Blog Archives
Tanner Glass and the Rangers’ fourth line
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Prior to Rick Nash’ return to the lineup, Alain Vigneault was free to juggle the lines without leaving a healthy forward in the press box. But lately, Oscar Lindberg, a rookie with 12 goals and 26 points, has been a healthy scratch for the last four games, much to the ire of many fans.
Lindberg has bounced through different spots in the lineup, playing center and wing, going from the top line to the fourth line, and performing his role well. Lindberg’s offensive skills are good enough to contribute in a limited role, and he’s been solid defensively, handling his assignments against tougher assignments as well.
But Vigneault has his quirks, and one of them is relying on veterans and players that he trusts to handle key roles. Since last season, one of those players has been Tanner Glass. Glass has been a mainstay on the fourth line since being recalled from his stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack. 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
Tanner Glass changing his playstyle to become a more valuable fourth liner
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Last year, I would have given anything to get Tanner Glass out of the Rangers lineup. For almost the entire year, he was ineffective, contributed little to the game and was more of a detriment than anything.
Today, I would actually advocate for him staying in the lineup as an everyday player.
Currently, it seems like the fans opinion on Tanner Glass is mixed. Some people really appreciate his grit and toughness in the lineup. Other people believe that he still isn’t contributing much to the lineup and would be better off in the press box. Read the rest of this entry
Fixing the Rangers fourth line problems
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers need to get creative and go with a different look on the fourth line. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
All of the glory and attention goes to the top lines in the NHL. On the Rangers, the likes of Rick Nash, Chris Kreider and Derick Brassard get the fans talking, because of their exciting ability to create offense and score goals.
The importance of the fourth line is often brushed aside, with many people not realize how important a team’s bottom six depth can be when making a long run in the playoffs. Having a great fourth line can be the difference between an early exit and a Stanley Cup Championship.
Looking back at the 2013-14 season, when the Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994, the bottom six was tremendous. Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello were probably the team’s best offensive line for large parts of the season and playoffs. Read the rest of this entry
Fourth line clicking when Rangers need them most
Bobby Bevilacqua
Tanner Glass, and the rest of the fourth line, have stepped their game up in the playoffs when the Rangers need their production most. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In the playoffs, there may be nothing more important a team looking to make a long run than depth. Depth in the forward lines, defenseman and multiple quality goaltenders gives a team the best chance for success.
Last season, the Rangers embodied this mentality, rolling four lines that were a threat to score at any time. Everyone knows about the third line of Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, which was arguable the team’s best and most consistent line throughout the playoffs.
But the fourth line Dominic Moore, Brian Boyle, and the rotating wing of Dan Carcillo and Derick Dorsett did a lot of things right too. It was a great defensive line, but could just as easily spend some pinning their opponents back in their own end. Don’t forget, it was Dominic Moore that scored the game winning goal in Game 6 against the Canadiens to send the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals. Read the rest of this entry
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