Category Archives: In the Crease
Is it time to sit Chris Kreider for a few games? Addressing depth scoring
Bobby Bevilacqua
Chris Kreider is one of the most promising young players on the Rangers. But recently, he has had some lapses in his play. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Throughout the first 25 games of the season, the Rangers have not gotten off to the start that they had hoped for. The Blueshirts are currently 11-10-4, totaling 26 points, and a win out of a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Part of that has to do with the inconsistent play of many of their players. One of those guys is Chris Kreider, the second line, power forward, and skilled skater that has been a top six forward since he started in the 2012 playoffs. Read the rest of this entry
How to deal with the Rangers’ inconsistencies; Player Updates
Bobby Bevilacqua
So far this season, the Rangers have dealt with changing lineups, a slew of injuries, and multiple line changes throughout the first 24 games. The Blueshirts are hoping that as the starting lineup plays more games together, the chemistry and consistency will develop. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The one thing that is always mentioned during the Rangers’ press conferences and interviews is consistency; their lack of it, how to build it, and how to sustain it.
Consistency has been a season-long issue for the Rangers, starting with the injuries that plagued them during the early part of the season. This led to Vigneault having to move some players around, like playing Martin St. Louis at center, despite playing the right wing for the entirety of his career. Read the rest of this entry
Why Kevin Klein is a huge part of the Rangers; Ryan McDonagh update
Bobby Bevilacqua
With McDonagh injured, Kevin Klein has been one of the most under appreciated players on this Rangers team. Klein has stepped up as a top-four defenseman and has found a bit of a scoring touch.
On November 1st in a game against the Winnipeg Jets, Captain Ryan McDonagh suffered a separated shoulder when Evander Kane hit him into the boards. With Boyle already out at the time, the Rangers needed help on the back end.
Although all of the Rangers defensemen stepped up at points, but Kevin Klein has been one of the biggest surprises for the Rangers this season.
Throughout his career, Kevin Klein has been known as a defensive specialist, a minute eater, and a potential top-four defenseman. He’s reliable and does not make many mistakes on the ice. Read the rest of this entry
Why Anthony Duclair belongs in the NHL
Bobby Bevilacqua
Anthony Duclair has been one of the Rangers better forwards, and the 19 year old has done enough to prove that he belongs.
Anthony Duclair, the exciting 19 year old rookie making headlines with the New York Rangers, may only have a few games left with the Blueshirts before being sent back to juniors.
Let’s clear up a few things first. The “9 game rule” that applies to 18 and 19 year old players allows them to play 9 games in the NHL before being sent back to their respective clubs and “slide,” or delay, the first year of their entry level contract.
However, this rule does not apply to Anthony Duclair. Duclair signed his ELC on January 2nd, 2014, missing the December 31st cutoff to be considered 18 under the CBA.
This means that the Rangers can use Duclair for as long as they like, because he signed as a 19 year old and only maintained one “slide.” The Rangers will burn a year of his ELC whether plays in the NHL or with his junior team. Read the rest of this entry
Derek Stepan to begin skating; What will the lines look like when Stepan returns?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derek Stepan, out since before the season with a fractured fibula, will begin skating soon, and is eligible to return on November 3rd.
It was recently announced that Derek Stepan, who has not played this season due to a fractured fibula, will resume skating within the next few days.
Prior to the season opener, Stepan was placed on LTIR, which meant he would miss a minimum of 10 games. This means that Stepan is eligible to return on November 3rd for a home game against St. Louis, and there is no indication that he will not return.
Stepan was integral to the Rangers’ success last season in the regular season and the playoffs. Centering the top line, Stepan scored 17 goals along with 40 assists in all 82 of New York’s regular season games. He also had 5 goals and 10 assists in 24 postseason games. Read the rest of this entry
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