I have been wondering about this ever since becoming comfortable with and recognizing the value of advanced statistics. I certainly realize the value of playing tough minutes, and controlling possession is certainly important. At the same time there is also an obvious value to scoring or setting up goals, and I try to be cognizant of making sure that is not discounted either when looking at advanced metrics.

With that in mind, I have always been wondering how much someone that puts up great production, yet is pretty bad possession-wise, is really worth. I realize you value someone of this nature less than the mainstream media does, but I also am aware that you still see the value in such players.

If you were a GM how much would you pay for someone like Ilya Kovalchuk (not the newer version that has dropped off in scoring too, but the version that was a world class point producer), or someone like Marian Gaborik (looking at this years version fantastic production, but high zone starts and still dominated possession-wise), or a Phil Kessel? Does Phil Kessel provide value for his contract? Does Marian Gaborik?

Would love thoughts and feedback.

Predicting what a 2011 Canada team would look like and what a Canada B would look like, and then in the comments a comparison of Canada B to Team USA.

 

Canada 2011 Olympic Team

Forwards:

Nash - Crosby - Iginla

Giroux - Stamkos - Staal

Perry - Getzlaf - Toews

St Louis - Mike Richards - Bergeron

 

Defense:

Keith - Seabrook

Weber - Doughty

Mike Green - Pronger

 

Goalies:

Luongo

Fleury

 

 

Canda B

Forwards:

Patrick Sharp - Brad Richards - Jeff Carter

Lucic - Taveras - Lecavlier

Marleau - Thornton - Heatley

Morrow - Jordan Staal - Ryan Clowe

Left off: Matt Duchene, Taylor Hall, Shane Doan, Nathan Horton, Chris Stewart, Danny Briere, 

 

Defense:

Boyle - Tyler Myers

Brett Burns - Marc Staal

Kevin Bieksa - Kris Letang

Left off: Robyn Regher, Dion Phaneuf, Alex Pietrangelo, PK Subban, Dan Hamhuis

 

Goalies:

Marty Brodeur

Cam Ward

 

Thoughts guys? On the picks and the comparison to Team USA?  

Unlike my previous fan post, born out of some mild anger, this one is out of pure fun, and is meant to piggyback on Red Army Line's post.

 

Predictions for a 2011 U.S. Olympic Team (yes, I'm aware its not held this year, a theoretical situation), and a 2014 one (when its actually held).

 

2011:

Forwards: 

Parise - Stastny - Patrick Kane

Kessel - Kesler - Bobby Ryan

Ryan Malone - Pavelski - Dustin Brown

Van Riemsdyk - David Backes - Ryan Callahan

potential extras: Dubinsky, David Booth, Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez, T.J. Oshie, and I'm sure I'm missing a couple

 

Defensemen:

Byfuglien - Suter

Yandle - James Wisniewski

Carlson - Erik Johnson

potential extras: Paul Martin, Jack Johnson, Brooks Orpik, Ryan Whitney

note: did not consider handedness when putting together d-pairs

 

Goalies:

Tim Thomas

Ryan Miller

Johnathon Quick

 

 

2014 U.S. Olympic Team:

Forwards:

Parise - Stastny - Kane

Van Riemsdyk - Kesler - Ryan

Kessel - Pavelski - Okposo

Dustin Brown - Backes - Callahan

extras: Dubi, Oshie, David Booth, Derek Stepan

 

Defense:

Carlson - Suter

Yandle - Erik Johnson

Dustin Byfuglien - Cam Fowler

extras: Jack Johnson, Zach Bogosian, Alex Goligoski, Ryan Mcdonagh, James Wisniewski, Paul Martin, Ryan Whitney

 

Goalies:

Corey Schneider

Ryan Miller

Johnathon Quick

extra: Jimmy Howard

note: goalies were near impossible due to the extremely fluctuating nature of the position, for all i know any of those four as well as potentially some other american will be the starting goalie in 2014, but as of now Schneider is my best guess

 

Thoughts?  Love to hear some commentary on this.  Maybe I will even do a similar exercise for Canada in the near future.

One thing I have noticed in my time following blueshirt banter is that a huge part of the community, taking after their leader Joe, are major culprits of confirmation bias, and even more prominently, selective exposure.  This is true first and foremost in regards to our prospects, and system as a whole.  No one wants to see any opinion of a prospect or the system in general that doesn't mesh with their own preconceived thoughts (hopes?).  This is convenient as by definition these guys have not truly succeeded or failed yet, so among the crowd every successful game means Gordie is a genius, while every misstep is accompanied by the "he's just (fill in age)."  This was extremely clear in regard to Mr. Grachev, he of the meteoric rise to "top prospect" status, followed by the steady fall into near irrelevancy.  This path was filled by many trying to discount his failures and insist that trading him "would be insanity."  "Just imagine how good he will be in a couple years....." was the common refrain.  

While he may be the most evident example it is far from the only one.  Every "In Gordie We Trust" I see I am forced to laugh at.  Chris Kreider may be a great pick, or he can be yet another first round bust.  At this point that is unknown.  Christian Thomas looks like a worthwhile gamble, but he still has barriers in the way of any NHL success.  Dylan Mcllrath is hardly proof as genius as he is still a project and clearly in hindsight the better pick would have been Cam Fowler.  And of course never a mention of all the failures.

 

Long story short, this post was prompted by me seeing an alternative and slightly more critical view of the Rangers farm system, and coming to blueshirt banter to see some discussion on it only to see it not mentioned.  Nowhere.  Every other obscure prospect ranking that ever is fond of a ranger prospect always seems to be noted, but Corey Pronman of Hockey Prospectus' top 10 list with explanations and overviews does not make its way onto the site.

Regardless, here is a link:  http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1038

 

Thoughts, everyone?

And I apologize for the excessive ranting above.

With the Seahawks now officially out of the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes it is looking more and more like it is gonna be slim pickings for the eagles.  As of right now here is the way I see it:

 

The Contender:  Arizona Cardinals

 

Other Teams That May Still Be Looking For A Long Term QB:  Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins

 

The Darkhorse:  Cleveland Browns

 

Analysis:  

Skins: I find it extremely hard to believe the Redskins would now trade for Kolb a year after their failed Mcnabb experiment.  Additionally I would be stunned if Reid traded Kolb in division

Bills:  Still looking for a long term answer at QB, but my guess is they will be extremely loathe to give up draft picks at this point, and as of now they appear to be the frontrunners in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  Hard to believe they would trade for Kolb at this point.

Dolphins: Have Chad Henne, who seems like a satisfactory option at this point, but just do not appear to be real Kolb fans.  Also would be a big shift from the strong armed henne to the rhythm-based kolb.  Additionally the Brandon Marshall trade has stripped them of their 2nd round pick for next year already so hard to see them giving away their first as well when they dont really know how much of an upgrade kolb would really be

Browns:  Mccoy seems on the right track to becoming a good QB in this league, and the Browns seem pretty content with him not even dabbling in any other QB talk this offseason.  Additionally they appear to place high value on draft picks.  The intrigue comes from the Heckert connection, and Holmgren has always appeared to be intrigued by Kolb as well.

 

Conclusion:  At this point it truly looks like the Eagles only true option here is Arizona, while Arizona can choose between Hassleback, Bulger, Orton, and Kolb.  It looks like the leverage has begun to shift away from the Eagles.  May the Eagles actually keep Kolb another year?  That would likely mean they would lose him for nothing next offseason, as he is more than likely not worth anything near the close to 20m franchise number for QB's...

 

Thoughts?

First off, is anyone a little bitter that the Flyers are gonna be able to sign Bryzgalov for a cap hit likely at least 1m less than Lundqvist?  I mean, I love Hank as much as the next guy, and there is no one I would rather in net for the Rangers, but looking at this objectively Bryz is at Hank's level, and one can easily make a case he is superior.  The fact that the Rangers draft and develop Hank, and sign him before he ever hits the open market, while the Flyers can just sign Bryz in his prime off the open market for significantly less money is a bit bothersome.  Its upsetting when a player does all he is ever asked to do, is everything anyone ever wanted, is the teams best player and home grown, and yet his contract is still not really an asset.  Remember though, this is nothing against Hank, more of an indictment on Sather if anything.

 

In regards to the summer cap, are two way contracts counted, not counted, or is it determined on a case by case basis? If Redden and Dru are both counted it still may not be a huge problem if MZA's 1.75, Erixon's 1.75, and Mcdonagh's 1.3 are all not counted.  

 

Additionally, I think the Drury news may be good news for the NYR, as much as im sure it is demoralizing for Drury, but that comes with a few caveats.  First, the good news would be if the NYR can just throw him on LTIR for the season, spend his cap dollars, and have the contract off the books for next season.  That would save the dead space that the buyout would have forced onto next years cap, which could be concerning if a new CBA means a lower cap ceiling.  One significant problem that could arise is what happens if by January or February Drury gets his knee healthy enough to play?  They would owe it to the captain to allow him that opportunity, besides the fact that he would have the right to grieve it if they stashed him there for months after being medically cleared anyway.  Additionally it would hurt their reputation significantly to other players around the league and potential targets.  But in that scenario, if they use up Drurys cap space while he is on LTIR, what would happen when they would activate him?  They wouldnt be able to fit him in.  So maybe they wont actually be able to use the freed up LTIR space anyway?  Just some thoughts to ponder.

 

One last question.  Anyone know when the official salary cap for next year is released?  And when the NHLPA votes on whether or not to exercise the 5% escalator?

 

Anyway guys, thoughts?

Anyone simply dismissing the disappointment as simple fan overreaction, this is for you.  First off, you are being extremely over simplistic in simply dismissing this. I love dubinsky, and hope the rangers are able to work out a fair long term deal with him and keep him in a ranger uniform for a long time to come. But the reality is he is worth nowhere near 4.5m per. This year after a scorching start he disappointed the rest of the year and ended the year with only 20 non empty net goals in 77 games.  It was supposed to be a breakout year, but he got more playing time this year, played with top teammates, and had 20 goals anyway last year in significantly less games.  Its disappointing when you look around and see all these home grown RFA’s taking big discounts, while dubi, who is absolutely adored in NY, and who seems to have a great relationship with the coach and organization, keeps trying to max out. Look at giroux in Philly signing for what, like 3.2 mil? Okposo signed for what, 5 years 15 mil? 5 year 14 mil? Its disappointing that it looks like dubi is trying to max out again and may in the process end up getting more than hes worth, or be forced to be traded.

 

I hope keeping Dubinsky is a reasonable option.  I want him locked up.  I want him to be a Ranger.  I just want a fair deal.

Poll

How do you feel about the Dubi news?

31%

Disappointed

19 votes

68%

No big deal. Stop overreacting.

41 votes

60 votes | Poll has closed

Not sure where that whole rumor came from but its completely false.  The shootout has helped them tons all year, especially for something that has almost no correlation to the actual game of hockey.  Had there been no shootouts, instead ties after OT, the Rangers would be even further behind Carolina.  The shootout has won them many points this year, and has been extremely beneficial to them.  The Rangers were screwed over by not winning enough games without the skills competition, not screwed over by the skills competition.

 

For the record, I like the new tiebreaker, and think it makes sense to minimize the value of the shootout.

I came across an interesting article on prohockeytalk.com written by James O'Brien http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/29/the-dustin-byfuglien-experiment-is-working-well-so-far-for-the-atlanta-thrashers/

 

Heres is a little blurb: "Whether you judge him as a defenseman with a hellacious slapper or a gigantic winger whose big body can block the vision of even the largest goalies, he’s been outstanding in 2010-11. Byfuglien scored four goals and five assists for nine points in 10 games this season"

 

Just wanted to post this after our animated discussions this offseason after the trade when i was convinced it's possible that a player can brake out and something can click for that player, while confidence also plays a major role.  You decided the stats in the past must also represent the future stats.  Of course the season has just begun, but considering you didnt think he had a shot at 40 points i thought his hot start might be of interest ---- and remember, hes doing this from defense, i was assuming hed be a forward....

Why does everyone get so damn defensive whenever discussing Grachev?
No one said grachev was a bust but he certainly has not been what he was built up to be.  I know he is only 20, but i remember last training camp some said keep him in the NHL while others said let him "dominate" with Hartford.  Pretty sure we all expected better.  Also, as Ranger fans in a supposed rebuilding year why wouldnt we be analyzing our prospects performances?  Look, clearly he can definitely still succeed in the NHL but regardless, thus far, he has definitely been a dissapointment.  Joe, Jim, and many others love to minimize it, but performance is important, and since signing with the Rangers he clearly has not performed up to expectations.

 

Thoughts?

Just read the article over at from the rink, where they predict us last in the atlantic.  Included in the preview is a blurb by Joe talking about how Marty Biron is undoubtedly the Rangers biggest upgrade of the offseason.  Seriously?  Cmon now.  Did you see his stats last year?  Do you realize the minimal difference in talent level and thus production between two nhl caliber backup goalies over the small sample size of 15 to 20 games?  Assuming 25 shots over 20 games (i doubt biron even plays that many) and assuming biron will have a fantastic year, with a save percentage .5% higher than the average NHL caliber backup.  That alone is a stretch considering biron can easily be just average, or even worse than the average backup, especially if last year is any indicator.  But even assuming this, they would only be saving 2-3 goals over this stretch.  In other words prorated over about 80 games it would save about .03 goals a game.  .03!  That would mean you would need close to 40 games for that one goal to be realized.  

If he is our biggest upgrade, we are in bigggg trouble, and have not done nearly enough this offseason.  Not even close.

Disclaimer:  All math done quickly in my head so errors could be made, and there was obviously some estimating, but i think it should be pretty accurate

Poll

Am I right, or am I out of my mind?

58%

You are correct, Joe is crazy

54 votes

41%

You are crazy

38 votes

92 votes | Poll has closed

OFFENSE: (24)

QB:  Manning, Sorgi (Plenty of developmental Qb's available such as Leinart, Clemens, etc. so i bet we could sneak Bomar to practice squad) (2)

RB:  HB - Jacobs, Bradshaw, Brown (3)

FB - Hedgecock (1)

TE:  Boss, Pascoe, Beckum (3)

WR:  Smith, Nicks, Manningham, Barden, Hagan, Cruz (6)

OLine: 

LT - Diehl

LG - Seubert 

C - O'hara

RG - Snee

RT - McKenzie

Reserves - Beatty, Petrus, Andrews, Koets (quick question -- Is Boothe on IR? I know he had a long term injury, not sure if they IR'd him or not)

Total - (9)

DEFENSE (25):

DLine: 

DE - Tuck, Osi, Kiwi, Tollefson, JPP

DT - Cofield, Canty, Bernard, Joseph, Alford 

Total - (10)

LB: Bulluck, Goff, Boley, Sintim, Dillard, Blackburn, Kehl

Total - (7)

DB: Webster, Thomas, Ross, Phillips, Rolle, Grant, B. Johnson, M. Johnson 

Total - (8)

SPECIAL TEAMS (3):

K: Tynes (1)

P: Dodge (1)

LS: DeOssie (1)

Potential Battles: Busing Vs. Michael Johnson Kehl Vs. Wilkinson Whimper Vs. Koets Ware Vs. Andre Brown Sorgi Vs. Bomar Cruz Vs. Tim Brown Vs. Moss (at this point doubt Moss makes it though)

Note:  This is only 52 players.  The last spot will either be a veteran CB, a third QB, or a fourth RB. If I had to guess I would say the last spot goes to Bomar ahead of Ware, but I do believe Bomar does not have a spot secured and could likely be snuck through to practice squad. Also I am guessing Dodge ends up on the practice squad and they pick up a veteran punter, but since I obviously can not tell you which one at this point I left Dodge.  Lastly, still not sure who is gonna return for this team, especially punts with Ross hurt and Barden hurt meaning Manningham is too important on offense, so someone could potentially be picked up for that

One thing i have been noticing is that many people think the rangers will be better next year thanks to improvements from some young players, but in reality i think the opposite. I would be surprised if we were not worse last year, while the rest of the east will likely trand upwords as the east as a whole was horrendous last year. What people arent thinking about is that it is extremely likely that prospal regresses next year, people dont realize how great he was the first half of the year, and the chances we get the same years out of gaborik and lundqvist are not guarenteed. To count on a similar gabby prospal and lundqvist may be a bit misguided. Also, the Rangers as a whole got extremely lucky injury-wise last year, and Sather would be foolish to count on that luck repeating itself next year. Optimism is good from the fans, but I would love if we saw a little more realism from the GM, after all it is his job to objectively evaluate his team, and create a competitive team, and for years he has done a horrendous job of it.

 

Thoughts?

Question----Rangers fan here. Do Devils normally spend to the salary cap ceiling? They seem like they might be prepared to this year, especially if they keep Martin or Kovy, and I never thought they could afford to money-wise. Just curious, how much have they spend it past years? Middle between the salary cap ceiling and the salary cap floor? Closer to the floor? Closer to the ceiling?

Just trying to figure out where certain teams stand at this point, and what chances the Devils actually have of retaining Ilya.  Thanks for the insight.

will keep this short and sweet.  The drafting of Dylan Mcllrath was proof that Sather recognizes the need for a shutdown, physical, clear the crease type, stay at home defensemen.  Obviously Mcllrath is not gonna contribute immediately, so for the short term sign Willie Mitchell to a 2 year deal worth 3.5 mil (1.75 per).  This would be a perfect use of the new found money Sather will have after demoting Redden, and is much better use of the money that using it on a big name for a long term deal.  Personally I say also sign one of Tanguy/Prospal/Demitra, but that is besides the point, onto Mitchell.  He was a first pairing defensemen for Van before a concussion ended his season, but that could make him a bargain this offseason.  Vancouver probably won't keep him after trading for Ballard from FLA, so he should make it to free agency.  He would fill a need, and Ranger fans would love the way he plays.  He should be cheap and could be a steal.  I have heard Wash may be interested, but the concussion will likely keep the price low regardless.  I would also love if Rozy could be dealt, as i think he could, to a team that loses out on a free agent defensemen, in fact i even think Lou may be interested for NJ, along with maybe Ottawa, and maybe Phoenix (cap hit wont bother them, and they have a need if they lose Michalek).  Our Defense could look like this with Mitchell:

 

Staal-Girardi

Mitchell-MDZ

Gilroy-Mcdonagh

extra:Potter or Sauer

If Rozy is not dealt I am also still content with our D as i would just have Mcdonagh start the year in Hartford (if we get him signed) and go with:

Staal-Girardi

Mitchell-Rozy

MDZ-Gilroy

 

In reality the lines are not too important anyway, as we know they change by the period, but i included them anyway for the sake of simplicity

Poll

What do you think?

42%

Great idea

30 votes

31%

Stay away from concussions

22 votes

25%

Bad idea

18 votes

70 votes | Poll has closed

Im sorry, but I just couldn't be convinced because of a few games during the World Juniors.  I couldn't jump on board just because everyone else on this site wanted him.  I needed something more.  Over the past few days I have been doing my research, and I have finally come away convinced.  Not only do I want Nino Niederreiter, but I think the Rangers need Nino.  Get him.  Do what you have to do.  First off, when I heard what Jess said about him that was huge for me, because I believe in that "it" factor.  I have been longing for it.  I know exactly what he is talking about, and that had me excited and coming around a bit.  Now after further research, highlighted here

http://thehockeywriters.com/2010-nhl-entry-draft-prospect-nino-niederreiter/

I am completely convinced.  I love the fact he is so well rounded, has that "it factor, is so clutch and steps up at the most important times, and brings so much to the table.  he will be a stud.  he might not be as NHL ready as Hall, but when he is ready I believe he will be a star.  

 

Bring Nino to MSG

What would you think of trading Redden for Brian Campbell?

Blackhawks can send Redden down (they have tonnnnnns of revenue), and they would only owe him 23m over the rest of the contract compared to much more for Campbell. Then their salary cap problems don't look like big problems anymore....

We lose some money, but if Sather won't send Redden down, then Campbell is a big upgrade as a very good offensive D man. He is the third D man on a great defensive team, we could plug him next to Staal and it would be a great combo.

Of course Campbell is overpaid, but then you look at Reddens contract and long for Campbell's. Maybe Redden and Sauer/Potter (neither looks like they have a future with us) for Campbell could work. Maybe we wouldnt even have to add in Sauer/Potter.   Maybe a little more, but I would still be fine with it

What do you guys think?

Henrik Lundqvist has a higher yearly cap hit than any other goalie in the NHL

As this playoffs shows all NHL goalies are truly fantastic and the difference between them is not quite as large as one may think

Look around the league.  Michael Leighton carried Phily to the stanley cup, Antti Niemi was amazing for Chicago, Brian Boucher carried the Flyers through the first stretch of the playoffs and past the Devils, Craig Anderson carried Colorado this year, the same for Ilya Bryzgalov in Phoenix, Jimmy Howard was fantastic for Detroit, the Devils didnt miss a beat last year when Brodour went down, Jonathon Quick was great in LA, Halak was unstoppable for Montreal, and the list goes on.  

What all of those players have in common is they cost nowhere near 6.5 million dollars per, in fact I would assume every single goalie on this list cost then than 2.5 per.  

The question is, is it worth it to invest that much money in the goalie position?  Can any goalie be worth 6.5m per year?  And how valuable is he at that price?

Unlike Drury and Redden, Hank is a big contract that is actually movable, and could actually fetch a good return.  Is it worth it to explore a trade?

Just throwing it out there

Forwards:

Dubi-Demitra-Gaborik

Versteeg-AA-Cally

Avery-Drury-MZA

Prust-Boyle-Shelley

extras: Voros, (possibly Parentau depending on if Torts wants one or two extra forwards)

 

Defense

Staal-Girardi

MDZ-Rozy

Gilroy-Heikkenen

extra: Potter or Sauer

 

Goalies

Henrik

Auld

 

Tender Lisin an offer, he may go back to Russia but if he doesnt then I have no problem using him as trade bait. Remember, its not like he will cost a ton of money

Sign Demitra, one year around 1-1.5m, doesnt hurt to take a flier on a bounceback year from a proven veteran. Vinny will cost more. Demitra may also want to play with Gabby.

Demote Redden, guarentee Heik a spot. Something tells me we shouldnt be letting this kid leave for nothing. Hes not being a prima donna by asking for a spot, he deserves it and he has other potentially lucrative options in Europe. I think this kid will be a physical defensemen that will add offense.

Trade Sangs, EC and a pick for Versteeg.  Can add Boyle too if Lisin returns and is not traded.  EC will have value as a cheap top 6 player, as the Blackhawks are gonna need to trade some of their own top 6 this summer to deal with their salary cap hell. 

Also, sign Staal long term, tender Girardi and Prust, resign Shelley

 

Thoughts?

I am honestly really confused by all the talk lately about how no Ranger defensemen can manage to play in Tortorella's system.  All I hear around here is how "Potter is a solid defensemen and NHL ready, but just doesnt fit in Torterella's system," or "Sauer can help teams a lot, but he just doesnt fit in here in Torts system," and now I am even hearing the same thing about Sanguinetti.  I really don't get it.  The Rangers currently have all different types of defensemen that have managed to fit in, Staal the physical defensively responsible, Gilroy the speedy offensive potential and work in progress defensively, Girardi the big but not physical, but good positioned defensemen, Del Zotto with the great vision and good physicality that needs help  positionally, I see all these players that have fit in fine so to speak and wonder why everyone is saying these players dont fit in Torts system.  Someone enlighten me cause i am very confused.  What is a "Tortorella defensemen"?

The amazingness of Alex Ovechkin was on display once again this postseason.

 

Everyone talks about how much firepower the Caps have, but in reality Ovech just makes everyone else look soo much better. Semin completely disappeared, Backstrom was nowhere to be found these past four games, Mike Green was horrendous all series, and Ovechkin still almost wills his team to victory. The end to end rushes were absurd, and the desire Ovechkin has to win is a welcome sight. He must have been on the ice the last 4 mins of the game, anyone who has played hockey knows how absurd that is. Did you see the Habs defensemen (gorges and gill) and how exhausted they were after a one minute shift? As good as Ovechkin is, I actually believe he is underrated. Everyone will pin this series on him, but that is completely absurd. He was able to hide the complete lack of a decent defensive defense-men and he was so good during the regular season that he could make Jose Theodore good. Of course its not all him, the rest of the team contributes, but I think he is responsible for a lot more than people give him credit for. He did all he could tonight, the refs called off his goal to start the third, not to mention on an end to end rush when he beat Halak the puck crawls right by the post. Everyone will bash Ovechkin, but to me he only reconfirmed his greatness.

 

He is a winner that just hasn't had the good fortune of winning.

Poll

Do you agree?

67%

Yes, Ovechkin did all he could

38 votes

32%

No, Ovechkin is the leader, and this loss falls on his shoulders

18 votes

56 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

written in response to the post explaining that the Rangers should say no to Jaromir:

We all want to rebuild, but I would love to do it while still staying competitive in the process. We could go young, and maybe also remain competitive. In fact with Jagr we would actually be greatly improved while allowing our young studs to get more experience

Also should Sather smarten up and send Redden to Hartford, we suddenly have a lot of cap space. Now, we all dont want to spend this money just to spend it, and get ourselves stuck in more hindering long term commitments. Instead lets sign Jagr for one year at Redden's 6.5 and there is no long term risk, and he does not hinder the youth movement. No prospects are getting traded, and to be honest Grachev needs another year in Hartford anyway and Stepan probably wont come out. Now this would only happen should we fail to land a Pavelski type RFA, and Jagr is willing to play for a discount (on his standards) because he loves NY. This is far preferable to paying Plekanec a similar salary over 7 years off of one breakout season. Maybe Dubi can even be revitalized playing with Jagr again. In this scenario our lines would look like this: note: I am assuming Rangers sign either Prospal or Demitra, as both of them could be had cheap and on one year deals. They would be low risk high upside signings. For this I will just assume Demitra. Line 1A: Demitra-Christiansen-Gabby Line 2A: Avery-Dubi-Jagr (Jagr's lines were always great on the forecheck so Avery fits in well) Line 3: Drury-Anisimov-Cally (Drury and Cally are a better version of Prust and Shelley. Should be a fantastic forechecking line and all three have goal scoring potential) Line 4: Prust-Boyle-Shelley (Hopefully Boyle can step in for Anisimov without that line missing a beat) extras: options are Voros, PA, and Weisse. The Defense could look something like this: Staal-Girardi Rozy-MDZ Seidenberg-Gilroy

 

Also realize Jagr would give ticket sales a nice boost, justification for burying Reddens contract in the minors.

 

I think this is a very competitive team that could be around the 4th best team in the conference next year behind Wash, Pitt, NJ, and similar to the Bruins) they are bound to improve, and Flyers.  This team could have an outside shot at a cup.

Poll

What do you think?

43%

Agree

32 votes

20%

Disagree

15 votes

35%

No way Jagr comes back

26 votes

73 votes | Poll has closed

So I think at this point it is pretty safe to assume that Sam Bradford will go top 15, and obviously the G men arent taking a first round QB, so with that in mind I decided to try and attempt to predict the top 14 on the Giants draft board.  The Giants are guarenteed to get one of these 14 players

Without further ado:

Suh, Mccoy, Okung, Williams, Berry, Mcclain, Spiller, Haden, Bulaga, Morgan, Pierre-Paul, Dan Williams, Anthony Davis, Witherspoon.

 

If they stay put the Giants will get one of these players.  Clausen is most likely gonna be top 15 too, but to be safe i am looking at the worst possible scenario (that I think is somewhat feasible).

 

Thoughts?

Your top 14 predictions? Hopes?

FUCK

 

this from the Denver post

 

Josh McDaniels said all the things coaches have to say at their NFL-mandated pre-draft news conferences — love every player, would take one at any position, willing to trade up or down — but he also said some things he didn't have to say.

Whether these things are to be believed is another question. All coaches throw out at least a little pre-draft misdirection, and we don't have a lot of experience separating McDaniels' direction from his misdirection.

That said, none of it dissuaded me from thinking the obvious course is also the right one: If he's there, the Broncos should draft Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain with the 11th pick of the first round. If he's not, they should trade down a few spots and take Florida center Maurkice Pouncey.

As to whether McClain will be there, your guess is as good as mine. Jacksonville, picking just ahead of the Broncos at No. 10, could take him just as easily — or possibly ask for something from the Broncos to flop picks and take somebody else.

But if McClain is gone when Roger Goodell puts the Broncos on the clock, it will be time to slide back a bit, which they've already gotten inquiries about doing. There, they could make Pouncey the 6-foot-5, 305-pound anchor of the bigger, stronger offensive line McDaniels covets.

There are other possibilities at No. 11, of course. There's Dez Bryant, the Oklahoma State wide receiver who could replace Brandon Marshall. There's Dan Williams, the Tennessee defensive tackle who might — and I emphasize might — star on the defensive line.

And there are other possibilities if they move back, including Idaho offensive lineman Mike Iupati and Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Not to mention Tim Tebow, whose fans may still be hanging out in the parking lot at Dove Valley, I'm not sure.

Still, centers worth first- round draft picks don't come along every year, and Pouncey has come along in a year when the Broncos happen to need one. If McClain is gone, Pouncey becomes their best consolation prize.

But McClain is the guy they need most. Not since Al Wilson have the Broncos had a fire-breathing leader in the middle of their defense. They've already opened the spot by releasing Andra Davis, who started beside D.J. Williams at inside linebacker last season. McDaniels has worked with Alabama coach Nick Saban and knows how much responsibility McClain was given to run a defense of pro-style complexity.

It is as if McClain were built to the specifications McDan- iels keeps talking about — smart, tough, fast, strong. If the Broncos want to stop getting manhandled, a 6-4, 258- pound inside linebacker is an excellent place to start.

"I'm not sure I've met a young man as intelligent relative to the game of football (as) Rolando McClain," McDaniels said. "He's obviously been well-coached, but even if you're coached well, it takes another side to get to where he's at. He's obviously done a lot of listening, studying and understands the game at a level where most kids that come in as rookies will never be at."

McDaniels also said nice things about lots of other players, of course, including Bryant, whom the Broncos had in for a visit Wednesday, the same day as McClain. Still, plugging Bryant into the Broncos' draft slot because he's a logical replacement for Marshall assumes McDaniels is looking to recreate last season's status quo. He's not. He's looking to beef up the foundation of his team.

The other realistic possibility at No. 11, assuming McClain is gone, is Williams. The Broncos have signed three veteran defensive linemen in free agency, but McDaniels said that wouldn't stop him from drafting a difference-maker there.

He also pointed out that Williams had only one year of big-time production at Tennessee, after Monte Kiffin arrived to coach the defense last season. Linebacker Robert Ayers, whom McDaniels drafted at No. 18 last year, also played at Tennessee and also had only one year of first-round production. Ayers' rookie season was a disappointment. So I'm guessing McDaniels doesn't go to that particular well again this year.

Both the Broncos' needs and McDaniels' frustrations about them were pretty obvious during last year's second-half slide. They couldn't run the ball, and they couldn't stop the run. In football, it doesn't get more basic than that.

McClain helps with the latter, Pouncey with the former. They both fill not merely needs, but vacancies. The Broncos should come away from the draft's first night with one or the other.

 

 

Seems to make a pretty convincing case.  Not looking good.  Worth it to trade up to number 10?

Poll

What Should G-men Do if Denver indeed plans on drafting Mcclain should he fall to them?

17%

Trade 1st and 2nd round picks to Jax for the 10th overall pick and right to draft Mcclain

16 votes

73%

Stay home and pick Spiller or if hes gone best available DL or Witherspoon

66 votes

8%

IF Spiller is still available when JAX is picking try to make sure they get him by trading up a few spots where the price is cheaper

8 votes

90 votes | Poll has closed

Just read this from Pierre Lebrun on espn.com

 

A goalie in the mix for the Vezina and Hart trophies, a defenseman who is the odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy, a team offense that was top 10 in the NHL this season and a goals-against average that was top five.

I'm not changing my pick; I still like the Caps to come out of the East. But let's give the Sabres a little love here. They have the best goalie in the NHL this season in Ryan Miller, the top rookie and a future Norris Trophy winner in Tyler Myers, a perennial Jack Adams Award candidate in coach Lindy Ruff, a balanced offense that produced the ninth-most goals in the league this season and a defense that gave up the fourth-fewest.

 

 

What's not to like?

 

 

"We've tried to keep an even keel all year long and not let the highs get too high and the lows get too low," said Roy, who led the Sabres with 69 points (26-43) in 80 games. "We've had a consistent season, and we're trying to bring that into the playoffs."

 

 

The offense produced this season despite getting only a 28-goal season from former 40-goal manThomas Vanek and a disappointing 34-point campaign from Drew Stafford (who might miss Game 1 with a concussion). Balance is the key to this offense, Roy said.

 

 

"I'd say we pretty much play all four lines more than any other team in the league," he said. "We roll four lines really well. We get everyone playing and get everyone in the game. That shows how deep we are, and that's going to be important at playoff time. Everybody feels rested and ready to go, and we're going to need a different hero every night. Everyone has to step up."

 

 

 

The Rangers need to build there team the same way and take a similar approach.  Use your stud young defender and stud in his prime goalie and create depth around him.  Play 4 lines, and have everyone contribute.  Thoughts?

 

 

What are the chances that Joe Pavelski is available and the Rangers jump at the oppurtunity?

This was written on prohockeytalk.com when talking about potential free agents for playoff teams:

San Jose

This team is loaded with huge salary cap decisions for the summer (which is part of the reason I, gulp, chose them to win the Cup in the pre-season. Sometimes, greed is good.) Huge names like Evgeni Nabokov and Patrick Marleau are joined by other very good players like Joe Pavelski and Devon Setoguchi. It might not be excessive to say that this playoff run is the biggest in Sharks' franchise history.

 

Joe Pavelski is a very very good and underrated player, and the Sharks may not  be able to afford him this summer.  This is the perfect player for the Rangers.  I would love to have him.  People will say he has not faced number one D pairs, but he has feasted on number two's, and look no further than the olympics where he was a stud for the Americans.  Pavelski is very good defensively and a great all around player.  He would fit in perfectly with their core,  would not be too expensive in terms of salary (hes a restricted free agent), and would keep them away from the barren free agent market.

Do you want the Rangers to get him?

What are the chances they can get him?

And what would it take to do the deal

In a recent anonymous survey given by ESPN.com John Tortorella was voted the coach players would least want to play for.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=315609

 

Also, who saw the Larry Brooks article about how close the Rangers were to getting Stamkos?

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/shaken_not_stirred_T6N63otVVq92kFkpEFVBMI

stunning.  Imagine how much different everything would be right now.  And also think about how absurd it is that the owner was agreeing to trades for the Lightning.  But the Rangers were soooo close.  Stamkos and Gabby? Imagine.

Poll

Where would we be right now if the Rangers had aquired Stamkos for say Girardi Grachev and a 1st round pick?

13%

Stanley Cup Contender

19 votes

48%

Top 4 team but not legit cup contender

70 votes

35%

Same spot we are in now

52 votes

2%

tanking for top 5 pick

4 votes

145 votes | Poll has closed

Just wanted to get some thoughts on this.  The way I see it we currently have one legit first liner under contract in Gabby, two to three legit second liners (depending on anisimov, as cally and dubinsky are definetly legit second liners), and tons of legit third liners that will be possesion of the NYR next year.  Avery and drury are locks, and are perfect third liners.  Christensen and lisin are good third liners and are RFA's, while Boyle could potentially be upgraded to third line next year and prospects such as Parentau and grachev and stepan should be capable of third line next year.  However back to the point, if Anisimov can be counted as second line center next year the Rangers would only have 2 needs in the top 6, however they would both be on the first line.  If they are able to resign prospal and somehow hit the jackpot and are able to land seguin then we would have 6 capable top 6 players right there.  Now, of course that leaves us with a lack of firepower, but its definetly a workable unit with a few smart free agent signings of the prospal type (cheap low risk deals on veterans that could stabilize the roster).  That allows the Rangers to upgrade their horrific defensive unit through free agency.  A puck moving defensemen and a bruiser are desperately needed (I say spend the money on the puck-mover, dont spend too much for too long on a bruiser, puck movers that can play good D are also harder to find)

Poll

Where does Anisimov belong next year?

10%

First-Line center

8 votes

58%

Second-Line center

47 votes

22%

Third-Line center

18 votes

8%

Hes overrated

7 votes

80 votes | Poll has closed