Bobby Bevilacqua

Sean Bergenheim is one of the players that the Rangers should target, addressing the need of a bottom six forward who can score and provide depth. Photo courtesy of USATSI.

With the March 2^nd trade deadline coming ever closer, rumors are flying, and the Rangers have been subject to mostly minor rumors for quite some time now. The most heard rumor is Antoine Vermette, the center on the Arizona Coyotes, who is a faceoff specialist and has an expiring contract.

In fact, most of the rumors surrounding are in the same category; a big bodied center who can win faceoffs. Nothing more. Just a faceoff specialist.

Personally, I believe that the expression “quality, not quantity” is true when it comes to the faceoff circle. The amount of faceoffs won is not important, it’s when you win it. Key faceoffs, such as in the offensive zone on a power play, or in the defenseive zone late in the game with a lead, are much more important than finishing a game winning over 50% of the draws. Read the rest of this entry →