Not really but it would be so amazing if I did. Anyways, moving on.

The other day, I got into a conversation with my freinds about the Pre-lockout NY Rangers, when Cablevision owned the team during the team's "Dark Ages" (1997-2004). We all remembered what happened during that time, right? Lemme remind you...

1. Change in management and contract issues with Mark Messier led him to walk away and sign with the Vancouver Canucks. Rangers miss playoffs and the team's coveted FA signings of Wayne Gretzky and Pat LaFontaine that they glorified during their "not resigning messier" explanation did not exceed to their expectations.

2. Missed drafting Zach Parise and instead selected Hugh Jessiman in 2003 Draft. Plus other failures and choices at the drafts.

3. Rangers trade two players and two draft picks to Tampa Bay for their 1st round pick, Pavel Brendl

4. Rangers trade Marc Savard to Calgary for 1st round pick, selecting Jamie Lundmark

5. Theo Fleury, Eric Lindros, Mike Dunham

6. Fire Sale of 2004!

7. Trading Brian Leetch and not letting him retire as a Ranger

Just to name a few incidents.

Right now I have a time machine for you all. It will take you back to June 8, 1997, the day after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup. You have the opportunity to be GM and prevent this team from doing what the did. What would you do?

For starters, here is their 1997 roster with playoff stats:

Player	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
Wayne Gretzky	15	10	10	20	2
Esa Tikkanen	15	9	3	12	26
Mark Messier	15	3	9	12	6
Luc Robitaille	15	4	7	11	4
Brian Leetch	15	2	8	10	6
Russ Courtnall	15	3	4	7	0
Doug Lidster	15	1	5	6	8
Niklas Sundstrom	9	0	5	5	2
Alexander Karpovtsev	13	1	3	4	20
Adam Graves	15	2	1	3	12
Mike Eastwood	15	1	2	3	22
Ulf Samuelsson	15	0	2	2	30
Jeff Beukeboom	15	0	1	1	34
Bruce Driver	15	0	1	1	2
Bill Berg	3	0	0	0	2
Christian Dube	3	0	0	0	0
Shane Churla	15	0	0	0	20
Eric Cairns	3	0	0	0	0
David Oliver	3	0	0	0	0
Darren Langdon	10	0	0	0	2
Dallas Eakins	4	0	0	0	4
Peter Ferraro	2	0	0	0	0
Patrick Flatley	11	0	0	0	14
Ken Gernander	9	0	0	0	0

Courtesy of Wikipedia, did not want to include players that left the team during the season.

I'll start in the comments.

Hey guys,

A little while ago, I posted an article that I wrote about the CT Whale or another AHL team should relocate to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.  The article was published on BrooklynFans.com.  No i am not bragging, but I want to bring up the idea again and see if we can get some kind of movement going to bring the AHL into Brooklyn.  Click on the link below...

 

http://brooklynfans.com/2011/11/hockey-barclays-center/

 

My explanations are all here...

 

Another idea that I had, which was not posted in this article, was the possibility of building some kind of entertainment complex in Staten Island, minimum 3000 attendance, for an ECHL team and affiliation with the NY Rangers.  I think it will work b/c of the popularity of hockey in the area.  Maybe the arena can be attached or near the Staten Island Mall.  just a thought.  Anyone from SI here, please give your thoughts.

 

Please comment, add your thoughts, etc.

Poll

Should the AHL relocate a team to Brooklyn?

60%

Yes

52 votes

18%

No

16 votes

20%

Who cares

18 votes

86 votes | Poll has closed

The other day my friend and I were talking about the 2012 NHL Winter Classic and the Pinstripe Bowl.  We would love to have the Winter Classic at Yankees Stadium, but we still don't get the point of the Pinstripe Bowl.  Don't get me wrong, it's a cool idea, but in the area we live in, and the fact that we are the Yankees organization, we could do so much better.  

During our conversation, I came up with an idea on how we can get the House that Jeter Built alive and kicking after the playoffs.  Some people liked it, others did not.  Here is what I came up with...

 

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Football: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Penn State Nittiany Lions with a concert to kick it off.

One Day Concert only (suggested bands and openings) 

1- Foo Fighters with Rise Against and Social Distortion (all been on tour together, will draw a packed house)

2- Linkin Park with Pendulum, Three Days Grace, and Evanescence (similar in music, according to artistdirect.com.  For those who have never heard of Pendulum, here's the link to get their music- http://www.youtube.com/artist?a=GxdCwVVULXestPHuoJnKfRrFEmMjpblT&feature=artistob) Saw them live, they were awesome!

3- Bring back the Big 4 Concert with Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeath

4- Paul McCartney and Ringo Star and the All-Star Band

The concert will be on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the game on the Friday after.

In our area, when it comes to college football, everyone is devoted to either Notre Dame or Penn State.  At my college, since we don't have a football team, those who do follow college sports are devoted to one or the other.  Me personally- IRISH #1 baby!  Screw what people say!  The old Yankees Stadium used to host ND games, which drew heavy crowds.  Penn State has one of the biggest followings in all of college sports, even bigger than most professional sports.  We take tradition and popularity and put them all in the same house, one-on-one.  That is major network worthy.  Just don't bring your kids near the Penn State locker room.

 

 

NHL Winter Classic: Original Six Matchup- Rangers vs. Maple Leafs with minor league, college, and heritage games

December 28- NCAA Hockey: Harvard vs. Cornell (huge rivalry) Broadcasted on YES Network

December 30- AHL: CT Whale (NYR) vs. Toronto Marlies (TOR) Broadcasted on MSG+ or YES Network

December 31- Heritage Game: Rangers HOF vs. Maple Leafs HOF.  Could be any retired players. Broadcast!

January 1- NHL Winter Classic: Rangers vs, Maple Leafs on NBC of course

Rangers need to host one!  Maple Leafs of the Original Six have not played in an outdoor game yet!

 

 

Yankees Old Timers Christen New Season at Yankees Stadium

During the month of March while Spring Training is underway, the Yankees Old Timers will play exhibition match ups against the Old Timers of other teams. They will play five games, which might encourage those teams to do the same thing.  "Which Old Timers still have it?"  can be a marketing slogan.  "Can't make it down to Florida?  Come to Yankees Stadium instead!" can also be another one.

Yankees vs. Red Sox (of course)

Yankees vs. Phillies (heavy interest)

Yankees vs. Mets (could lead to a home-and-home series)

Yankees vs. Orioles (like to see Cal Ripken, Jr., also the kid who interfered with that catch in the playoffs back in '96 throw out the ceremonial first pitch)

Yankees vs. Braves (rematch of all of those World Series)

Will include autograph session from both teams prior to and after the game (scheduled of course).

Rosters can always change.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Just saying.

Today, the Flyers put Blair Betts on waivers.  Remember Betts?  We let him walk so we can sign Donald Brashear (can I get a Fire Sather!).  I loved Betts b/c he was an amazing penalty killer.  Put him on a line with Rupp and Prust and we would have an amazing 4th line.  Avery's gone now, and I think Betts would fit better here.

Opening Day Roster:

Wolski-Richards-Gaborik

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan

Zuccarello-Boyle-Stepan

Rupp-Betts-Prust

Eminger-Girardi

Sauer-McDonagh

DelZotto-Bickel

Lundqvist/Biron

Scratches- Fedotenko, Christensen, Staal (injured)

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            Over on the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, a new sports and entertainment complex is being built.

            Named the Barclays Center, its expected completion date is sometime in 2012.

            With the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association relocating to Brooklyn, professional sports will be back in Brooklyn for the first time since 1958.  With the Nets, more tenants might make the Barclays Center their new home. 

According to sources, the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League will more than likely fill in one of the open spot.

In their first decade of operations, the Nets and Islanders played in the same venue in Long Island, bringing forth a nostalgic intention of reuniting the two teams under one roof.  This move would be great for the Islanders, however, skepticism and financial worries center on this potential move.

            Since 1972, the Islanders have played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where they have won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983.  Their thirteen consecutive playoff appearances from the 1975 to 1988 seasons too brought in heavy volumes of fans and fan favorites like Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, Mike Bossy, and Clark Gilles.

            After the 1989 season, however, two decades of missing the playoffs, poor trades, and early playoff exits led to a decline in attendance and popularity.  The 2004/05 NHL Lockout and 2008 United States economic recession were of no help to this team’s woes, as the rise of lacrosse and the poor economy in Nassau and Suffolk counties contributed to the franchise’s steady demise.

            According to ESPN, the Islanders averaged 11,000 fans per game, the worst in the NHL.  Of these fans, a majority of them were fans of their Atlantic Division rivals and of the notorious Quebec-ians that migrated from Quebec City on several occasions who wish to bring the Nordiques back into the NHL.

            To make matters worse, fans found other ways to use their tickets instead of going to the games or selling them online for a dime a dozen.  Greg “Opie” Hughes of The Opie and Anthony Show broadcasted his feelings about his favorite hockey club all over YouTube by dumping his tickets into the Hudson River after the Isles had lost its seventeenth in 18 games early in the regular season.

            Also, when the vote this summer came for a new arena on the Island, no one showed up to the voting booths.  Those who were able to make some kind of effort to cast their ballot voted “NO”.

            If the Islanders cannot make ends meet now, how would they be able to do so 30 miles west?

These reasons do not just affect the Islanders; they also affect the rest of the league.

            Apart from the Islanders, the New York Rangers are playing at the newly renovated Madison Square Garden five miles north of the new site.  The Rangers have one of the biggest fan bases in the league, and a huge following across the globe.  Also, the New Jersey Devils play ten miles west in Newark, New Jersey, and have a steadily growing fandom. 

is because of this that professional hockey will not be able to properly thrive in Brooklyn.

            However, a minor league hockey team will be able to find a home here.  The Rangers are a perfect candidate for an affiliation here in Brooklyn.

            Right now, the Rangers have an affiliation agreement with the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League.  The Whale play 120 miles away from Madison Square Garden, and the travel between destinations on game day plays a heavy toll on the players being called up and sent down.  The traffic from the airports to the arena during rush hour too is critical, delaying the arrival of the players, giving them less preparation time to prepare themselves for their upcoming contests. 

            Another dilemma with this affiliation is the poor attendance.  In an arena that seats 15,000-plus, the Whale average only 5,600 per game, as of the 2010/11 season.  Reasons being due to the poor conditions of the XL Center in Hartford and the emotional toll that took place in 1997 when the Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina. 

 A clear indication of dissatisfaction was seen during the Whale Bowl, the AHL’s “Winter Classic” that saw very little interest in the Hartford community.  The crowd attendance was equivalent to the maximum capacity of the men’s bathroom at the University of Connecticut football field.

A change in scenery would be best for the organization.

            An affiliation in Brooklyn for the Rangers will preserve a New York hockey identity within the five boroughs and make call ups and send downs easier to regulate and conduct.

            Because of the close proximity of the two teams, fans can meet and greet with future Rangers and help better promote player and team development in the upcoming seasons.  If fans want to see how the prospects are doing, they can go to the games at an affordable price and see them play, rather than look up highlights online.

            Instead of a plane or long car ride to and from Hartford, players will be taking a short subway ride between boroughs, cutting down travel time and making arraignments stress-free.

            As for media agreements, WKRB (90.3 FM) and Brooklyn Community Access Television Brooklyn can air the games.  WKRB currently broadcast the Brooklyn Cyclones (Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets) of the New York-Penn League and the addition of a sports team to a student-based network can lead to more advertising, scholastic programs, and financial interests to the Brooklyn Center for Media Education.

            The biggest concern centering on this move would be the scheduling of games and transportation.  In regards to this, the AHL can make the Brooklyn team’s schedule non-conflicting with the NHL’s, having them play at home when they are on the road and vice versa or playing on the other’s off days.

            Another concern is keeping the AHL and NHL 30 teams even.   

Relocation would be required, and there are two perfect candidates for this: the Whale and the Abbotsford Heat.

            In Hartford, there have been murmurs about building a new sports and entertainment complex in the surrounding area with the slightest hint of bringing back their beloved Whalers.  If construction does go underway, the Whale would need to relocate, and Brooklyn would be a perfect fit for the farm team.

            When the Heat popped into the hockey picture in British Colombia as the farm team for the Calgary Flames, all major markets in that area focused their attention on the Heat, disrupting broadcasting agreements with the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League.  Chilliwack and Abbotsford are very close neighbors. 

Media focus of the Heat led to a major decline in profits for Chilliwack and eventually to their relocation in the B.C. capital of Victoria.

            “You don’t do what Calgary did here,” said Daryl Porter, former owner of the Chilliwack Bruins, on Chilliwack’s 89.5 The Hawk back in April, “… [There’s a code in minor sports, and especially in hockey]… the fundamental bad break at the end of the day [turned us into victims].”

            Ironically, the WHL reigns more supreme than their AHL competitors in the Western Canadian province.  Despite the new complex that was built in Abbotsford, the team averaged less than 50 percent attendance, while the Chilliwack Bruins averaged over 60-percent at the 5,000-plus Prospera Center.

            By relocating the Heat to Brooklyn, not only would the Rangers have a closer minor league affiliate, the popularity and media rights to the B.C. Division of the WHL will be preserved and given more room to grow.

            The completion of the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn will leave a huge question mark for future tenants.  With hockey, it is too early to place a professional hockey team within ten miles of two major markets; especially a team whose organization that has is poorly ranked in interest.  A minor league team is a great start to promote hockey in the area and an affiliation with the local New York Rangers will benefit the organization in the short and long term.

 

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Everyone has used this blog to talk nonstop about the Rangers this season and down the road.  I am guilty myself of doing it, so I have decided to change the tempo for a bit and talk about something different: the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Nice, interesting change of pace from worrying about roster moves.

 

I will like to make a confession: I have been a constant visitor of HockeyBuzz.com.  No, it is not because I believe in what this Eklund character says about these rumors, however, do find them to be great conversation starters amongst hockey friends.  I go on because of the other articles on the website.  I have become fond of the writings of Bill Meltzer and his “Musings”, Jan Levine and the “Rangers Blogs”, Sam Woo’s take on the New Jersey Devils, and especially Aaron Musick on his marketing techniques on how to better promote the Colorado Avalanche organization and their new team (although they could have gotten someone better than Semyon Vlaramov for two crucial picks since their team is not ripe yet).  Before I digress, and yes this is from Eklund, I read that the NHL’s CBA is about to expire and I’m hoping there will not be another Lockout.  I’m an avid hockey fan and will be very displeased if there is one.  I like what the current one offers, however it could use some tweaking.

 

What I am going to do here is talk about the changes that I would like to see the NHL make and not make.  Use this post to discuss ideas that you have in mind and critique my thoughts as well.  I find that joint collaboration in such discussions can generate interesting ideas that could help better the sport of hockey and the NHL itself. 

 

 

 

Game Play:

The NHL would like to change the dimensions of the ice and the size of the nets.  I feel that the current ice dimensions should not be changed.  As for the net, an inch or two at most could be added.  The extra space will lead to more goal scoring for sure, however, thirty goal scorers might not be viewed as highly as they use to be.  This can affect future contract negotiations and may as well affect scoring records. 

 

 

I am probably the only hockey fan who feels this way, but can we please get rid of the point system?  I feel that the point system is a lazy way to make the playoffs.  My argument:

 

Some examples:

A team wins only 20 games but loses the other 62 in over time.  The result: (20x2)+(62)= 102 points. 

A team wins 45 games but loses all remaining contests in regulation.  The result is a 90-point campaign.  The team above them wins five less games and loses 12 of their contests in OT.  The result: a 92 point season.  Where is the incentive?  A team that won five more games than their opponents cannot make the playoffs (in this scenario) because they couldn’t lose in overtime. 

2007/08 Eastern Conference Standings (link):

http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20072008#?navid=nav-stn-main

Here, seeds 5-9 are distorted because of the amount of times each team has lost in over time.  In ninth place, the Hurricanes finished with 43 wins, whereas the Boston Bruins made it with only 41. 

 

I for one feel that the teams with the most wins should make the playoffs, not the losers.  In every other sport, there is more excitement in the games when the team needs to “win or go home”.  In hockey, it’s like “just get to OT, get the point, and do whatever… you’re in!”  Also, everyone says that this year’s East Playoff race wasn’t a contest, when in reality only 5 wins really separate the best from the worst.  The elimination of the point system will make games more competitive come playoff time.  Keep the regular season rules of overtime, because the league did attract a lot of fans because of the shootout.   As for tie breakers, goal differential or head to head.  That should lead to more high scoring games.  Think about it, if the point system did not exist this year, the standings in the east would have looked something like this (w/ goal differential)…

1.  Pittsburgh  49-33

2.  Washington 48-34

3.  Philadelphia 47-35

4.  Boston 46-36 (+51)

5.  Tampa Bay 46-36 (+7)

6.  NY Rangers 44-38 (+35)

7.  Montreal 44-38 (+7)

8.  Buffalo 43-39

We would have played Philly and taken advantage of their Carousel of Goalies since we were able to figure them out at the right time.

 

The top three seeds should not be occupied by division winners!

 

 

 

Draft, AHL eligibility

Much pondering went into this.  Teams draft prospects, they are NHL ready after camp, stellar preseason… but because of age and CHL agreements, they cannot make the club because of some 9-game tryout rule.  If they don’t make it, then they are sent back to their respective leagues.  Some come back the next year more sharp, while others let development suffer.

 

Take Christian Thomas for example.  He seems to be NHL ready, but because of our current roster, he might have to go back to the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League.  He can’t play in the AHL because of that stupid rule.  I totally understand that this rule was made to maintain the popularity of the CHL leagues, but the AHL too is suffering.  The ECHL is about to get a great boost of attendance, especially the Trenton Titans since the Devils cancelled operations there.  I go to school near Trenton and can guarantee you that the changes that they are making to this league WILL bolster popularity.  The AHL is a joke right now popularity wise for the best developmental league in the world.  I can fix that.

 

For the draft, when it comes to players coming from the Canadian Junior leagues, they should not be draft eligible until they play two seasons with their respective leagues (30 games minimum).  The organization that drafts the players should have the say in whether or not those players should continue to play in the CHL or come play in the pros.  For players overseas, keep same rules.

 

Instead of the “9-games” in the NHL, do it instead in the AHL or ECHL.  Fresh young blood can make AHL games more worthwhile to go to.  There is an emotional affect here, but I don’t want to go into detail.

 

For players on Preseason Tryouts, if they don’t make the cut, they should be acknowledged to join their affiliates in the minors.  Take Owen Nolan for example, currently trying out for the Canucks.  Let’s say he doesn’t make the cut.  No one else will take him more than likely.  What if he plays in the AHL? Veteran presence can attract fans and also help young players with their development and pointers.  Perfect teaching tool if you ask me.  In regards to the money, $100,000 is a pretty damn good contract for playing hockey past your prime.  The country is in financial distress right now.  I’d take it, but that’s just me.   The Saint Johns Ice Caps fans will be thrilled to see a guy like Owen Nolan playing hockey in their town.

 

 

 

Buyouts and Contracts

Doesn’t it piss you off that teams have to take on the contracts towards their caps of players they just bought out?  It sucks!  For the next two seasons, the Rangers have to pay Chris Drury and it’s eating up space that could have gotten us someone phenomenal.

 

If a team wishes to buyout a player, the GM should give said player 2/3 of what is due on his contract and it does not go against the cap.  Let me explain:

 

Scenario 1: Magnus Godusuck signed a 10 year deal for $20 million.  He gets paid exactly $2M per year and takes on the same cap hit.  At year 5, with 6 points in five seasons, 200 PIM, minus-100 rating, and piss-poor attitude, the team wants Magnus gone.  He has ten million due to him, so by simple math, 2/3(10)= 6.667, the team pays him one lump sum of $6,666,666.67.  He walks away for good.

 

Scenario 2: Donald Dingleberry gets a 5 year, $50 million dollar contract that pays him $35M the first two years and $15 million the next three.  Takes up $10M in cap space.  After one year, yes one year, he is not what everyone expects him to be.  Ion fact, your whole fan base wants him gone.  He has $32.5M due, so you buy him out at $21,6666,666.67.  One lump sum, and his horrid cap space is gone.

 

Benefits:

Player being bought out- He gets his money and walks away.  Don't worry, someone will still sign them at an Nicklas Bergfors contract ($575,000 for one season).  STILL A LOT OF MONEY!!!!

Team buying out player- They may have had to pay the price, but the free cap space will allow them to get new and hopefully better personnel.

 

Injured players on the long term should get no special privileges in regards to the buyout.  As long as it is documented that they will be gone for a very long time, possibly 1.5-plus seasons without playing any games in between or missing more than 60 games due to injury each in consecutive seasons (60 one year, 60 in next...), they too should get bought out if desired by their team.

 

A team can pay as much as they want for a player, as long as they do not go over the cap.  Bonuses too go against the cap, as already instituted.  If the team wishes to pay $50 million per year for a player and use remaining roster space for cheap players, then that is their prerogative. I am for the hard cap hit.

 

NTC and NMC should be removed.  If a team wishes to trade you, then they should trade you, as long as the other team has the room in the cap and the funds to pay that player their salary.  The NHL is a business and regardless of where you go, you will still be getting your money. 

 

 

 

As extreme as these measures are, these are my suggestions on how to improve the league and fix the CBA. 

 

 

 

 

Comment, criticize, offer suggestions, a different pace from worrying about the 2011/12 Rangers season. 

 

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Just like most fans, I have mixed reactions with this year's draft.  Allow me to express my thoughts.

 

I was a little disappointed in this year's draft.  The hype of an infamous draft class similar to that of the 2003 Entry Draft got all Rangers fans excited on who draft specialist Gordie Clark was going to select.  Things looked promising when General Manager Glen Sather made a deal to bring defensive prospect Tim Erixon from Calgary into the future fold, who is close to being NHL ready and an eminent threat as an offensive defenseman.  The idea that the Rangers will be drafting forwards also drew a lot of attention, and the plethora of picks that would have been perfectly compatible with the team's style of play got fans giddy with excitement.  Players like Joel Armia, Mark McNeil, Boone Jenner, Nicklas Jensen, Zach Phillips, and Matt Puempel, who were left on the board by pick no. 15, were close to being ready and contributing offensively.  Instead, fans got a little disappointed with their selection.

 

For the fifteenth pick in this year's draft, the Rangers selected a Mr. Jonathan T. Miller from the USA-U18 team from the United States Hockey League.  A good player, don't get me wrong, who can contribute to all aspects of the game and make great plays.  However, Miller is more of a playmaker and passer.  He will improve in this field for sure, while he commits himself to the University of North Dakota.  The last first round pick that took his college studies and collegiate hockey career more seriously than his professional hockey career drafted by the Rangers was Chris Kreider.  Fans are anxiously awaiting his arrival, yet if for some reason he decides to pursue a career outside of hockey, he will be considered a waste.  

 

Speaking of wastes, we took a chance with an Evegny Grachev, saw his size affect his performance, and traded him to draft a Minnesota high school student in Steven Fogarty.  He has been regarded as one of the best high school players in the country (23-17-40 in 24 games with Edina High), but is too committed to playing in college and might not allow himself to play for another four years.

 

Still, it would be great to see these two in Rangers sweaters.  And this Michael St. Croix loos quite promising as well, a steal as most people exclaim.

 

My mixed reactions might seem a bit puzzling, but they do serve a purpose.  Unless I am mistaken with the future intentions of Miller and Fogarty, it seems that Clark drafted for the too-distant future.  Do you see how puzzled I am?  I am content with these picks yet upset that we could have done better.  We should have drafted for now or close to now like how we have discussed for months.  If no one has any objections, allow me to explain what I would have done.

 

1.) Trade expendable players and picks to move up in draft.

Trade: Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, Evgeny Grachev, all picks not 1st Round, Tomas Kundratek.

Why?

- Del Zotto has a lot of trade value, and since we have had issues with this kid's behavior, why chance it?  He could have easily gotten us a first round pick, probably in the top 10.

- Gilroy wants to test out the market for better offers. Let him.  Trade him to a team for a 2nd or 3rd rounder (pending team desire) and then let them worry about him.

- Grachev is gone now, never really saw him making it, but we could have gotten something higher than the 74th overall pick (at most #60, I reckon).

- Package 4th and 5th rounders for a second rounder.

- Kundratek is expendable because of our current defensive core.  Good defenseman, has a heavy shot, a stay-at-home kind of guy, Tommy will see a future in the NHL, however, not fore this team.  I would have, to be honest with you, trade him for Nikita Filatov and probably a pick.

 

2.) Draft a goalie.

Chad Johnson and Scott Stajcer, our two most talked about goalies in the farm, are questionable in my book.  Johnson has a mediocre 5-hole and minor intricacies with positioning, and Stajcer has trouble positioning himself in net, depending on offensive support from his Owen Sound teammates and limiting him to 14 stars in 2011, a decline from 55 in the previous season.  If we had a second round pick, I would have jumped on either Gibsons or Magnus Hellberg in a heartbeat.  I would have preferred Hellberg for two reasons: he is a Swede and could have worked with Henrik Lundqvist and according to IN LOU WE TRUST's report on him, he is a big goalie who can cut down the angles of shooters, positions himself well in goal, and follows gameplay very well.  Would have loved to at least make an effort for him.  By the way, anyone catch a glimpse of Dov-Grumet Morris?  Between the AHL and ECHL, a 28-13-2 record with a 91.6 SV% and a 2.15 Goals Against Average.  I think he has a shot at NHL level.  The AHL Website had an article on him.  Can't find link, but I will post it.

 

3.) Draft those who are very close in being NHL ready, and listen to the fans.

We need help in specific fields right away, i.e. secondary scoring, special teams, and future goalkeeping.  Why draft high school students entering college that are questionable in the future?  Someone other than me has to be thinking this?

 

 

Applied hypothetical scenarios (just for kicks)…

1.  Rangers trade Tomas Kundratek to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Nikita Filatov, since they don't like him there anymore.

2.  Rangers trade remaining picks to the Detroit Red Wings for 2011 2nd Round Pick (no. 35).

3.  Rangers trade Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, and Evgeny Grachev to the Minnesota Wild for 2011 MIN 1st Round Picks (no. 10 and 28).  Could work in our favor since we will be giving them a future two-way forward, an indecisive player, who will do well in the future, and a bust.  Sather would have probably made some kind of persuasive argument to get it done.

 

Selections (assuming who remained):

10. Joel Armia, RW

15. Mark McNeil, C

28. Zack Phillips, C

35. Magnus Hellberg, G

Trades: Nikita Filatov and Tim Erixon

 

 

Farm System (not in NHL):

Chris Kreider

Christian Thomas

Carl Hagelin

Ryan Bourque

Jesper Fasth

Oscar Lindberg

Jonathan Audy-Marchessault

Andrew Yogan

Max Campbell

Chad Kolarik

Chris Chappell

Joel Armia*

Mark McNeil*

Zack Phillips*

Nikita Filatov*

 

Tim Erixon

Pavel Valentenko

Mikhail Pashnin

Dylan McIlrath

Dan Maggio

Jyri Niemi

 

Magnus Hellberg*

Chad Johnson

Scott Stajcer

Dov Grumet-Morris

Scott Stajcer

 

Good core with great potential.  A great defense with stellar Swedish goaltending and an improving offense that will not require excessive payments for free agent forwards.  

 

 

Thoughts? Comments?

 

What would you have done differently?  Discuss.

This post is a consideration to the issues if we cannot sign the free agents that we want and problems arise.

 

The New York Rangers have had bad luck in the past with their on-ice personnel, i.e. bad signings, draft busts, and fluctuating team chemistries.  The players, coaches, front office, and the fans, suffer through this.  Luckily, the Blue Shirt Faithful continue to show constant support for their Rangers, and that to me is worth more than a Stanley Cup.  (Side note, look at some of the teams that have won titles and get no support from their fans like the Florida Marlins of the MLB and the New Jersey Devils of the NHL.  They only go to games and care when some kind of silverware is involved.)  On a sadder note, which brings me to this point, is that there are two players on our roster who are suffering the most: Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik.

 

Gaborik came to the team in the summer of 2010 following the signing of the horrid Donald Brashear.  During the 2009/10 season, Gaborik was mostly responsible for the team's offensive production.  His 42 goals in 76 games accounted for 18 percent of the team's total, an average of 9 goals per player on a 20-man roster not including him.  This season, he was plagued with some minor physical flaws, however, still contributed to the team's offense.  His 22 goals were still top-5 on the team, even though he only played in 62 games.  He has one of the best snipes in the league and when healthy a dominant force.  He has talent that needs to be shown off and used in the playoffs.

 

Lundqvist is Lundqvist- a solid goaltender who single handedly carried this club to the playoffs.  He goes above and beyond to help his club win without the worry of producing any offense, and in the end, does not get the proper credit he deserves from the league.  Hank never got any consideration for a Vezina nomination after producing a 2.28 GAA with a 92.3 save percentage and 11 shutouts.  The only thing keeping him from true greatness is his W-L record.  A 36-27-5 record is decent, but when your team struggled to get the last seed in the playoffs, that is not so good. Since his arrival to the Big Apple in 2005 he goes above and beyond to make his team happy.  But now, given the current circumstances, that talent is about to get wasted.

 

The point of this blog, given the god-forbid circumstance, is would you consider trading both or either or Gaborik and Lundqvist.  I love these guys in New York, but I also support them in a different way.  These guys deserve to compete the proper competitive way, and with the current situation going on (remember, just a what-if scenario), that might not happen.  By the time this team is ready for Stanley Cup glory, Hank and Gabby might be out of their primes and unable to compete.  This talent is in need to shine during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Rangers right now cannot supply that unless something crazy happens, such as… the Rangers becoming more consistent at BEING consistent.

 

In a way, this will work out for both parties.  They will get the missing pieces that they need to compete and the Rangers will get stellar young talent, depending on who we trade with.

 

Just a thought that I do not want to see happen and I hope it all works out in the end.  Thoughts?

Ignore last post I made.

I did not properly articulate my previous "Future New York Rangers" post properly.  Allow me to reexplain myself.

 

The future of the franchise will depend heavily on our current prospects and this year's draft.  Below are the players that will make a huge impact.

 

The New Dynasty that I see happening will be a yearly process.  With the rumors and front office behavior that I have seen, here is what will happen up until 2020.  

 

 

The crystal ball sees……..

 

 

 

2011/12

The Rangers will sign Brad Richards (5yr), James Wisnevski (2yr), and Jaromir Jagr (3yr) to deals after buying out Wojtek Wolski and Chris Drury.  Dubinsky, Callahan, Anisimov, Boyle, Sauer will all sign new deals.  DelZotto will be released or traded because of the team's low tolerance policy (remember Ethan Werek).  Jagr signs after Pittsburgh makes the contract negotiation process complicated, the KHL gives him issues with signing deals, and the support of Rangers fans (the fake fans and corporations) to have him come back to the Big Apple.  At the draft, the Rangers trade their two 2nd round picks to Detroit Red Wings for their first round pick.  They select Bonne Jenner (Oshawa-OHL) and Nicklas Jensen (Oshawa-OHL) in the first round to create team chemistry amongst them and prospect Christian Thomas.  

 

The roster will be set up as shown here:

Gaborik/Richards/Jagr

Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan

Stepan/Christensen/Zuccarello

Avery/Boyle/Prust

Staal/Girardi

Wisnevski/Sauer

McDonagh/Valentenko

Lundqvist/Biron

 

 Valentenko will win a roster spot at training camp, Grachev will be called up at some points of the season.

 

The GRJ line will produce a lot of offense and pose as a threat to the Eastern Conference.  The Dubi-Artie-Cally line will too produce offense and physical styles of play.  The SCZ line will start off slow and pick up, and the fourth line will be our primary checking line.  Defense will be defense.

 

The Rangers will finish fifth in the Eastern Conference.  They will make it to the Eastern Conference semifinals and lose in six games.

 

 

2012/13

Thomas, Jenner, Bourque, McIrath, and Kreider will make the cut and spend the year with the CT Whale (AHL).  Biron retires and Johnson becomes Henrik's backup, and will play between 25 and 35 games.  Lundqvist will have a breakout year because finally, his team is getting the support that he needs.  He will finally 

win the Vezina, but his team will lose in the Eastern Conference finals.  The team will gel together and play great hockey.  

 

 

2013/14

With the prospects NHL-ready, they will earn roster spots.  The roster will be as follows:

Gaborik/Richards/Jagr

Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan

Kreider/Stepan/Thomas

Grachev/Boyle/Hagelin

Staal/Girardi

Sauer/Valentenko

McDonagh/McIlrath

Lundqvist/Johnson

*Oscar Lindberg will be called up on occasion

The team will be in a funk in the middle of the season, but the Rangers will pull through by earning a playoff spot.  They will make it to the East Semifinals and lose.

 

 

2014/15

Lundqvist and Gaborik are gone, Jagr too.  Richards, that douche, demands a trade and is traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Joe Colborne.  The Rangers trade the contract rights of Gabby and Hank to contending teams for two 2014 1st round picks and two 2015 1st round picks (one pick per year per team).  Luckily for the Rangers, those teams will not reach a deal with them and Hank and Gabby will go sign somewhere else.  They end up drafting two good forwards and a solid defenseman out of this at the 2014 draft.  This is a transitional year which helped the team get the eighth seed in the East and an early exit from the playoffs. The roster will be as follows…

Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan

Kreider/Stepan/Thomas

Colborne/Jenner/Grachev

Jensen/Lindberg/Hagelin

Staal/Girardi

Sauer/Valentenko

McDonagh/McIlrath

Johnson/Stajcer

*- Note: Ryan Bourque becomes a bust

 

 

2015/16

The new roster will pull out of training camp successfully with high hopes.  Projected however to finish out of the playoffs, the team pulls the 2005/06 Carolina Hurricanes and finish atop of their division.  What they did…

1.  The goalies split the season evenly with 41 starts.  There was never an instance where the goalie was pulled during the year.  Don't worry. there was no Carousel of goalies in the playoffs.

2.  Everyone scores.  The player that scored the least amount of goals out of the forwards was Lindberg with 15 and out of the defensemen Sauer with 10.  The defense will score from the blue line and have spurts of offensive skills and the offense will actually shoot the puck.

3. Their only true competitors in their division will be the Islanders and Devils.  The Islanders will have their prospects becoming elite around this time and the Devils will be aback on track after missing the playoffs a few seasons ago (2010/11).  However, the Rangers will have their numbers.

4.  Team chemistry will be at an all-time high, unlike anything fans have ever seen.

 

In the playoffs, the Rangers will win the Eastern Conference Finals but fall in the Stanley Cup finals in seven games.  They will not have home-field advantage, so the heartbreak will not be on home ice.  The chemistry and drive to make it into the finals again will carry over into next season.  Staal wins Norris.

 

 

2016/17

The Rangers will win over 50 games, take home the Presidents Trophy, Atlantic Division title, Eastern Conference Championship, and the STANLEY CUP.  YAY!!!!  Chris Kreider wins Conn Smythe.

Johnson and Stajcer will become the first duo since 1971 (Eddie Giacomin  and Gilles Villemure) to be co-recipients of the Vezina Trophy.  Staal wins Norris again.

 

 

2017/18

Because of the success of this group of people, the roster remains the same.  The only player that leaves is Girardi.  He is replaced by a free agent signing. The Rangers win the Atlantic Division but lose in the second round of the playoffs.

 

 

2018/19

Issues regarding contracts reduce the team and the organization begins to depend on its prospects.  Here is who remains…

F:Ryan Callahan

    Derek Stepan

    Chris Kreider

    Christian Thomas

    Boone Jenner

    Nicklas Jensen

D:Ryan McDonagh

    Mike Sauer

    Dylan McIlrath

    Pavel Valentenko

G: Scott Stajcer

Prospects and FA signings will replace rest.

This odd year will cost the team the playoffs.  

 

 

2019/20

Good things and bad things will happen.

Good:

- The Oshawa line (Jensen/Jenner/Thomas) will produce the most offense.

- The Collegiate Duo (Stepan and Kreider) will combine for 80 goals.

- Team makes playoffs for its offense.

Bad:

- Minor complications with the 5th and 6th defensemen will cause the other four to play more often, tiring them out.

- Stajcer will have a few cold streaks and his backup will be 50/50

- They get eliminated in the first round because of poor defense and lack of offense which they somehow wasted in the regular season.

 

 

 

This is as far as I can go.

 

 

 

Recap…

2011/12 44-28-10                 98 pts L, Semifinals

2012/13 48-27-7                       103 pts      L, East Finals

2013/14 42-29-11                  95 pts L, Semifinals

2014/15 40-30-12                 92 pts L, Quarterfinals

2015/16 49-21-12               110 pts         L, Stanley Cup

2016/17 55-20-7                       117 pts         Win Stanley Cup

2017/18 47-27-8                        102 pts         L, Semifinals 

2018/19 39-38-5                        83 pts No Entry

2019/20 45-28-9                   99 pts          L, Quarterfinals 

 

 

 

This is what I see happening.  I don't know why, but I see it.  Make fun of me all you want.

 

What do you guys think?

2011 NHL Draft

Who to Scout

 

Given their current playoff race, it is very unlikely that the New York Rangers will get their hands on top prospects in this year's draft.  Adam Larsson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, and Sean Couturier will probably be developing into top talent in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Colorado.  However, the Rangers are at an advantage with the remaining prospects in this year's draft class.  Before we dive into who to draft, let's take a look at the one deciding factor: team chemistry.

 

Every rebuilding stage depends heavily on team chemistry.  If organizations wish to build a team that would compete for championship glory, they need to first make a roster that would get along with one another on and off the ice.  The current 2010/11 roster proves this, with the line combinations of Brandon Dubinsky- Artem Anisimov- Ryan Callahan, Mats Zuccarello- Derek Stepan- Wojtek Wolski, and Marc Staal- Dan Girardi, just to name a few.  During the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, the defensive combination of Ryan McDonagh and Dylan McIlrath and offensive quad of Ethan Werek, Chris Kreider, Christian Thomas, and Ryan Bourque showed great promise, as everyone is developing into the players that the hockey world wants to see.  Chemistry is important, and this is where my draft idea comes in.

 

(for the record, I just found out that Zuccarello was sent to the minors today)

 

In the Ontario Hockey League, the Oshawa Generals are making a good run towards their Bobby Orr (Eastern Conference Champions) and Memorial Cup dreams.  I am focusing on this team because of one of our top prospect: Thomas.  This year, Thomas set a career high in goals with 54, along with multiple OHL honors and stellar playoff numbers (4 goals and 7 assists in 11 games as of 4/1/11).  What makes him this great are his teammates, two of which are projected to be drafted in the first round.  They are Boone Jenner and Nicklas Jensen.

 

In 63 games played, Jenner has posted 26 goals and 41 assists with a plus-minus rating of 10.  In 61 games played, Jensen scored and assisted on 29 goals.  Jensen is 18 years old with a lot of promise and skill. 

 

Predominantly through the season, these three had the opportunity to play on the same line and as a result produced great numbers offensively.  Their 119 combined goals make up for 40 percent of their team's goal total. With the team chemistry that they possess in Oshawa, as it develops onto a National Hockey League level, who knows what these kids are capable of.

 

As of April 1, 2011, My NHL Draft projects Jensen to be drafted mid-first and Jenner in the early to mid second round, so we might get both if we are lucky.

 

When drafting, depending on the direction that you are in, independent skills might not be a key asset.  Finding the tools to develop team chemistry does.  This year's draft, I would like to see either Jenner or Jensen or both in our farm system developing, and at the rate that they are going, the Thomas-Jenner-Jensen line might prove deadly in the NHL.

 

 

 

 

Just a thought.  Comments?

Side note: If the Rangers do want the big names in this year's draft like Larsson or Landeskog, they should probably consider trading away Michael Del Zotto and/or Matt Gilroy to either the Oilers, Senators, or Avalanche, since they do have high trade values.  Personally, I am not a big fan of these two.  DelZotto does possess the Brian Leetch qualities, but his cocky attitude and style of play under the Tortorella system might affect his development.  Gilroy is Gilroy, though he has had great moments this year, and fans have been iffy about the guy throughout the year.  I'd hate to see these guys constantly scratched or sent down to the minors when we instead can get a better return for them.  This is just a thought.

Please feel free to comment.

Right now, the Rangers are in seventh place in a very tight Eastern Conference race.  With Buffalo, Carolina, Toronto, Atlanta, and New Jersey making strong pushes, these next 14 games are crucial to the Blue Shirts if they want to make the playoffs.  For some reason, the Rangers like to play better with less than 20 games remaining in the season.

Right now, for seeds seven to twelve, I feel that the two teams who will not make it out of this bunch will be the Leafs and the Thrashers, leaving the Rangers, Sabres, Devils, and Hurricanes battling for the last two seeds.  Below are the remaining schedules of each team with my predictions.  I will post predictions for both Toronto and Atlanta. Please fell free to comment.

NY Rangers

1.  @ Ducks: Anaheim is in a close race in the West, so they will be playing their hearts out.  Here, we have a team who is dominant at home (20-11-2) against a team who is comfortable playing on the road (20-13-1).  Both teams have been slumping in their last ten, so I expect a close game.  I can see this game going into overtime, but because of some weird reason, we would probably lose this one.  (0-0-1)

2.  @ Sharks: To beat the Sharks, we need to play the way we did against the Flyers.  Because we are the most consistent inconsistent team in the league, we will lose. (0-1-1)

3.  vs. Islanders: Easy win for the Blue Shirts. (1-1-1)

4.  vs. Canadiens: Tough game, but the momentum from the previous games might be in our favor.  Expect a close game where we might get away with a win. (2-1-1)

5.  @ Penguins: We will be in Pittsburgh, automatic loss.  The ref who makes the majority of the calls will probably be the one Crosby sodomized prior to the puck drop. (2-2-1)

6.  vs. Panthers: Panthers are in a rebuilding stage, easy capitalization.  (3-2-1)

7.  vs. Senators: A team who might play spoiler, yet we have their number this year.  Should be a close one, but the Rangers will win this one (4-2-1).

8.  @ Bruins: Division leader so we might have a shot at winning this one.  The Bruins are a .500 team at home and because they know that they have a good commanding lead in their division they might take it easy to rest for the playoffs.  Since we are a good road team, we might win.  I'm gonna call this one our lucky win (5-2-1).

9.  @ Sabres: Buffalo is right behind us, so this game will be a competitive duel.  This team is thinking playoffs.  The last time we were here, Derek Stepan scored three goals.  That might not happen.  I do see this game going into overtime, however, the Sabres will be the victors.  (5-2-2)

10.  @ Islanders: The Rangers will shake it off and pounce on the Islanders, in front of a sell out crowd of Rangers fans.  (6-2-2)

11.  @ Flyers: I want to say that the 7-0 win can build up our confidence levels against the potential first seed, but in this case, that might not happen, yet at around this time the Flyers are probably gonna take it easy and rest their players for the playoffs.  Tough one, but realistically we might not win.  (6-3-2)

12.  vs. Bruins: To prove that they are playoff worthy, the Rangers must take a stand for these final three games, especially at home.  If they can beat this team, they are in the clearing.  Another lucky guess, we beat the Bruins.  At this point, teams like Boston might not care anymore until the playoffs start.  (7-3-2)

13.  vs. Thrashers: Should be an easy win, but Atlanta does have our number this year and they will likely play spoilers just to piss us off.  I see a close one with the Rangers winning. (8-3-2)

14.  vs. Devils: The BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON.  REDEMPTION MUST BE MADE HERE.  The Devils want in, and the Rangers would LOVE to see this team out of it.  The Devils too would love to see the Garden Faithful suffer as well.  I see this game going into overtime, and the outcome... I have no clue to be honest with you.  The Rangers will win if they play their hearts out, and the Devils will win if they keep playing the way they have been since the beginning of their comeback.  The Rangers will win this game in the shootout with Zuccarello and Christensen scoring for the Blue Shirts and Lundqvist stopping Kovy on the final shot. (9-3-2)

Final Record: 44-32-6, 94 PTS

Is it enough???

 

Buffalo: 17 games remaining

Loss to Pittsburgh, overtime loss to Boston, win against Toronto, 3-1-0 homestand against Ottawa, Carolina, Atlanta, and Nashville (loss), defeat Montreal and Florida, loss to New Jersey, defeat Toronto and the Rangers to end March, lose three of five in April, beating Washington and Columbus and losing to Carolina in OT, and Tampa Bay and Philly in regulation.  10-5-2

Record: 42-30-10, 94 PTS

 

Carolina: 16 games remaining

The Hurricanes will go 10-6-0 to end the season.  Look at their schedule to see who they are playing and understand this sequence (W= win, L= loss, O= overtime loss, for rest of article) Sorry about my indolence.

W O W L W W W L W L W W W L W O

Record: 41-30-11, 93 PTS

 

New Jersey: 17 games remaining

The Devils are on one hell of a role.  I can see them making a strong push.  The Devils will go 10-4-3 to end the season.  Sometimes, a comeback may be to good to be true.  

W W W W W L W L L W O O W L W O W

Record: 40-35-7, 87 points

*- The Devils should have just thrown this season to get the top pick in the draft, since they have to surrender one 1st round in the next four seasons due to Kovalchuk deal, remember?  I thought that this was their original intention when they were losing horribly in the beginning of the season.

 

Atlanta: 16 games left.

A team who can force overtime almost all the time.  However, they will go 4-9-3 to close out the season, because they do not have the fan base that can support them.

L L L O W L W L O L L L W L O W

Record: 31-37-14, 76 PTS

 

Toronto: 16 games left.

Surprisingly, they are playing better after the trade deadline.  However, they might have some difficulty if they want to pull off a great comeback.  The Leafs will go 7-7-2 at the rate they are playing now to end season.

Record: 36-35-11, 83 PTS

 

Final Standings (7-12)

7.   Rangers 44-32-6, 94 PTS

8.   Buffalo 42-30-10, 94 PTS

9.  Carolina 41-30-11, 93 PTS

10. New Jersey 40-35-7, 87 PTS

11. Toronto 36-35-11, 83 PTS

12.  Atlanta 31-37-14, 76 PTS

 

 

Thoughts?

Hockey Buzz is an interesting website when Eklund comes on and tells us of these interesting rumors, such as Richards to Long Island, Devils/Flames in a Blockbuster deal, and others.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/RumorsCanucksRangers-2-for-1-Enstrom-to-Sharks-or-Blue-Jackets-WHY/1/33113

On the website, I found a post about a possible deal involving the Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks.  The deal is a two-for-one deal, where the Rangers will receive a forward and defenseman in exchange for one big-named forward. Now because of Ecklund's reputation amongst the hockey community, I cannot tell whether or not he is being serious.  I am not saying that his rumor is accurate, I just find this proposal to be quite interesting.

For all intensive purposes, let's say that his rumor is 100% accurate.  Who could he be talking about?  Would you do this deal?  

My opinion: The Canucks want Marian Gaborik and their intentions are partnering up him with Ryan Kesler and/or the Sedin Twins.  In exchange, the Rangers are going to get either Christian Ehrnoff or Kevin Bieksa on defense and either Alexandre Burrows or Mason Raymond at forward.  Once this deal goes through, the Rangers will be making a lot of interesting transactions.  (JUST AN EXAMPLE on what I think the deal may consist of)

 

I am not saying that I believe in Eklund's rumors.  I just find this possible deal to be interesting.  

Would you make a 2-for-1 deal with Vancouver or not?  If so, what would you do?

I noticed on this website that many people have been posting trade ideas for the upcoming deadline and that there are others who are sick of these posts.  To compensate for both parties, I have created this post where everyone can pitch in trade ideas and comment on them at the same time. 

 

The Rangers need offense, no question about that.  Our star sniper, MArian Gaborik, isn't doing anything to help out the cause.  We have a young defense, but the one that many fans are counting on to come up big, Michael Del Zotto, is currently in the minors.  Our goaltending is superb, but needs more help, and i need more.  Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Biron are getting sick of 1-0, 2-1, 3-1, 2-0, and 3-2 decisions for and against their favor. 

What can we do?

I'll start (look at comments)

This year, the NHL is hosting a heritage game in Calgary, I think (double check my source).  If I read the article correctly, the former all stars and hall of famers in the NHL will be playing in those games.  This got me thinking of an idea, involving the NY Rangers and the rest of the Atlantic Division.

Just a thought... wouldn't it be cool if the Rangers, Devils, Islanders, Flyers, and Penguins played an Old Timers game against one another? The teams would be composed of former players who are retired or in the hall of fame.  Fans can see their past favorite players play again against old foes.

What I would like to see personally, for example, is a heritage game between former Rangers and former Devils.  If this idea was to work, I feel like the games can be hosted at the Garden and draw more publicity.  It doesn't have to be outdoors, unless one of those teams besides Pittsburgh is hosting the Winter Classic.  That would be sick.  If it does work, these can be the rosters...

NY Rangers 

Forwards:

• Mark Messier "C"
• Adam Graves "A"
• Wayne Gretzky (even though I don't consider him to be a true Ranger)
• Brian Mullen
• Darren Turcotte
• Tony Amonte
• Glen Anderson
• Esa Tikkanen
• Jaromir Jagr (bring him back from the KHL)
• Alexei Kovalev (assuming he retires)
• Petr Nedved
• Martin Rucinsky

Defensemen

• Brian Leetch "A"
• Jeff Beukeboom
• James Patrick
• Jay Wells
• Kevin Lowe
• Darius Kasparaitis (I'm aware people don't like him, I just couldn't find someone else)

Goalies

• Mike Richter
• John Vanbiesbrouck

New Jersey Devils
Forwards

• John MacLean
• Claude Lemieux
• Bill Guerin
• Jim Dowd
• Joe Nieuwendyk
• Brendan Shanahan "A"
• Stephane Richer
• Randy McKay
• Bobby Holik
• Alexander Moginly
• Turner Stevenson
• Brian Rolston 

Defensemen:

• Scott Stevens "C"
• Bruce Driver 
• Ken Daneyko
• Scott Niedermayer "A"
• Vladimir Malakhov
• Tommy Albelin

Goalies:

• Chris Terreri 
• Glen Resch (needs the exercise)
• Martin Brodeur (if he retires by then)

Before I begin, bring back the Whalers, Nordiques, and the Jets!

According to ESPN.com,the Atlanta Thrashers are in financial debt.  Why?  No one in the Atlanta area enjoys hockey.  They are more of a baseball, football, and basketball city.  Understandable.  ESPN also said that Thrashers owner Tom Waddell is afraid to relocate because the league will not allow the move to happen.  During this time, the sale for the Phoenix Coyotes will be finalized, where owners and the NHL will try to keep the team in Phoenix and not relocate them.  Across Canada, investors in Quebec City and Winnipeg are trying to bring back an NHL team to those markets. .Across the Northeastern USA,  fans cry to bring back the Hartford Whalers.  They do not want to see an AHL team in their city (Connecticut Whales).  They want the Whaler, not the Whale.  So far, this does not look like it is going to happen.  WhY??????

I am very shocked that the NHL will allow teams like Atlanta, Florida, and Phoenix to suffer financially while people from better markets have been pleading to get a hockey team back into their cities.  The NHL has a rule where if relocation were to occur, a team cannot be within 50 miles of another market unless the teams within that market says that it is okay.  I can understand why Hamilton, ONT, Canada, didn't work.  It was 50 miles away from Buffalo and 60 miles away from Toronto.  Fans in the surrounding suburbs have season tickets or some kind of ticket plan to both teams.  Why do you think they sing both the Canadian and American national anthems at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo?  By putting a team in Hamilton, Buffalo will lose about 15%-20% of their attendance, since the Sabres are not as big as teams like the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The Leafs will lose a small percentage, however, due to the way the team has been playing for the past few years, might not be able to regain that percentage until something happens with that organization.

According to Google Maps,

 

• Quebec City is 255 kilometers away from Montreal, approximately 158 miles.  
• Winnipeg is over 1000 kilometers away from Edmonton and Calgary.  I don't even need to convert here.
• Hartford is 102 miles away from Boston, 124 miles away from Manhattan, 120 miles away from Uniondale, and 130 miles away from Newark. 

Other interesting notes:

• Vintage Whalers, Nordiques, Jets, and even the California Seals memorabilia have sold more than Panthers and Coyotes merchandise.  Thrashers have sold merchandise, but it was bought mainly by people in the northern markets, like NYC, Toronto, and Philadelphia. 
• Fans in Hartford have been begging for the Whalers to come back, not its AHL knock-off
• During the Coyotes bankruptcy, when word about a possible hockey team was moving to Hamilton, Canada, residents there bought season tickets to a team that was probably never going to show.  Within one day, the season ticket waiting list was over 3,000 people (not counting how many tickets each person ordered per game).  Basically, the place was going to be sold out for the next three years.  Bettiman says no.  WTF?
• During preseason games that are hosted in Winnipeg and Quebec City, fans wore nothing but Nordiques and Jets jerseys,  People held up signs saying "Bring back the 'Diques", "Screw Phoenix, bring back the Jets", and others taunting Bettiman's reputation as Commissioner.  

If these three cities are willing to have an NHL team and if fans are willing to go out and support them, then relocate them.  
Scenario-

• Florida moves to Hartford, renamed the Hartford Whalers
• Atlanta moves to Quebec City, renamed either the Quebec City Thrashers or Quebec Nordiques
• Phoenix moves back to Winnipeg, renamed the Winnipeg Jets.

(Added note- relocate the Islanders to the new arena in Brooklyn, New York.  It is very close to the Garden, but the Rangers gave the "thumbs up" for them to relocate there, due to the poor condition of Nassau Coliseum.  Otherwise, relocate the Rangers AHL Affiliate here.)  

 

The Divisions will be reconfigured: Northeast- Buffalo, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City* Atlantic- Boston, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Hartford*, New Jersey Southeast- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, Carolina, Tampa Bay Central- Detroit, Columbus, Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis Northwest- Vancouver, Minnesota, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg* Pacific- Colorado, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, Dallas  \

*****- New rivalries will be made and reestablished.

- Montreal vs. Quebec City- battle of Quebec

- Boston vs. NY Rangers- a rivalry renewed

- Washington vs. Pittsburgh- More Ovi/Sid rivalry games

JUST TO NAME A FEW

 

What really upsets me is that the NHL will not allow this to happen.  It is not only bothering me, but many others in the NHL fan community.  They complain that when they resided in those cities, they had no fans.  The reasons that they relocated were due to stadium issues and the financial troubles that came with it, which explained the depreciating fan attendance.  Now with new arenas, that problem will seize to exist.  I understand the intentions of putting teams in these markets, to expand hockey to other civilians and to draw more tourism in those areas, but it didn't work.  Why, oh why, is Bettiman passing up on these great opportunities to improve the league?  Is he afraid that Cindy Crosby will not like it?  Is he worried that other teams will suffer?  Whatever the reason may be, wake up Gary!  Save the franchises, relocate them to new and demanding areas.  Do not let them suffer!

I have been on many blog and rumor sites this past week and I continue to see the Rangers mentioned in making future deals this season.  There have been talks with Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and others.  Unfortunately, the players that they wish to acquire cannot come b/c they are either not salary cap compliant, need to give up important players in exchange, or other peculiar reasons.  

The rumor with Minnesota is that the Rangers want to find someone to partner up with Marian Gaborik from his old days in Hockey State USA.  I heard Andrew Brunette's name mentioned a few times.  This season, Brunette has 4g and 7a for 11 pts.  He is also a -5.  Pretty decent for a 37 year old with a $2.333M salary cap hit.  The Rangers are also looking at Brent Burns, a defenseman who can contribute greatly to any team's power play (4g, 1a).  He currently has a $3.455M cap hit,  Together, that is a total of $5.788M in cap space.  Brunette will be a free agent next season and Burns' contract ends in 2013.  Bringing these guys together with Gaborik can set some important spark.

(Here comes the best part, me conducting a trade)

 

Let's say for argument sake that the deal was to go through.  Who will we give up?  Both teams have a high cap hit, virtually zero dollars, so the numbers must be identical to the last decimal.  I can see a fair deal working involving at least a forward and defenseman.  For the forward, I can see Alex Frolov being sent over to Minnesota.  He has a higher cap hit and not performing to his expectations here in New York.  A change in scenery might be beneficial for his gameplay.  As for the defensemen, Matt Gilroy and Mike Sauer.  Gilroy has not been the guy that the Rangers thought he would be.  He has been scratched lately and replaced by Steve Eminger on defense.  Sauer is an up-and-coming d-man who needs a little more tweaking.  I throw him in so the salary exchange is fair.  By throwing him in, the Rangers might get a draft pick (3rd round probably) added to the deal.  If the deal works, this will be the potential lineup for the rest of the season:

Brunette-Stepan-Gaborik (good setup men with a sniper)

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan (future of the franchise)

Avery-Boyle-Prust (good players that have been making great contributions lately)

Boogaard-Christensen-Fedotenko (just there)

Staal-Girardi (of course)

DelZotto-Rozsival (common)

Eminger-Burns (surprise player with new face might show some promise)

Lundqvist/Biron (Great starter and great backup)

Scratches- Drury, Prospal, White (injuries, etc.)

For Minnesota:

Frolov-Cullen-Havlat (can generate more offense, may help Frolov on offense)

Koivu-Bouchard-Miettinen (PMB is back and looking good)

Clutterback-Madden-Nystrom (decent line)

O'Sullivan-Brodziak-Staubitz (young line that can help each other improve)

Zidilicky-Gilroy (just a thought)

Schultz-Barker (eh?)

Sauer-Zanon (eh?)

Backstrom/Theodore (good goalies, need more support)

Scratches: Latendresse, Kobasew, Spurgeon, Stoner (injuries and other)

 

 

Thoughts? 

Some moves to consider, one or the other:

 

1.   Edmonton: Matt Gilroy, Alexander Frolov

Rangers: Ryan Whitney, 2011 2nd Round Pick, 2012 2nd Round Pick

 

2. Atlanta: Matt Gilroy, Alexander Frolov, Todd White

Rangers: Andrew Ladd, Dustin Bfyugelin, 2011 3rd Round Pick

 

3. Dallas: Evegny Grachev, Alexander Frolov, Todd White, Matt Gilroy, 2012 3rd Round Pick

Rangers: Stephane Robidas, James Neal, 2011 2nd Round Pick, 2011 3rd Round Pick

 

4.    Nashville: Matt Gilroy, Michal Rozsival, Evgeny Grachev

 Rangers: Shea Weber, 2011 2nd Round Pick

Does anyone find it weird that the divisions are organized the way they are?

Why is it that Baltimore is in the North when there are other teams in the AFC that are closer to Canada?

Why are the Rams in the NFC West and the Cowboys in the NFC East?

Just a few thoughts.  I feel that the NFL divisions are configured in an odd way. Wouldn't it be a lot easier to configure them in a geographically correct way like so?:

 

AFC East- New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens

AFC North- Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns

AFC South- Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts. Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs

AFC West- Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos

 

NFC East- Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers

NFC North- Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions

NFC South- Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys

NFC West- Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers

Ever since the NHL Strike of 2004/05, I noticed a couple of very interesting things. First off, the NHL is getting more fans and more publicity,  Before the strike, the league had trouble drawing huge crowds (except for the big markets like New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, etc.).  They also had some difficulty competing with other American sports and other factors.  Now I am noticing huge crowds at almost every game and recently more publicity.  I have friends who weren't hockey fans before and now they play NHL 11 everyday and fight over who is better: Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin.  However, I am noticing that there are a few things wrong with the league still that need to be fixed.  Some I cannot put my finger on, but there is one thing that I can easily identify: bad markets.

There are three teams that come into play when i say that there are markets that are hurting the league: Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, and Nashville Predators.  Every time I watch a home game of any of these three teams, there are barely any spectators or fans at all.  On many occasions, there are more fans of the opposing teams present than fans of the home team.  I find this kind of sad.  There are other markets who will love to have an NHL team, but due to some rules regarding marketing distances and other bull$*!+ they can't.  I say screw that.  I think it will make things more competitive, team wise and market wise.  

To make the NHL more profitable and more entertaining, the NHL should consider relocating some franchises to better markets,  This might lead to the reconfiguring of divisions, but oh well.  Here is a scenario.

Teams Relocating (w/ new location)

Florida Panthers (Hartford, CT)- there are rumors speculating about bring the Whalers back into the NHL.  They should.  I see people buying more vintage Whalers merchandise over Florida Panthers merchandise.

Phoenix Coyotes (Quebec, PQ)- If we bring back the Whalers, why not bring back the Nordiques.  I remember watching a preseason game between Montreal and Boston in 2009 and another Canadiens game in 2010, people were wearing Nordiques jerseys and holding "Bring back the Nordiques" signs.  They deserve to bring back the team.

Nashville Predators (Winnipeg, MTB)- "Bring back the Jets!", another series of signs Winnipeg residents were holding when the NHL hosts preseason games and other hockey events there in 2009 and 2010.  

New York Islanders (Brooklyn, NY)- There are talks about moving the team to the new arena in Brooklyn since there are issues with Nassau Coliseum.  

 

New Divisions- they will be reconfigured as you all can see

Northeast: Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Quebec Nordiques

Atlantic: Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers

Southeast: Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals

Central: Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs

Northwest: Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets

Pacific: Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks

*Toronto will go back to the Western Conference, since they are the westernmost city out of the current Eastern Conference.  They will play in the Central Division.

*Philly will move to the Southeast Division, Vancouver to the Pacific, Pittsburgh to the Northeast, and Boston to the Atlantic.

 

Thoughts? Suggestions?