Monthly Archives: May 2016
Trade Rick Nash? Not so fast
John Dundon
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Blueshirts’ latest playoff endeavor, albeit a brief one, had a different feel when it came to watching Rick Nash on the ice.
Nash scored two goals and had two assists in those five games against Pittsburgh. After a productive playoff stretch in 2015 that saw Nash net 15 points in 19 games, I’m of the opinion that barring a home-run of a return, trading Rick Nash would be unwise if this team is serious about winning the Stanley Cup in the next few years. Here’s why:
We are so quick to attach labels to players in the NHL. Usually, these labels are a result of these 10-30 game runs we call “the playoffs.” Hockey is a game of percentages, bounces and confidence-based mojo. These three factors usually determine when the puck goes in the net for all world talents, like Nash—and they don’t take the time to consider the time of year. There are ups and downs. Read the rest of this entry
Stepan and Brassard are good, but do the Rangers need a superstar center?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
When it comes to forward depth, especially at center, the Rangers are pretty good in that respect. Rick Nash, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello, JT Miller, Jesper Fast, Viktor Stalberg, Kevin Hayes and Oscar Lindberg doubling as wingers.
More recently, the Rangers have seen a lot of improvement when it comes to the talent and depth of their centers. Derick Brassard and Derek Stepan have gotten better and better with each passing season, cementing themselves in the top six. Hayes has shown that he can be a playmaker down the middle, and Dom Moore and Oscar Lindberg are strong two-way forwards best suited for a bottom six role, or a fourth line player.
When the Rangers acquired Rick Nash, they were looking to add a superstar to their roster. Marian Gaborik wasn’t enough, and outside of last regular season, Nash hasn’t been a “superstar” per say. Read the rest of this entry
Oscar Lindberg undergoes bilateral hip surgery, out six months
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers broke some surprising news today, announcing that Oscar Lindberg had already underwent a successful simultaneous bilateral hip labral repair. The recovery time should be about six months or so.
This is a somewhat common surgery that isn’t uncommon in athletes. Mackenzie Skapski had surgery to repair a torn labrum last season. Lindberg had the surgery on both of his hips. A six month recovery time would mean that he is healthy in November, but potentially not game ready.
This surgery may explain a few things, like perhaps that’s why Vigneault sat him more frequently down the stretch. Lindberg did play in the playoffs, including Game 5, but he was used sparingly after the trade deadline. Read the rest of this entry
Deciding what to do with Kevin Hayes: winger or center? Top six or bottom six?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Before the Rangers tackle the offseason and try and address their needs, the team has to decide one thing first – how are they planning on using Kevin Hayes in the future?
Hayes had a bit of a sophomore slump this season, scoring three goals and nine points less than he did in his fantastic rookie season. He wasn’t as effective this season, didn’t play with the same confidence or impact and was wrongly scapegoated by Alain Vigneault at times this season.
First off, the notion that the Rangers should part with Kevin Hayes is absolutely ridiculous. You don’t give up on a talented rookie like him simple because of one season where he struggled. So many players have gone through this in the past, struggling early on in their career after a great start in their rookie season (Jonathan Huberdeau, Matt Duchene). It’s not uncommon, and it’s not a reason to bail on a player with a lot of upside. Read the rest of this entry
BREAKING: Antti Raanta signs two year deal with the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The first move of the Rangers offseason was a good one.
The Rangers announced via Twitter today that they had agreed to terms on a new contract with backup goaltender Antti Raanta. The terms were not disclosed, but it is rumored that it is a two year deal with a cap hit of $1 million.
#NYR backup goalie Antti Raanta’s new contract is reportedly two years, $1M AAV. Good deal for both player and club.
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) May 2, 2016
Raanta, who turns 27 this month, appeared in 25 games for the Rangers in the 2015-16 season, tying a career high. He finished with a record of 11-6-2 with a 2.24 GAA (8th in the NHL) and a .926 save percentage.
Raanta won each of his first four starts of the season, becoming the first goalie in franchise history to accomplish that feat. He also finished the season on a tear, closing out the year with a 7-1-0 record in his last eight games along with a 2.13 GAA and a .931 save percentage in that span.
Among goalies that have appeared in a minimum of 15 games in each of the last two seasons, Raanta ranks second in the league in GAA (2.10) and fourth in save percentage (.926). He’s also been fantastic on home ice, posting a 19-4-4 record in 31 career home appearances to go with a 1.80 GAA, a .934 save percentage and four shutouts.
This is a really good deal for the Rangers. Raanta played very well for the majority of this season, especially down the stretch. Also, a $1 million cap hit for Raanta for the next two seasons is very affordable, and a good price for what he can bring to the table. The Rangers may need to use him more often and rest Lundqvist down the stretch, especially after a tough outing in the playoffs for him this season.
Good deal for both sides.
Great feeling to come back to @NYRangers thanks to the fans for a great first year and everybody who made NY feel like home! #family 😊😊
— Antti Raanta (@ARaanta31) May 2, 2016
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