of reasons. Some of better players getting older, we traded a very valuable backup goalie. But longer term the future is better. I’m good with that. Apparently you’re not.
That big money 4 year deal they traded away, they replaced it with a new big money 4 year deal. Just in a different position. All that did was create a grand canyon sized hole down the middle.
we were not winning with that current cast and Stepan showed regression the last 2 years. We drafted 2 centers in 1st rd. Like I keep saying I am focusing on the future as to a large degree is the management.
I am all for being better for the future. My problem is as of right now, Gorton seems to be throwing stuff agains the wall to see what sticks. If it’s about the future (2018/19), stop wasting time with retreads. Find out if Miller can play center. Find out if Andersson can make the team. Find out if one or two of the young D can play. Right now they are all blocked. The prize Dman in the Stepan trade is currently the 8th Dman.
I don’t disagree with you on Stepan. But even in his regression, he was still a very valuable player. As you can see now, and will see even more when the season starts, he is going to be very difficult to replace.
they could trade Holden if need be. There is amble opportunity among the forwards with Stepan and Lindberg gone even if they sign a Desharnais. I don’t think that DeAngelo is the prize in that trade. More 3rd in the pecking order behind cap space and the 7th overall. The younger guys will develop quite well wherever they play. Whether it’s juniors, college, ahl or Sweden/Czech Republic. The future looks a lot better than it did a month ago.
Deharnais sounds like a Nathan Gerbe -Josh Jooris insurance plan. We’ve seen this before from Gorton. Doesn’t mean he’s waiving the white flag for this year.
You can be sure there’s a plan. … reason they chased Thornton was to try to not completely suck this year. They won’t be bad enough to get a lottery pick. Might as well try to be competitive.
Again, you guys who say you’d be OK with them completely sucking this year are lying.
that’s because your sole focus is on this season only. Stepan was valuable enough to get us 7th overall and another good part of the deal is we did not have to eat any of his contract.
Alex,
I don’t understand why you keep saying I’m all about this year, when in fact I have hated every rumored move that would be a this year only move. I didn’t want Thornton, or Marleau. I don’t want Desharnais. And I don’t want Bozak. Plus I want at least two of the young Dmen to play this year.
the young dmen will play and develop wherever they play. Throwing them into the deep end does not really solve things.
They did not sign Thornton or Marleau and it was very doubtful either would have signed here. So much ado about nothing. I don’t want the other 2 either but especially in case of Desharnais it’s easy to waive him or otherwise if it doesn’t work out. I definitely agree on Bozak but won’t carry on if we do sign him.
So if they aren’t winning, and we are not, then what’s the point of being just somewhat competitive just so we once again stay in the middle of the league’s standing without a chance of drafting in top 3-5?
Ok so my close buddy from Montreal, obviously a YUGE Habs fan just wrote this to me: – “He is a very good centerman. Not the best on faceoff but he has a hell of a hockey sense. Work hard as hell on every shift. Can handle the pressure.
His only flaw is being super small. He played on the first line for a while with us because we had nobody to play there but I would usually place him on a third line and on the second power play. He makes solid passes!
His role in MTL was way too big. He had elite minutes lol. To me he’s one of the best #3C. Good defense too from what I remember.
His 2 flaws -> He’s SMALL lol
-> He’s aging
I don’t know if he can keep the pace”
Slow and aging. Maybe if he plays fewer minutes he can be ok…
Deshranais? Sorry Carp Miller is a better option, but I know you don’t agree! And I am not a liar, I said the same thing JG said rebuild on the fly! I guess that makes Gorton a liar as well. If they miss the playoffs oh well I’m a Ranger fan I am used to disappointment!
Kooz – I’m looking for something on the UWS. 4 BR 4 Baths, gym, pool, parking, and 24 hour doorman. My budget is $300/month. Can you help a brutha out?
Having time to reacquaint myself with David Desharnais – I like it. I don’t LOVE it…it’s not some sort of slam dunk, but it’s a sneaky good signing. Agree with our northern buddy by association – good bottom 6 guy who was expected to be top 6. I know that he’s a decently skilled guy. If Zika plays with Kreider and Buch, and Hayes sticks with Miller and Grabner, then The Sharnay gets Nash and Zuccarello (that’s would be cute). I challenge him not to match Stepan’s offensive production in that role.
If he’s so so on face offs – we lived with that already. Kinda like the liberal view of Gorsuch replacing Scalia – not a loss, but more of a missed opportunity.
Still need to replace Step’s defensive responsibilities.
I’m sorry, I know you are a big Grabner fan, but he is a 4th line player. Plus I’m thinking about the future. Buchnevich is here long term. Grabner just for next year.
Desharnais no cap hit if he is in Hartford. Still need a 1or 2 C. He seems like a 4 C. I wonder if they have asked the Showers what they want for Lindberg.
The team has determined (for better or worse) that Miller is going to be a wing and that he doesn’t have the awareness to play center. There’s absolutely no point in jerking him around vis-a-vis his position. Let him take the next step at the position they want him to play. Desharnais as a tweener 3/4 for one year does two things, it allows Andersson to develop in Sweden, on Frolunda, which is probably his best route forward and it takes the pressure off the team and front office in staffing the center position which in turn gets them a better negotiating position in any possible trades (i.e. gm to Gorton, “I know you’ve got nothing there, so I’m going to hold you up in asking about my center that I’m trying to get rid of.”)
As for 1C, nobody who has what some boneheads here think of as a 1C is going to give him up. Just look at Sakic’s asking price for someone whose cap hit and whose production over a season is quite comparable to Stepan and who is in the final two years of his contract. Zibad will likely produce at least as well as Duchene this year and Gorton originally made that trade because they thought he had the 1c potential. I’m pretty sure they believed they drafted their future 1c already and just have to wait for him to mature.
(In case nobody noticed, they just drafted their Datsyuk, Zetterberg combo – that’s my story and I’m sticking with it).
Finally, what’s all this bs about trading future hofer Skjei!!!!!!!!!!!!
E3 – I think I found your spot – UWS, (Morningside Hts) 3 minute walk to Columbia gate, Hudson River views. You might not like the Penthouse location because I understand you don’t like to get too high. Lower floor available, same size, $275. per month
Back home after few hours away. If desharnais is 4th Line center easy to live with. Doesn’t work out he’s gone. Won 51 percent of draws last year. Only 30
Agree with Aneirin. Disagree with BDL that the team is a lot worse than the past year unless you really expect HL to tank/age a lot. Kirk is better than G, the kids better continue to improve. OK, back up goalie a crapshoot. Hayes tailed off late but his production was on a par with Step.
As to those lines, I don’t want Buch on the 1st based upon his play of last year. If he really has bulked up, toughened up, and wised up over the summer, can see him moving that way as the year goes on. But to start? No. Season open:
Rather have Zib be paired with a responsible speed wing in Grabner to start the season. He is also a streaky player who can be moved up and down the line and doesn’t appear to get mental about it. Want Vesey working with Nash.
Let Buch start on 4th. He will still get good minutes in the AV system but there will be a lot less pressure on him offensively and defensively. If its Jensen still, he’s a big boy and can give a little cover to Buch as well. As his game and confidence improve and opportunites arise, he moves up. Barring an un-Eric 1st or 2nd in the metro deadline position, have to imagine at least one of those guys is getting moved as well to get some value from expiring contract.
Unlike the first few AV years, I think the lines are going to be a lot more fluid this year with a Grabner/Vesey/Miller/Zuc/Buch carousel.
If Buch is 6’2 193, 22 yrs. old as advertised, I get tired of hearing about his having to “bulk up.” When I was 22 and about his size, I would have fought King Kong or at least Kong would know he had been in a fight. It’s attitude, not size, and only if Buch aspired to be an NFL lineman would he have to seriously “bulk up” to compete. I wish people would stop with the “bulk up” BS.
Desharnais is a solid signing. Not the 1C that we need but a solid hockey player added to the lineup. And for peanuts. He’s this year’s Grabner success story. Book it.
I think tyler seguin is gonna be a ranger. Wonder if Dallas would trade him this summer rather than lose him for nothing as a ufa. Something tells me he wants the rangers and wants to be the guy here
Haha carp. People acting like these guys don’t have a plan. You better believe they have a plan. And it’s based on knowing free agents and free agents to be want to be a ranger. Guys with their pick of 31 teams choose the rangers. When a player sees an opening in the ranger roster that they feel would give them playing time and opportunity, they sign with the rangers.
Kovalchuk was rangers or nothing. He will be a ranger next summer. Who’s the next guy who’s “only the rangers”
Gorton either surprises everyone with a big trade for a center, or they trade for a guy like bozak and sign a free agent center next summer. Have a feeling a couple guys will be going to free agency no matter what their current teams tries to do to sign them.
I’m curious what some will think of Grabs this year when he doesn’t sniff 20 goals.
Buchnevich will have more of a role in year two if he can stay healthy. Vesey should as well. They both need strong sophomore outings.
That Hayes line last year was lightning in a bottle which is fine but your top 9 wings include the two youngsters plus Nash Zuc Kreider Miller.
Keep in mind that the “3rd line” isn’t defined as it was back 15-20 years ago. The Pens rolls 4 lines. The top 3 are deadly. One w Crosby one with Malkin and one with Kessel. Any of which are a first line player on any team in the league. The objective is spread out your offense for a relentless attack. There no Brian Skrudland with Mike Keane and Bill Berg out there anymore
Saw the Rangers once when Messier and Gretzky were there. Remember shaking my head when Gretzky had Bill Berg as one of his wingers. Kind of like moving Fast up to the top 6. Oh, wait………………………..
even at 1/2 the goals Grabner’s speed is still world class. We missed hags the year he left and he played third line. That is my expectation for Grabner. The speed is wasted on 4th line.
I’m not willing to give that spot to a guy who proved little last year.
I’m pretty much resigned to re-sign with the team I originally thought of resigning from because I just re-sided the house I reside in. So, it should be emphasized that there are residual considerations. Plus, the coach promised that he was going to repair the defense via re-pairing .
Good morning, boneheads!
Deshairnais is your Lindberg replacement. Probably with a bit more offensive touch, if his knee holds up. Had a couple of good years in Montreal until he got injured. Won’t eat enough of Stepan’s PK minutes though. At $1M ( if sent to Hartford, full value off the books), they could do much worse. If, however, he is starting to center 3rd line, it could be a problem.
Double D is fine if he’s depth. While he wouldn’t be my ideal fit for a fourth line centre (I’d prefer someone better on draws), he can be a stop gap if need be.
I agree with what you chuckleheads have posted this morning.
I wonder what the organization honestly thinks of Nieves? Sure didn’t get much of a look last season.
Wick/Alex- what I meant about Grabner is that he could very well slot in as a fourth liner this year just as he probably would have been last year had it not been for his goal scoring which I don’t think the coach expected (although SN did)
It’s not a knock on him. I for one love what he brings aside from goal scoring. I just feel that some people will call him Brian Boyle 2.0 if he were to come back to earth offensively this year instead of appreciating his true role and being delighted for his offense last season which I consider an extra added bonus.
Honestly, I’m curious how it plays out because I don’t think either Vesey or Buch should be bounced around the lineup much if they have strong sophomore displays (I expect them to). No doubt it’ll be another year of the coach and his veterans so maybe Grabner will play 3rd line even if he is only netting 10-15 this season.
Also- Vesey had his best games playing w Nash and Buchnevich with Zibanejad. Both regular season and post season. So to me it’s a disservice to relegate either to a fourth line in order to keep more experienced players ahead in the lineup.
Up until Hayes got hurt he was the best center on the team. He never quite got his game back after that. I would have no problem with Hayes as the two. I think if they go after a center it should be a guy who can be the 3.
BDL you’re right and I’ve mentioned it before but Hayes was playing like the 1C for the first couple months of the season. It was only after injury that he slid down the depth chart again. Of course post season brought another chapter of Carps new book: “overpassing the puck. A way to ensure any ranger fan will hate you”
Interesting hockey when the opponent goes on the PP and is somewhat nervous about the breakaway speed of someone like Grabner. Was true, too, with Hagelin.
The Grabner, Hagelin comparison is fair. But the difference is the RAngers never had the depth at wing when Hagelin was here that they do now. Hagelin was the 9th best forward, and the 6th best wing.
Rangers Report 2.0 
As Doodie would say, HAV at it.
Back to work.
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do they have a 4th of july in canada and france
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fourth?
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now 4th w the hattie
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Happy Brexit 1776 day to you all!!
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Happy 4th you-all!
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Is Tyler bozak here yet. I’ll get it done
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Is Jagr here yet?
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On July 4th I guess we have to root for the team in Philly. Happy Fourth everyone.
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Happy 4th line center in July everyone!
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Hugh Hefner is responsible for our center fold.
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Is Staal traded yet? Holden?
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Thanks ilb.
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Happy 4th everyone!
Has Klein retired?
Lindy Ruff been hired?
Bozak aquired?
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Canada July 1st
France July 14th
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Happy and safe 4th everyone
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One of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen is the first 3 seasons of coupling! Should be available somewhere.
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Pageau!!!!!!!!!!!
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TomK you left off Sather been fired!
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Wick-Lol. You’re right! How did I miss that?
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Wicky
i was joking. every country has a 4th of july between the 3rd and 5th.
but thanks for the info.
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July 4, 1776 headline: HAVE A HAPPY SAFE, AND HEALTHY WAR, EVERYONE!
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Happy 4th of July, from 4ever, looking 4 4th line center in absents of 1st…, but it is another story…
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LMAO, Brexit 1776!!
Be safe, everyone.
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Lou owned a home down by the College of New Rochelle that Shattenkirk might be interested in looking at.
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Not living in, just looking at…:)
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Great stuff Carp!
Question-Has Kreider ever played center?
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Kruger traded to canes for 5th rounder
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Just saw that Eric.
He IS a bit pricey for a guy who gives you Dom Moore-level offense. One of those Hawks guys that got their number inflated due to winning it all. But having said that – I would’ve done it and hoped that his playing with Vesey and others could’ve gotten some production out of him.
Bozak is the better option tho if we can make a trade work.
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But now that Freddy is in Carolina, maybe they have another center they’d like to move along our way?
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Marc Staal for Jordan Staal. Lol.
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Happy USexit 1776! Be good, be safe, have fun and no JPP’s boneheads!
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They have passed on some available Cs. Gorton doesn’t panic, but, either they are working on a a trade for a 1C or they think Anderson will make the team. May not know until after Labor Day. Lots of time to kill here.
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Near D. Van Dyk and Mary Tyler Moore?
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Kreider hasn’t played C to my knowledge (which is limited).
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Staal and Holden as the 3rd pairing is a frightening prospect!
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Kreider at center would be fun to watch!
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Thanks Carp. I’m guessing they would have tried Kreider at C if they thought he could handle it.
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I agree Eli. Would have to keep it simple, but why not try it?Preseason?
I think Miller is better at wing.
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Yakupov to Avs.
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Kreider can’t play center for the same reason Miller shouldn’t.
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French website reporting Rangers close to signing former hab and oiler David Desharnais fill one of the two center needs.
Not official though I would prefer grigolenko
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Why is that Carp?
Love the he can’t, and he shouldn’t.
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You can say that again, Carp!
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Desharnais coming off 4 yr 14 mil contract with Montreal 3.5 per.
If he’s signed should be 1.25 range
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Desharnais? Really? This is the best Gorton can do? sigh…
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Desharnais? Great plan. Really it would show that there was no plan.
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BDL
the plan is a bit of a rebuild hence trading a big money 4 year deal for 7th overall.
it’s not at all just about this year.
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If it’s not about this year. Whyhave they been chasing Thornton, and Marleau, and rumored to sign Desharnais?
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I completely understand the rational behind trading Stepan. But once you have done it, commit to it. As we sit right now, the Rangers are a lot worse then they were last year.
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I said it’s not all about this year. Otherwise they would not have traded for 7th overall and they would have traded their own 1st round pick for a bandaid fix.
This past season 7 times missed the playoffs who made it the year prior. With few exceptions it happens to almost everybody. The cap and the draft are designed to even up the playing field.
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I agree we are worse this year BDL. For lots of reasons. Some of better players getting older, we traded a very valuable backup goalie. But longer term the future is better. I’m good with that. Apparently you’re not.
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That big money 4 year deal they traded away, they replaced it with a new big money 4 year deal. Just in a different position. All that did was create a grand canyon sized hole down the middle.
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BDL
we were not winning with that current cast and Stepan showed regression the last 2 years. We drafted 2 centers in 1st rd. Like I keep saying I am focusing on the future as to a large degree is the management.
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I am all for being better for the future. My problem is as of right now, Gorton seems to be throwing stuff agains the wall to see what sticks. If it’s about the future (2018/19), stop wasting time with retreads. Find out if Miller can play center. Find out if Andersson can make the team. Find out if one or two of the young D can play. Right now they are all blocked. The prize Dman in the Stepan trade is currently the 8th Dman.
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I don’t disagree with you on Stepan. But even in his regression, he was still a very valuable player. As you can see now, and will see even more when the season starts, he is going to be very difficult to replace.
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BDL
blocked?
they could trade Holden if need be. There is amble opportunity among the forwards with Stepan and Lindberg gone even if they sign a Desharnais. I don’t think that DeAngelo is the prize in that trade. More 3rd in the pecking order behind cap space and the 7th overall. The younger guys will develop quite well wherever they play. Whether it’s juniors, college, ahl or Sweden/Czech Republic. The future looks a lot better than it did a month ago.
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Deharnais sounds like a Nathan Gerbe -Josh Jooris insurance plan. We’ve seen this before from Gorton. Doesn’t mean he’s waiving the white flag for this year.
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You can be sure there’s a plan. … reason they chased Thornton was to try to not completely suck this year. They won’t be bad enough to get a lottery pick. Might as well try to be competitive.
Again, you guys who say you’d be OK with them completely sucking this year are lying.
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BDL
that’s because your sole focus is on this season only. Stepan was valuable enough to get us 7th overall and another good part of the deal is we did not have to eat any of his contract.
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Carp
I was sick of all the trading of 1st/2nd/3rd round picks. There was little in Hartford to help us as well.
I’m fine with what they did in last month or so. The future, to me at least, is brighter than it was a month ago.
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Why is it so hard to replace a meek 20 goaler who chugs around the ice like a busted Zamboni?
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There are still to many very good players on this team to suck this year.
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they will suck if they go 92-13-10 down the middle.
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93*
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BDL
whats your definition of suck?
we could well miss the playoffs by a few points. Not at the level of Colorado of course.
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Alex,
I don’t understand why you keep saying I’m all about this year, when in fact I have hated every rumored move that would be a this year only move. I didn’t want Thornton, or Marleau. I don’t want Desharnais. And I don’t want Bozak. Plus I want at least two of the young Dmen to play this year.
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I ask again Carp, why? What have you seen with Miller at center the leads you to believe he can’t do it?
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I know one thing, it’s over for Lundqvist winning a Stanely cup with the rangers.
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BDL
the young dmen will play and develop wherever they play. Throwing them into the deep end does not really solve things.
They did not sign Thornton or Marleau and it was very doubtful either would have signed here. So much ado about nothing. I don’t want the other 2 either but especially in case of Desharnais it’s easy to waive him or otherwise if it doesn’t work out. I definitely agree on Bozak but won’t carry on if we do sign him.
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There are both better and works options than Desharnais.
Weren’t habs fans claiming he was 1C material? Heh.
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David Pagnotta
@TheFourthPeriod
Can confirm the NY Rangers have agreed to terms with center David Desharnais
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So if they aren’t winning, and we are not, then what’s the point of being just somewhat competitive just so we once again stay in the middle of the league’s standing without a chance of drafting in top 3-5?
This “rebuild on the fly” is bullsh8.
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LOL @ Desharnais…
Gorton is desperate.
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Like I said, i think this is a Josh Jooris-Nathan Gerbe insurance plan.
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Insurance plan for what?
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In case he can’t find 2 centers who are better before the start of the season and/or they have a lot of injuries.
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Ok so my close buddy from Montreal, obviously a YUGE Habs fan just wrote this to me: – “He is a very good centerman. Not the best on faceoff but he has a hell of a hockey sense. Work hard as hell on every shift. Can handle the pressure.
His only flaw is being super small. He played on the first line for a while with us because we had nobody to play there but I would usually place him on a third line and on the second power play. He makes solid passes!
His role in MTL was way too big. He had elite minutes lol. To me he’s one of the best #3C. Good defense too from what I remember.
His 2 flaws -> He’s SMALL lol
-> He’s aging
I don’t know if he can keep the pace”
Slow and aging. Maybe if he plays fewer minutes he can be ok…
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Does anyone know if “it’s not all about this year”!or if the rangers drafted two centres in the first round of the draft?
You mention that like 10 times more than anyone else.
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Day czar neigh is a first ballot HoF’er. Excellent signing. He could score 40 this year.
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Deshranais? Sorry Carp Miller is a better option, but I know you don’t agree! And I am not a liar, I said the same thing JG said rebuild on the fly! I guess that makes Gorton a liar as well. If they miss the playoffs oh well I’m a Ranger fan I am used to disappointment!
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Maybe Desharnais is being brought in as a 4th liner, and they’re still working on 3C. Who knows?
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Yakupov signs with Avalanche. Can Duche be on the way out now?
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Wicky (blog bully, etc)
any vacation plans this year where you won’t have internet access.
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Like what your northland buddy has to say, comrade. I like those attributes.
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Alex
Ahahahaha
Love how you just can’t take it.
Remember, just start your next post with “I know you are but what am I”
LOL
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Call-in Show: “This is Sam from Hell’s Kitchen.”
“What’s on your mind Sam from Hell’s Kitchen?”
“None a your business.”
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Kooz – I’m looking for something on the UWS. 4 BR 4 Baths, gym, pool, parking, and 24 hour doorman. My budget is $300/month. Can you help a brutha out?
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Larry Brooks @NYP_Brooksie
Kovalchuk will return to KHL for one more season, Post has learned. Will become free agent next 7/1. Am told NJ made effort to make deal.
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Larry Brooks @NYP_Brooksie
Rangers have agreed to contract with David Desharnais, one year for $1M…
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Desharnais good fit for system…not clear how team is worse than last year when we upgraded defense and have pretty good forward depth
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Having time to reacquaint myself with David Desharnais – I like it. I don’t LOVE it…it’s not some sort of slam dunk, but it’s a sneaky good signing. Agree with our northern buddy by association – good bottom 6 guy who was expected to be top 6. I know that he’s a decently skilled guy. If Zika plays with Kreider and Buch, and Hayes sticks with Miller and Grabner, then The Sharnay gets Nash and Zuccarello (that’s would be cute). I challenge him not to match Stepan’s offensive production in that role.
If he’s so so on face offs – we lived with that already. Kinda like the liberal view of Gorsuch replacing Scalia – not a loss, but more of a missed opportunity.
Still need to replace Step’s defensive responsibilities.
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Where’s Easy Vesey slot DaveB?
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The plan is really coming together now.
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Make Rangers’ Centers Great Again #MRCGA!!!!
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Good point Eli, totally slipped my mind.
Guessing Vesey slots in top 9 until Buch shows AV some more?
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Grabner is a 4th liner. Does that help with your Buchnevich, Vesey problem.
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Kreider, Zibanijad, Buchnevich
Nash, Hayes, Zucc
Vesey, Desharnais, Miller
Grabner, Neives (?), Jensen, ( until AVs son returns from injury)
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BDL
Grabner proved otherwise last year. Much more so than your boy Buch who you put on 1st line – lol.
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I’m sorry, I know you are a big Grabner fan, but he is a 4th line player. Plus I’m thinking about the future. Buchnevich is here long term. Grabner just for next year.
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BDL
again he proved otherwise.
the better Grabner does the more we get at the deadline for him assuming we’re out of it.
Hopefully the coach does not attempt to marginalize him like you’re trying to do.
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Bdl
Bring up trading skjeL, it’s pure gold.
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Desharnais no cap hit if he is in Hartford. Still need a 1or 2 C. He seems like a 4 C. I wonder if they have asked the Showers what they want for Lindberg.
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Burakhovsky 2 yr bridge deal 3 mil per
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Your killing me Bdl AV’s son! I have this feeling that no matter what JG does AV will find a way to get some good looks and screw things up!
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St Pete
LOL, I missed that earlier….hilarious bdl.
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The team has determined (for better or worse) that Miller is going to be a wing and that he doesn’t have the awareness to play center. There’s absolutely no point in jerking him around vis-a-vis his position. Let him take the next step at the position they want him to play. Desharnais as a tweener 3/4 for one year does two things, it allows Andersson to develop in Sweden, on Frolunda, which is probably his best route forward and it takes the pressure off the team and front office in staffing the center position which in turn gets them a better negotiating position in any possible trades (i.e. gm to Gorton, “I know you’ve got nothing there, so I’m going to hold you up in asking about my center that I’m trying to get rid of.”)
As for 1C, nobody who has what some boneheads here think of as a 1C is going to give him up. Just look at Sakic’s asking price for someone whose cap hit and whose production over a season is quite comparable to Stepan and who is in the final two years of his contract. Zibad will likely produce at least as well as Duchene this year and Gorton originally made that trade because they thought he had the 1c potential. I’m pretty sure they believed they drafted their future 1c already and just have to wait for him to mature.
(In case nobody noticed, they just drafted their Datsyuk, Zetterberg combo – that’s my story and I’m sticking with it).
Finally, what’s all this bs about trading future hofer Skjei!!!!!!!!!!!!
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If we’re arguing over which of Buchnevich, Vesey or Grabner is a 4th liner, we’re in decent shape.
Though if David Desharnais is forcing one of those guys south – another story.
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Lindberg signed for 2 years. $1.7m per.
That team has plans for him as a Golden Knight, as they should.
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Sup, punks?
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Desharnais is a pimp….just like Tartaglia.
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I’d rather have Lindberg than Dijon-hernia. I mean, what? There was NO WAY to keep Lindberg? I’m sure 3rd round pick would’ve done the job…
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E3 – I think I found your spot – UWS, (Morningside Hts) 3 minute walk to Columbia gate, Hudson River views. You might not like the Penthouse location because I understand you don’t like to get too high. Lower floor available, same size, $275. per month
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Danny G, trying desperately to hold on to a dream…. how’s that for some sticky melodramatic maple syrup?
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Dave B
thanks for the update on Lindberg. Didn’t know he had signed with Vegas.
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Tanner Glass will kick Lindberg’s ass with two hundred fifty grand left over.
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Happy fourth everyone. Good news! Rangers signed a new whipping boy for yous to devour 🙂
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Back home after few hours away. If desharnais is 4th Line center easy to live with. Doesn’t work out he’s gone. Won 51 percent of draws last year. Only 30
Remember when we get bozak where it came from
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And in other sports news, Joey Chestnut, with a 7.2 exit velocity per minute, downs 72 dogs in 10 minutes, retains world title.
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Agree with Aneirin. Disagree with BDL that the team is a lot worse than the past year unless you really expect HL to tank/age a lot. Kirk is better than G, the kids better continue to improve. OK, back up goalie a crapshoot. Hayes tailed off late but his production was on a par with Step.
As to those lines, I don’t want Buch on the 1st based upon his play of last year. If he really has bulked up, toughened up, and wised up over the summer, can see him moving that way as the year goes on. But to start? No. Season open:
Kreider, Zibanijad, Grabner
Nash, Hayes, Vesey
Zuc, Desharnais, Miller
Buchnevich, Neives (?), Jensen->Fast
Rather have Zib be paired with a responsible speed wing in Grabner to start the season. He is also a streaky player who can be moved up and down the line and doesn’t appear to get mental about it. Want Vesey working with Nash.
Let Buch start on 4th. He will still get good minutes in the AV system but there will be a lot less pressure on him offensively and defensively. If its Jensen still, he’s a big boy and can give a little cover to Buch as well. As his game and confidence improve and opportunites arise, he moves up. Barring an un-Eric 1st or 2nd in the metro deadline position, have to imagine at least one of those guys is getting moved as well to get some value from expiring contract.
Unlike the first few AV years, I think the lines are going to be a lot more fluid this year with a Grabner/Vesey/Miller/Zuc/Buch carousel.
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http://nypost.com/2017/07/04/ilya-kovalchuk-screws-over-devils-for-last-time/
kovalchuk will be avail after next season
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If Buch is 6’2 193, 22 yrs. old as advertised, I get tired of hearing about his having to “bulk up.” When I was 22 and about his size, I would have fought King Kong or at least Kong would know he had been in a fight. It’s attitude, not size, and only if Buch aspired to be an NFL lineman would he have to seriously “bulk up” to compete. I wish people would stop with the “bulk up” BS.
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Welcome to the Rangers new second line…..Fast-Desharnais-Grabner. By January, they will have the second most ice time on the club.
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TYM – I can’t think of any other line I’d rather have double-shifted in the third, down 2 goals.
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Desharnais is a solid signing. Not the 1C that we need but a solid hockey player added to the lineup. And for peanuts. He’s this year’s Grabner success story. Book it.
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http://www.espn.com/nhl/team/stats/_/name/nyr/seasontype/2
Grabner and Fast had about 14 min/game.
7 f/c had more than that.
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Is bozak here yet
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Bring back Vinny Prospal!!!
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Desharnais …. 4 goals in 51 playoff games.
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Wow. Some people really don’t get it.
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Is OhioRanger the guy who does OhioYankee on the riveraveblues site?
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I think tyler seguin is gonna be a ranger. Wonder if Dallas would trade him this summer rather than lose him for nothing as a ufa. Something tells me he wants the rangers and wants to be the guy here
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Haha carp. People acting like these guys don’t have a plan. You better believe they have a plan. And it’s based on knowing free agents and free agents to be want to be a ranger. Guys with their pick of 31 teams choose the rangers. When a player sees an opening in the ranger roster that they feel would give them playing time and opportunity, they sign with the rangers.
Kovalchuk was rangers or nothing. He will be a ranger next summer. Who’s the next guy who’s “only the rangers”
Gorton either surprises everyone with a big trade for a center, or they trade for a guy like bozak and sign a free agent center next summer. Have a feeling a couple guys will be going to free agency no matter what their current teams tries to do to sign them.
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Seguin has 2 years left as does Spezza who is much older. Seguin is going nowhere.
I hate that Dallas and some other teams have the competitive edge of no state tax.
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Happy 4th everyone. Don’t blow your hand off with fireworks, not everyone is as sumpremely athletically gifted as I am 😏
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Seguin is not resigning in Dallas. Didn’t know he has 2 yrs left though
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Carp mentioned he thinks gorton is going the trade route and it’s going to be for a good player. Enjoy your summers, wait for the surprise
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The mind of a typical Rangers fan:
1) make a case for your fav prospect or free agent playing a significant role
2) assume 4th liners will play too 6 mins bc you hate the coach
3) project promising young players that you aren’t sold on as 4th line throw aways or trade bait.
4) rinse , repeat
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James then there’s the blame game for 1 of several whipping boys that year.
and of course proposing trades that may or not make sense for us but usually doesn’t for the other team. the old package of quantity for quality.
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another one. projecting lines with no consideration for injuries. for starters fast will miss 1 month.
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Beezer,
Grabner and Vesey are LWs, and Zucc is a RW. And if Grabner is your first line anything, you are in big trouble.
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Not me Family Guy
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BDL
same if Buch is 1st line anything.
Grabner was very effective 3rd liner though
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AV’s Son !
LOL
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I’m curious what some will think of Grabs this year when he doesn’t sniff 20 goals.
Buchnevich will have more of a role in year two if he can stay healthy. Vesey should as well. They both need strong sophomore outings.
That Hayes line last year was lightning in a bottle which is fine but your top 9 wings include the two youngsters plus Nash Zuc Kreider Miller.
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Keep in mind that the “3rd line” isn’t defined as it was back 15-20 years ago. The Pens rolls 4 lines. The top 3 are deadly. One w Crosby one with Malkin and one with Kessel. Any of which are a first line player on any team in the league. The objective is spread out your offense for a relentless attack. There no Brian Skrudland with Mike Keane and Bill Berg out there anymore
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James
Not disagreeing here but if your top 9 wingers are Nash, zucc, miller, kreider, vesey, and buch…where do you have grabner? 4th line?
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Bill berg lol
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Saw the Rangers once when Messier and Gretzky were there. Remember shaking my head when Gretzky had Bill Berg as one of his wingers. Kind of like moving Fast up to the top 6. Oh, wait………………………..
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James
even at 1/2 the goals Grabner’s speed is still world class. We missed hags the year he left and he played third line. That is my expectation for Grabner. The speed is wasted on 4th line.
I’m not willing to give that spot to a guy who proved little last year.
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Stop lying, Carp.
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only when my lips are moving. Like Espo.
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I’m pretty much resigned to re-sign with the team I originally thought of resigning from because I just re-sided the house I reside in. So, it should be emphasized that there are residual considerations. Plus, the coach promised that he was going to repair the defense via re-pairing .
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Their, I said it and I’m glad.
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Wow a lot of my neighbors spending a lot of cash.
Well done!!!!
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My personal take is that with Desharnais it gives them a Boo Nieves insurance policy and/or extra LW. This is not Erik Christensen 2.0.
I’d still expect a center trade using Holden, a winger and a draft pick or two.
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Good morning, boneheads!
Deshairnais is your Lindberg replacement. Probably with a bit more offensive touch, if his knee holds up. Had a couple of good years in Montreal until he got injured. Won’t eat enough of Stepan’s PK minutes though. At $1M ( if sent to Hartford, full value off the books), they could do much worse. If, however, he is starting to center 3rd line, it could be a problem.
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big, big problem. I think it’s a problem if the Big Wolf is No. 2.
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The Big Wolf, lol
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The Duke’s one legitimate contribution, other than free suits for the coaches.
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No more midgets around here unless they bark at burglars and bite mailmen.
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Tyler bozak here yet?
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Double D is fine if he’s depth. While he wouldn’t be my ideal fit for a fourth line centre (I’d prefer someone better on draws), he can be a stop gap if need be.
I agree with what you chuckleheads have posted this morning.
I wonder what the organization honestly thinks of Nieves? Sure didn’t get much of a look last season.
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Coos
I’m not sure what the equipment guys are doing to the players, but they must be drying them on high because they keep shrinking them lol.
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Back to the editing grindstone
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Pageau
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Wick/Alex- what I meant about Grabner is that he could very well slot in as a fourth liner this year just as he probably would have been last year had it not been for his goal scoring which I don’t think the coach expected (although SN did)
It’s not a knock on him. I for one love what he brings aside from goal scoring. I just feel that some people will call him Brian Boyle 2.0 if he were to come back to earth offensively this year instead of appreciating his true role and being delighted for his offense last season which I consider an extra added bonus.
Honestly, I’m curious how it plays out because I don’t think either Vesey or Buch should be bounced around the lineup much if they have strong sophomore displays (I expect them to). No doubt it’ll be another year of the coach and his veterans so maybe Grabner will play 3rd line even if he is only netting 10-15 this season.
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Also- Vesey had his best games playing w Nash and Buchnevich with Zibanejad. Both regular season and post season. So to me it’s a disservice to relegate either to a fourth line in order to keep more experienced players ahead in the lineup.
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Up until Hayes got hurt he was the best center on the team. He never quite got his game back after that. I would have no problem with Hayes as the two. I think if they go after a center it should be a guy who can be the 3.
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DD= stop gap for sure. He’s depth for fourth line. Another Ryan Malone, Josh Jooris, jarret Stoll type signing that we always read into way too much
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BDL you’re right and I’ve mentioned it before but Hayes was playing like the 1C for the first couple months of the season. It was only after injury that he slid down the depth chart again. Of course post season brought another chapter of Carps new book: “overpassing the puck. A way to ensure any ranger fan will hate you”
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James
I agree with you, I was just curious where you were slitting grabner. 4th line seems logical to me as well.
I was just checking because bdl was getting criticized for saying the same thing.
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Team still needs a top forward/centre.
Might not be this offseason.
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Interesting hockey when the opponent goes on the PP and is somewhat nervous about the breakaway speed of someone like Grabner. Was true, too, with Hagelin.
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Haze might not even be the #1 center at Boston College.
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James
I liken Grabner to Hags while he was here and Hags was a 3rd liner here and never was 4th liner.
Grabner is a 3rd line player and his speed is wasted on 4th line regardless of whether blog bully agrees with you.
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*NEW POST*
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http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=152806
Nieves missed a lot of games with injuries. so wasn’t that he wasn’t getting chance.
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The Grabner, Hagelin comparison is fair. But the difference is the RAngers never had the depth at wing when Hagelin was here that they do now. Hagelin was the 9th best forward, and the 6th best wing.
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