Rangers vs. Blue Jackets… It’s Go Time!

RR2 Here in place of ilb. If you thought this was an HAV before, oh man, wait until you see what’s coming up for the rest of this week.

Game 72ish. I’m not checking. The games haven’t mattered for a while now.

The Rangers have the opportunity to play spoiler tonight. No, not for the Blue Jackets, but for their own draft lottery odds. Stop winning! Regulation losses only, please. We still can get down as far as 7th.  A couple of weeks ago, we were looking at potentially going as low as 4th. That’s what a few wins at this time of the season will do for you.

Tonight’s projected lineup: they will ice a full team. Lundqvist in goal for sure, and beyond that, who knows. I don’t frankly care to look it up.  I only care about watching theyoung players and seeing their effort and potential. Best case scenario from here on out is try hard, but lose. Everything is all about the future.

With Lundqvist in goal, my focus would be on the defense prospects like Pionk and Gilmour.  There has been some rumbling that Lias Anderson will be up on Thursday to play the 1st of his 9 games.  Chytil should follow two games later. That’s when the forwards will actually matter again.

Also of note, Ryan Lindgren might turn pro and sign with the Rangers. Maybe he gets an NHL game or two, but more than likely he goes to the AHL.

208 thoughts on “Rangers vs. Blue Jackets… It’s Go Time!”

  1. Re: McLeod or whoever is our muscle of the moment,
    It is humiliating and depressing to an entire team when someone like Gudas runs wild with no effective pushback.
    Those who don’t understand that don’t understand team sports.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. when all you can do is whip it out of your zone right to the other team…….you might be a redneck. I mean an AHL player.

    I dont care how much experience many of these guys get, they aren’t making varsity next year.

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  18. I hate to say it Ollga, but the hometown Avs will be fighting hard tonight. Eric Johnson is back after over a month too.

    That should be a fun game.

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  31. Turnovers even without a forecheck, sudden fall of untouched players, puck, lost like a black cat in a dark room, stink of panic under pressure – some of discouraging characteristics of Rangers’ playing in own zone.

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  36. not before the tank job is complete.

    It is hard for me to complain about the coaching right now. AV did bitch them out and get a small response. I dont expect much more from this lineup.

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  39. They are definitely outclassed tonight. But good for them for getting some “good looks” on Bob. If they bury one they might just hang around long enough to get one of those dreaded bonus points.

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Don’t bark on our guys – this tentative team doesn’t have any structure, so, no wonder that bunch of unguided individuals couldn’t show anything remotely promising. Or could they?

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  60. i really have no idea how namestnikov is playing. I haven’t really noticed him or paid attention.

    That’s why I asked.

    If he makes it till next year, I will pay closer attention. I am sure he doesn’t suck. He probably need better linemates. don’t we all.

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  61. Cynically, Zuc was clipped – no call, Namestnikov was held and interfered, – no call. Not like it matters, but…NHL – “YOU NEVER KNOW”.

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  80. Jackets have been interfering a lot. Certain Rangers not moving their feet enough, but there should have been a few penalties called before that one.

    I think Hayes is back next year. Wish he played with more of an edge.

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  85. Everyone wants Hayesux to be a bruiser–not sure why, he’s never been that player, has always been skill and read. It’s like suggesting McLeod should pass better.

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  91. Roasting Hank is kinda funny because once again he is doing everything he can to keep them in this game. Columbus is a good team in their offensive zone and they are skating circles around the Rangers. They are probably going to lose but Hank’s puckhandling (or lack thereof) will be low on the list of reasons why.

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  95. FWIW- I’m not a Hayesux guy.

    He’s got 34 playoff games. 2 goals. 8 assists.

    In the last 2 years he’s played 15 playoff games. 0 goals. 3 assists.

    I still think he’s probably the most important RFA forward to resign.

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  102. It seems to me we don’t have the best goalie tonight in net…and I don’t mean compare to Bobrovsky. rather some Bulgaria born Russian kid

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  159. I have to admit that watching these meaningless games with zero “clench” is somewhat enjoyable. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of it but for now it’s ‘aight

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  164. Agree with Sittoo about their inability to defend in their own zone and particularly the front of their net.

    It’s the difference between wins and losses. Fireable offense for a coach.

    Liked by 1 person

  168. It’s a terrible defensive system that Henrik covered up for the longest time dating all the way back to their cup run…. but, he’s no longer in his prime, and AV’s flawed garbage system is on full display these days.

    Liked by 1 person

  176. Hank said in postgame he hurt his ankle, back, and neck. Stayed in because he didn’t want Georgi to come in so cold and be in a “bad spot.” Said he’s very banged up and will have to take it day by day. My guess is this will be the opportunity they need to shut him down for the rest of the way or at least most of it. Especially true if Pavs is able to play. Hello Georgi Boy…

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  186. They seem to be able to score, but, the D zone coverage is awful. Much of the problem is the forwards not picking people up. They haven’t given up less than 3 in a while. BTW I haven’t noticed O’Gara much lately, which is a good thing.

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  195. San Jose putting the beat down on the Devils. 5-1 in the 2nd. Schneider pulled. Thinking more and more that Florida is going to nab that spot.

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  197. The D-zone coverage on 3 of those goals was awful, so many of our players watching the puck and taking no notice of the other team who are smart enough to use that and find the gaps. I forget which goal it was but the one where 2 of our guys are behind the net, the other 2 are around the net and one in the high slot, all puck watching – one pass from behind the net into the space, one shot to an open man and goal. Too easy.

    Liked by 1 person

  199. The sensitive one with another strong 20 minutes last night. if they really want to tank, they need to play the sensitive one even more. His effort last night was hideous.

    Liked by 1 person

  201. I’m watching the full replay now – saw the extended highlights earlier when i woke up.

    There may be some observations to follow…..

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  202. hindsight on Eric Staal 20- 20 ….good for him but he was banged up and did nothing to warrant re-signing when here. cant wait for the McD and JT comments next

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  203. End of 2nd: Day-ar-nais totally pulling out of a hit, falls over, trips guy instead, gets up, misses his shot. Get him out of there and put Andersson in please!!

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  204. Any confirmation yet on Andersen playing Thursday? He could come up and play for the Pack over the weekend too. With regard to the deterrent protecting him against the Flyers, if Gudas or anyone else goes after him there should be a full team response. No need to sub the job out to the designated first responder. This season is done and there is no impact to getting tossed out except maybe improving the draft position. They should be learning to stick up for one another and not leave it to someone else. Maybe it’s time to develop some snarl and stop always turning the other check.

    Liked by 1 person

  208. LOts of articles saying they CAN bring Andersson up for Thursday vs Phylers, but nothing saying they WILL.
    As BDL says if they bring them up together, its next week against the Cr8pitals

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