Going forward Drury is stuck with the top four core up front. Trochek, Lafreniere, Panarin, and Zibanejad all going nowhere. The only one moveable is Kreider and his limited trade status. But you need someone back that can score goals, play the pp, and the way the Rangers are built preferably a Right Winger. Then I would whole heartedly agree with Eddie, a Cuylle, Zibanejad, and new guy line. Without Zibanejad spoon feeding 2 on 1 passes to Kreider I think he loses a lot of his effectiveness. And if Drury hasn’t figured out by now Kreiders peripheral power play net front game doesn’t cut it in the playoffs, there is no hope. Think a guy like Brandon Hagle but younger and on the cusp. A guy like Kreider should bring a big return and he’s Drurys only chip. Unless he starts trading Othmann or Perrault.
Bottom six the playoffs should have shown Drury again you need Tanner Jeannots with a bit more scoring, than Brodzynski, Wennberg, Roslovic and even Vesey. You need bite something none of them bring. Vesey a good soldier and probably adequate with his PK ability. which brings us to Kakko and I agree with Drury, try to get him dialed in. A lot of improvement in areas of his game most noticeably some hitting this year. Physical and mental Maturity is no longer an issue next year, so hopefully Laviolettes quotes of unlocking him bear fruit. Goodrow goes nowhere till the other bottom five spots are filled. He is their prototype.
On defence move Trouba and let Gustaffson walk. And as much as Zac Jones impressed you can’t have him on the same team as Fox. Because the other five besides Fox need to be big, strong and mobile. Fox is irreplaceable. I remember similar “he's to small” comments about Leetch in his early years, and they are just stupid. The guy obviously played on one leg most of the playoffs. If this group ever wins a cup he will be front and Center.
Miller and the entire Dcorp needs another Asst. Coach. Housely I’m not so sure is necessary watching the D play. They need a coach to get the five big guys making things a lot more miserable in their end like Florida does. Housely was the exact opposite as a player.
I agree with this 100%. Rangers D needs an overhaul and a coach who will teach/preach that you DO NOT back in to our d-zone and allow opposing players free entry into the zone. They also need to learn to play the man and stop with the incessant stick checking. It is maddening watching them attempting a poke check (or as Vally calls them "a hope check") while the opposing player just skates around them.Miller and the entire Dcorp needs another Asst. Coach. Housely I’m not so sure is necessary watching the D play. They need a coach to get the five big guys making things a lot more miserable in their end like Florida does. Housely was the exact opposite as a player.
Their top 6 didn't exactly light it up either and it's very common in the playoffs to see top 2 lines get cancel out and the series decided by 3rd and 4th line players and goaltending. Rangers need to get tougher on the boards and win more puck battles.
It's a very valid point, games get tighter and the lower end often the difference. Rangers just didn't get much from their bottom six, but it also probably explains a little the success that Trocheck and Lafreniere had, with the Panthers focusing on shutting down Panarin and the top line.
Fox's injury also hampered things, as he basically is the only Ranger defenseman who drives offense
Hypothetical but swap Bennett and Thachuk for Kreider and Wennberg do the Rangers then win? The Rangers it can be argued were the second best team in the NHL. Really a few holes offensively and beef up the bottom two lines and the D.
They would have more scoring chances off the forecheck for sure.Their top 6 didn't exactly light it up either and it's very common in the playoffs to see top 2 lines get cancel out and the series decided by 3rd and 4th line players and goaltending. Rangers need to get tougher on the boards and win more puck battles.
It's a very valid point, games get tighter and the lower end often the difference. Rangers just didn't get much from their bottom six, but it also probably explains a little the success that Trocheck and Lafreniere had, with the Panthers focusing on shutting down Panarin and the top line.
Fox's injury also hampered things, as he basically is the only Ranger defenseman who drives offense
Hypothetical but swap Bennett and Thachuk for Kreider and Wennberg do the Rangers then win? The Rangers it can be argued were the second best team in the NHL. Really a few holes offensively and beef up the bottom two lines and the D.
If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team
I would speculate that the reason behind the Rangers top 2 line offensive production woes is that during the dump and forecheck, the opposing D doesn't fear any of the Ranger forwards ability to deliver big hits... Trocheck does hit but he is not that big and Kreider is big but he doesn't hit...Laf does on occasion but there are no Todd Bertuzzis here. Rangers need grit and size on each line. I would move Laf up to the Zib line and find someone who skates well and can hit (hard) and get pucks. Then the production and increase in dirty goals will come. The only real hitting forwards on the Rangers are Cuylle who plays on the 3rd line, and Rempe who plays in the penalty/press box.
If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team
I would speculate that the reason behind the Rangers top 2 line offensive production woes is that during the dump and forecheck, the opposing D doesn't fear any of the Ranger forwards ability to deliver big hits... Trocheck does hit but he is not that big and Kreider is big but he doesn't hit...Laf does on occasion but there are no Todd Bertuzzis here. Rangers need grit and size on each line. I would move Laf up to the Zib line and find someone who skates well and can hit (hard) and get pucks. Then the production and increase in dirty goals will come.
Agreed. Forsling, Montour and Ekblad shut them down. Having a banger would have softened them up a bit. Cuylle deserved a look on the top line. We have enough finesse players. Pay Shesty and Lindgren what they are worth and fill the rest of the roster with young bangers. Othmann, Edstrom, and Rempe. Roobroeck had some season in the O last year. I hope he gets a look, or is considered for a call up in 2025. Can you imagine a line of Edstrom-Rempe-Roobroeck?
The only real hitting forwards on the Rangers are Cuylle who plays on the 3rd line, and Rempe who plays in the penalty/press box.
🤣
I would take this guy over Lindgren any day... UFA $4m tops
If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team
Rangers had no D to combat the likes of Bennett and Thachuk among others. Size and banging ability is key but they got to be mobile. In a perfect world I’d be replacing Trouba, Gustafsson, and Jones. Fox needs a Beukeboom type to look after his back. Lindgren at the right money down the lineup could still work. Zadorov fits the bill to be on the D. Drury and his staff gets paid to find these guys. To many picks wasted on deadline plugs, with very little to show for it. Those picks would have gone a longs ways towards bringing in core players, but that horse is out of the barn.
I also think if Drury should parley Chytill and his cap hit and a sweetener into a solid physical third line power type Center man that helps the Rangers playoff lineup. You hate to give up on Chytill’s potential but no way he’s top two center on the Rangers, and his health risk might be overlooked by a team thinking he can play top two center. It’s all about the right deal.
Latest Post: 100 year celebration jersey Our newest member: Anarion Recent Posts Unread Posts
