Blog Archives
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
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
Change is coming for the Rangers, but how much is necessary?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Since the Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs, the talk has been about the inevitable changes that this team will see happen this offseason. The Rangers themselves admitted that they will have to shake things up when talking to reporters on break up day.
“When you don’t meet expectations and don’t meet our fans’ expectations there are definitely going to be changes,” Alain Vigneault told reporters. “I think we’re at the stage now where we need to look at some changes. I think with any NHL team today status quo is not possible. You need to keep changing pieces, bringing in different players to add a different dynamic to your group. It is certainly time now to look into what we can do to improve, and that’s what we are going to do here moving forward.”
After a disastrous showing against the Penguins, where the team was totally outplayed and outclassed in a five game series, there is a need for change. Some things need to be shaken up and new players should be brought in or giver bigger roles. But a knee-jerk reaction to the loss could be the wrong way to approach things. Read the rest of this entry
Keep him or Dump him: New York Rangers edition
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It’s been addressed many times before, but there’s going to be quite a lot of changes this offseason for the Rangers. Alain Vigneault addressed it on breakdown day, and some of the players alluded to it as well.
This team as it stands has a lot of problems. There was the rapid decline of some of the players, seemingly a lack of a full 60 minute effort from the players on a consistent basis, and what Vigneault described as a “puck-moving problem.” All of that, coupled with the defensive breakdowns, atrocious penalty kill and lack of line chemistry was all evident in the team’s five game series loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.
Part of the change the Rangers will experience will come in the form of a new lineup. There are A LOT of upcoming free agents, both RFAs and UFAs, and not a lot of salary cap space to sign all of them. Some tough decisions will have to be made, and it could potentially help shape the next era of Rangers hockey – for better or for worse. Read the rest of this entry
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