Category Archives: In the Crease
Keith Yandle, Kevin Klein solidifying a struggling defensive corps
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With a group consisting of Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, I don’t think anyone expected Kevin Klein and Keith Yandle to be the best defensemen on both sides of the puck through 11 games.
I will gladly eat my words when it comes to Kevin Klein. Along with a good amount of other writers, I was pretty convinced that Klein had a fluke offensive season, and although he was solid defensively, he was a third pair defensemen at best. Gorton would be able to easily replace him and they should ship him out while his value is highest.
Well it turns out that Kevin Klein is shaping up to be a $2.9 million top pairing defenseman that has been the most reliable in his own zone, as well as being the best at driving possession. Who would have guessed it? Read the rest of this entry
Unlike last season, Rangers depth and bottom six is a reason for their success
Bobby Bevilacqua
Dominic Moore and Viktor Stalberg both help provide a lot of depth on this Rangers squad. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
What a difference a year can make.
Last season, the biggest issue discussed and written about by bloggers, reporters, analysts and fans was the lack of depth in the Rangers lineup. Tanner Glass was an everyday player on the fourth line, while Lee Stempniak, Jesper Fast and JT Miller all competed for ice time.
Once the Rangers traded away Stempniak, they really didn’t have a spare forward that could step in and produce. That came into play during the playoffs when Mats Zuccarello went down with an injury, and James Sheppard had to step into the lineup. He didn’t have much of an impact, totaling two points (1-1-2) in 13 playoff games.
More importantly, the fourth line was terrible. Tanner Glass and James Sheppard did nothing to help out Dominic Moore, they struggled against the Lightning’s top players, and spent minimal time on attack. They didn’t do what a fourth line is supposed to do. Read the rest of this entry
Critiquing the coaches challenge process in the NHL
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The NHL made the right decision expanding into the realm of instant replay and coaches’ challenges. The MLB has implemented in to great effect, and challenges have been a long standing rule in the NFL.
Now, an NHL coach can challenge a goal, only on the basis of a potential offsides or goalie interference. It’s worked to some effect, but there needs to be one major change to the process.
Don’t let the on ice official make the call to overturn a goal or not. Read the rest of this entry
Emerson Etem makes a case to remain in the Rangers lineup
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With Viktor Stalberg injured, Emerson Etem really opened some eyes with his performance against the Calgary Flames.
Despite not necessarily being known for his defense, Etem was placed onto the fourth line alongside Dominic Moore and Jarret Stoll, tasked with playing tough minutes and not necessarily going on the attack too often.
In fact, Emerson Etem didn’t start any of his even strength shifts in the offensive zone. Every time he took the ice, he started in the neutral zone or backed up in the Rangers zone. Despite this, Etem still managed to lead all Rangers in even strength corsi with a +8. Read the rest of this entry
Dear Kevin Hayes; Play more, think less
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
There’s no denying the talent that Kevin Hayes possesses.
After deciding not to sign with Chicago, who made him the 24th overall selection in the 2010 draft, Hayes made his way to New York City, earning an opening day roster spot and making his NHL debut in the third game of the season. From that moment on, learning a new position on the fly, Hayes cemented himself into the lineup, improving with each passing game.
Hayes wound up centering the third line with an always-rotating cast of wingers. Despite that, he would lead the Rangers in scoring over the past few months of the season, and carried that success into the playoffs. His 45 points (17-28-45) were fifth amongst all NHL rookies, and he was actually tied with Joe Thornton and Tyler Seguin for the most primary assists that year, with 21. Quite good company.
He’s got silky smooth hands, fantastic vision, great passing skills, and the ability to score some highlight reel goals when needed. An impressive rookie season and a solid playoffs showed that. Read the rest of this entry
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