Blog Archives
AV spreading ice time and opportunities will be key to Rangers success
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers opened their season with a 5-3 win over the Islanders, showing signs of improvement in many aspects of their game that was expected of them following their offseason moves. The power play looked great, the defense and penalty kill looked structured, and all four forward lines were effective.
With the addition of players like Pavel Buchnevich, Jimmy Vesey, Brandon Pirri and Michael Grabner, the Rangers added a lot of speed and talent to their forward groups, which seemed to make Alain Vigneault structure his lines differently.
Rather than opting for a traditional structure, with a physical, checking fourth line and placing all of the talent on the top two lines, Vigneault had a balance of scoring, defense and skill across the four lines. Having four lines was something that many blogs, including my own, wrote about as a possibility. And last night, it worked extremely well. Read the rest of this entry
Pavel Buchnevich offered contract extension by SKA St. Petersburg
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Claus Anderson/Getty Images.
UPDATE: An article for this news story was written/broken on Full Tilt NYR by Steven Cifuentes. Please go support that article and site HERE since he wrote about the situation first.
The Pavel Buchnevich situation has gotten a bit more interesting, and the Rangers could have some trouble bringing their top prospect over to North America next season.
According to Aivis Kanins, a hockey writer covering the KHL, SKA St. Petersburg has offered Buchnevich a contract extension to stay with them beyond these playoffs. Buchnevich started out with the Severstal Cherepovets, but was traded during the season. He finished the regular season with 37 points (16-21-37) in 58 games, and has three points (1-2-3) in four playoff games with SKA.
Hearing Pavel Buchnevich has received an offer to extend his contract with SKA St.Petersburgh
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) March 3, 2016
The reason this contract extension is concerning is because of the situation surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk and St. Petersburg. Kovalchuk, the former Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils star, was left off of the playoff roster by SKA and is working to have his contract terminated. It’s widely believed that he is planning on returning to the NHL. Read the rest of this entry
The Rangers can’t afford to mortgage the future to win now
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Glen Sather and the Rangers have a history of making big moves at the trade deadline. Last year they went out and acquired Keith Yandle from Arizona. The year before that, they traded for future hall of famer Martin St. Louis, shipping out captain Ryan Callahan in the process. In 2013 they traded Marian Gaborik to Columbus for Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett and John Moore.
This year, Jeff Gorton is in control, and he will determine what happens at the trade deadline. We’re not sure if he’ll pull the trigger on a big trade, or if he’ll remain relatively quiet, make a few adjustments and see what this team can do.
One of the rumors that have been flying around, whether it holds validity or not is up to you, is the fact that the Ranger shave been linked to Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd. A 60 point scorer last season, Ladd is one of the better power forwards in this league. Read the rest of this entry
Top trade targets and how the Rangers should approach the deadline
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennet/Getty Images.
Following the conclusion of an exciting 2016 NHL All Star game, one that saw Pacific Division captain John Scott scored two goals and help led his team to the million dollar prize, the league will get back to business with games starting on Tuesday.
Perhaps more importantly is the approaching trade deadline, when the trade window closes on February 29. Team’s looking to improve their roster and make a playoff push will be inquiring about several players around the league, and the Rangers are expected to be right in the middle of it, both as buyers and sellers.
With Alain Vigneault’s misuse of Keith Yandle and his expiring contract, the Rangers may unfortunately wind up dealing him to a team looking for a puck moving defenseman. However, they’ll also likely be in the market for a top six winger to add some consistent scoring, something they really need. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers must bring in reinforcements for bottom six forwards
John Dundon
Dominic Moore needs some help on the fourth line. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It is impossible to predict what rookie GM Jeff Gorton will do with the trade deadline looming exactly one month away this Friday. One thing is certain: a team dressing Danny Paille is not one that is going to contend for a Stanley Cup. Sure, Paille is only playing because Rick Nash is out with a leg injury, but injuries happen in the playoffs too. If the Rangers first answer for an injury is Danny Paille, or Jayson Megna for that matter, they are in trouble.
The thrusting of Paille into the lineup by head coach Alain Vigneault seems like a desperation move. Paille was passed up for over a full season by all other 29 NHL clubs and putting up mediocre numbers in the AHL when Gorton came calling and offering him an NHL job. He’s been really bad since he was brought in on Jan. 22nd to play in what was a 4-1 Rangers win against Carolina. It’s a small sample size, but the Rangers have been out-chanced 10-2, and outshot 47-20 while Daniel Paille has been on the ice in the last three games. Gross. Read the rest of this entry
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