2011-2012 Season

[nyr2]

Well it's done and I have to give Sather credit here, he didn't give up too much. Erixon is the true wild card here, but parting with Erixon is much better than McDonagh or Del Zotto for now.

Not much else to say here...they didn't blow up the team which is good, now lets just hope Nash can play up to his talent and get things done for the Rangers with more of a support staff than he had in Columbus. He now has 2 stars(jack will love that) and solid role players like Callahan, Stepan, and Hagelin to play with...time will tell here.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by nyr2

Well it's done and I have to give Sather credit here, he didn't give up too much. Erixon is the true wild card here, but parting with Erixon is much better than McDonagh or Del Zotto for now.

Not much else to say here...they didn't blow up the team which is good, now lets just hope Nash can play up to his talent and get things done for the Rangers with more of a support staff than he had in Columbus. He now has 2 stars(jack will love that) and solid role players like Callahan, Stepan, and Hagelin to play with...time will tell here.

Here is the question?

Will Nash come to NY and perform like a Verbeek or Gartner or will he perform like a Luc Robitaille and totally gag and suck!
Fuc* Luc Robitaille!
That coc*sucker pus*y cost us Zubov! Neil Smith wanted him to replace the goals traded away with Gartner and dealt Zubov along with sh*tbird Nedved who scored 99 points with Lemieux and we got Ulfie who was alright but I never wanted to deal away Zubov!

[bigjack]

I recently wrote about why Sather needs to think short and long term due to the salary cap!
Here is an excellent summary of the Rangers next 3 years and where they stand.
Sather has done an excellent job of managing the cap!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...ther-long-term

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Here is the question?

Will Nash come to NY and perform like a Verbeek or Gartner or will he perform like a Luc Robitaille and totally gag and suck!
Fuc* Luc Robitaille!
That coc*sucker pus*y cost us Zubov! Neil Smith wanted him to replace the goals traded away with Gartner and dealt Zubov along with sh*tbird Nedved who scored 99 points with Lemieux and we got Ulfie who was alright but I never wanted to deal away Zubov!

Well we can agree both Smith and Sather have made some great moves and some downright pathetic moves.

Giving up Zubov was horrible, but the hopes was that they were getting the guy who was a stud in LA, but ended up being pretty much a bust when he played anywhere else. I don't get it, some guys are just meant for certain teams. You have a multitude of players in all the majors sports who can't play in NY but can anywhere else...Luc was really only good when he was a King. Weird.

Anyway, I certainly hope that this is the Nash with the ton of talent who I did love to watch in his early years and would always say "Why can't the Rangers ever get a player like this". I say anything less than 35 goals is a huge disappointment and he should capitalize on Gabby missing some time buy picking up his goals, so we should be looking at 40.

Being a lifelong Ranger fan, I have to be realistic and also take into account Torts' system and say 35 should be his line...BUT, the disappointed fan in me wouldn't be shocked to see him score 20 and be a huge bust eating up cap space...I don't think Nash is that type of player. I think he will take the opportunity and put his name back up there amongst the top players...time will tell. When does camp start?

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by nyr2

Well we can agree both Smith and Sather have made some great moves and some downright pathetic moves.

Giving up Zubov was horrible, but the hopes was that they were getting the guy who was a stud in LA, but ended up being pretty much a bust when he played anywhere else. I don't get it, some guys are just meant for certain teams. You have a multitude of players in all the majors sports who can't play in NY but can anywhere else...Luc was really only good when he was a King. Weird.

Anyway, I certainly hope that this is the Nash with the ton of talent who I did love to watch in his early years and would always say "Why can't the Rangers ever get a player like this". I say anything less than 35 goals is a huge disappointment and he should capitalize on Gabby missing some time buy picking up his goals, so we should be looking at 40.

Being a lifelong Ranger fan, I have to be realistic and also take into account Torts' system and say 35 should be his line...BUT, the disappointed fan in me wouldn't be shocked to see him score 20 and be a huge bust eating up cap space...I don't think Nash is that type of player. I think he will take the opportunity and put his name back up there amongst the top players...time will tell. When does camp start?

I was listening to Torts with Michael Kay on ESPN radio yesterday afternoon and Torts was really pumped up to coach Nash. It was good to hear and he was also great thanking Duby and Artie! In typical Torts fashion, he told Kay that Duby was a big pain in the ass when he began coaching him but he grew up and Torts came to like and respect him! He also said everytime the Rangers were looking to deal Duby's name would come up!
He said that Artie has alot of potential but hasn't learned how to use it yet and also said that Erixon had potential but didn't show it to Torts!
Ouch!
This morning I read on one of the blogs that Sather is thinking about Arnott who is a UFA if he can't get Doan?
He drafted Arnott in Edmonton and the guy is 37 but is big and still scored 17 goals and 34 points last year! He would probably cost around 2 million where Doan would cost alot more!
They also gotta get DelZotto signed! The rumors are 1.75 to 2.25 million a year so we'll see what happens!
He is a RFA!

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by bigjack

I was listening to Torts with Michael Kay on ESPN radio yesterday afternoon and Torts was really pumped up to coach Nash. It was good to hear and he was also great thanking Duby and Artie! In typical Torts fashion, he told Kay that Duby was a big pain in the ass when he began coaching him but he grew up and Torts came to like and respect him! He also said everytime the Rangers were looking to deal Duby's name would come up!
He said that Artie has alot of potential but hasn't learned how to use it yet and also said that Erixon had potential but didn't show it to Torts!
Ouch!
This morning I read on one of the blogs that Sather is thinking about Arnott who is a UFA if he can't get Doan?
He drafted Arnott in Edmonton and the guy is 37 but is big and still scored 17 goals and 34 points last year! He would probably cost around 2 million where Doan would cost alot more!
They also gotta get DelZotto signed! The rumors are 1.75 to 2.25 million a year so we'll see what happens!
He is a RFA!

They get Nash without giving up the future and now we don't have to deal with Shea Weber playing for the Flyers...It's a Festivus miracle!!!!

Anyway, yeah Dubi went out with class, his statements to the fans show why he was a fan favorite even when he wasn't putting up numbers last season. As for Artie, he could end up being another Kovalev...go somewhere else and become a 30 goal man, because he does have talent. And Erixon obviously didn't show enough last year to lose a spot to Bickel. Not to say that Bickel was terrible, but he wasn't as highly touted and still played most of the season.

Nash does have talent and I think is a solid guy from what I know of him...and he plays well during the international competitions so maybe with a Richards centering him he will become what he was supposed to be and what he seemed like earlier in his career...a consistent 40 goal man.

Arnott...eh. If Doan doesn't sign they need depth so I suppose its ok, plus he's a center so that works, but I would certainly prefer Doan. I could see Del Zotto making more than 3 million based on last season and the market on defensemen right now...but if they get him at a bargain that's even better.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by nyr2

They get Nash without giving up the future and now we don't have to deal with Shea Weber playing for the Flyers...It's a Festivus miracle!!!!

Anyway, yeah Dubi went out with class, his statements to the fans show why he was a fan favorite even when he wasn't putting up numbers last season. As for Artie, he could end up being another Kovalev...go somewhere else and become a 30 goal man, because he does have talent. And Erixon obviously didn't show enough last year to lose a spot to Bickel. Not to say that Bickel was terrible, but he wasn't as highly touted and still played most of the season.

Nash does have talent and I think is a solid guy from what I know of him...and he plays well during the international competitions so maybe with a Richards centering him he will become what he was supposed to be and what he seemed like earlier in his career...a consistent 40 goal man.

Arnott...eh. If Doan doesn't sign they need depth so I suppose its ok, plus he's a center so that works, but I would certainly prefer Doan. I could see Del Zotto making more than 3 million based on last season and the market on defensemen right now...but if they get him at a bargain that's even better.

Nice post! Yeah the Weber move was a gift for sure and I want Doan also so time will tell. We gotta watch those damn Penguins and now the Flyers can throw money at Doan!
I hope that what many are writing about Nash comes through that he will thrive with a good team around him! I have to applaud him for one thing! He asked to come to NY so maybe that means he has a pair!
I was on the SNY Rangers Blog before and they had a picture of Kreider deadlifting 500 lbs and he is a big boy!
Usually the weakest of the forward positions is left wing but potentially with Nash, Hagelin, Kreider, Pyatt, and Rupp it looks like a strength!

BTW, What is this the nyr2 and Bigjack Thread?

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Nice post! Yeah the Weber move was a gift for sure and I want Doan also so time will tell. We gotta watch those damn Penguins and now the Flyers can throw money at Doan!
I hope that what many are writing about Nash comes through that he will thrive with a good team around him! I have to applaud him for one thing! He asked to come to NY so maybe that means he has a pair!
I was on the SNY Rangers Blog before and they had a picture of Kreider deadlifting 500 lbs and he is a big boy!
Usually the weakest of the forward positions is left wing but potentially with Nash, Hagelin, Kreider, Pyatt, and Rupp it looks like a strength!

BTW, What is this the nyr2 and Bigjack Thread?

Not to take a shot at anyone else here, but I think we are the only 2 here that eat, breathe, and sleep this team 365 days a year...perhaps this is why we butt heads so often???

Anyway, you are right, the Pens have a little wiggle room since they dealt Staal so they will be a legitimate threat to get Doan, but I think Bobby Clarke is set to do something stupid after losing out on Weber...I'm eagerly anticipating the implosion. Doan has been a blue collar guy giving his heart and soul to a team that has been in a constant rebuild...I think he wants to play the last few years of his contract on a team that has a serious chance of making a Cup run. The Rangers are definitely one of those teams as are the Pens...the Flyers are strong, but I don't think anyone sees them as a front runner...same for the Canadians who he will meet with next week. I think with the team they are putting together, it would be enticing for Doan to come...

Imagine lines of Nash - Richards - Gaborik, Doan - Stepan - Callahan, Hagelin - Boyle - Kreider???? Or some combo of those lines? It will be the best this team has looked(on paper) since probably 96-97? I'm talking skill, depth, and star power.

Id still like to see an upgrade on defense, but there is still time to do something.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by nyr2

Not to take a shot at anyone else here, but I think we are the only 2 here that eat, breathe, and sleep this team 365 days a year...perhaps this is why we butt heads so often???

Anyway, you are right, the Pens have a little wiggle room since they dealt Staal so they will be a legitimate threat to get Doan, but I think Bobby Clarke is set to do something stupid after losing out on Weber...I'm eagerly anticipating the implosion. Doan has been a blue collar guy giving his heart and soul to a team that has been in a constant rebuild...I think he wants to play the last few years of his contract on a team that has a serious chance of making a Cup run. The Rangers are definitely one of those teams as are the Pens...the Flyers are strong, but I don't think anyone sees them as a front runner...same for the Canadians who he will meet with next week. I think with the team they are putting together, it would be enticing for Doan to come...

Imagine lines of Nash - Richards - Gaborik, Doan - Stepan - Callahan, Hagelin - Boyle - Kreider???? Or some combo of those lines? It will be the best this team has looked(on paper) since probably 96-97? I'm talking skill, depth, and star power.

Id still like to see an upgrade on defense, but there is still time to do something.

Plus the Devils lost Parise! The Rangers have alot of young potential in Stepan, Hagelin, and Kreider and as important as Nash, Richards, Gaborik, and Callahan are, these 3 young guys are also very important! Stepan hopefully can take another step and become a 60 point center and hopefully we can get 20 goals out of Kreider and Hagelin along with using their great speed on the forecheck and to kill penalties!
Then DelZotto and McDonagh need to keep improving, Staal needs to come back to the normal Staal and we need Sauer back! He doesn't get enough respect but is a solid lockdown defenseman! Not a scorer but an very good defender!
A solid PP would cure alot of ills and hopefully Halpern has another solid year on faceoffs!

[Lucy Brown]

Originally Posted by nyr2

Not to take a shot at anyone else here, but I think we are the only 2 here that eat, breathe, and sleep this team 365 days a year...perhaps this is why we butt heads so often???

Anyway, you are right, the Pens have a little wiggle room since they dealt Staal so they will be a legitimate threat to get Doan, but I think Bobby Clarke is set to do something stupid after losing out on Weber...I'm eagerly anticipating the implosion. Doan has been a blue collar guy giving his heart and soul to a team that has been in a constant rebuild...I think he wants to play the last few years of his contract on a team that has a serious chance of making a Cup run. The Rangers are definitely one of those teams as are the Pens...the Flyers are strong, but I don't think anyone sees them as a front runner...same for the Canadians who he will meet with next week. I think with the team they are putting together, it would be enticing for Doan to come...

Imagine lines of Nash - Richards - Gaborik, Doan - Stepan - Callahan, Hagelin - Boyle - Kreider???? Or some combo of those lines? It will be the best this team has looked(on paper) since probably 96-97? I'm talking skill, depth, and star power.

Id still like to see an upgrade on defense, but there is still time to do something.

I've actually been on here every day but just didnt have much to say. I have enjoyed reading your posts though.

I'm really happy about the Nash signing and the fact we didnt give away the farm to get him. Maybe I getting a little spoiled here but I really want Doan now. Weber not going to the Flyers was a big plus for us and I'm really happy about that. I'm not going to lose any sleep if we dont get Doan but that will put the Nash signing over the top if we can also get Doan.

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by Lucy Brown

I've actually been on here every day but just didnt have much to say. I have enjoyed reading your posts though.

I'm really happy about the Nash signing and the fact we didnt give away the farm to get him. Maybe I getting a little spoiled here but I really want Doan now. Weber not going to the Flyers was a big plus for us and I'm really happy about that. I'm not going to lose any sleep if we dont get Doan but that will put the Nash signing over the top if we can also get Doan.

I meant nothing personal and I hope it didn't come off that way...the core group that posts here regularly during the season are clearly passionate, die hard fans...but even during the off season I still care more about hockey and the Rangers than any other sport, so I never really take a break. Jack seems to be similar in this aspect...that's all I was saying.

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Plus the Devils lost Parise! The Rangers have alot of young potential in Stepan, Hagelin, and Kreider and as important as Nash, Richards, Gaborik, and Callahan are, these 3 young guys are also very important! Stepan hopefully can take another step and become a 60 point center and hopefully we can get 20 goals out of Kreider and Hagelin along with using their great speed on the forecheck and to kill penalties!
Then DelZotto and McDonagh need to keep improving, Staal needs to come back to the normal Staal and we need Sauer back! He doesn't get enough respect but is a solid lockdown defenseman! Not a scorer but an very good defender!
A solid PP would cure alot of ills and hopefully Halpern has another solid year on faceoffs!

Great points. Hagelin is a gem...he is so fast, but he also has good hockey sense and can put up some offense by using that speed so he should be better with the year of experience. And Stepan has no choice, he needs to step up because he is the default #2 center now with both Dubinsky and Anisimov out of the picture. I think he can because with 2 less centers there is less of a chance of him suiting up one game on the second line and the next on the 4th line...he's #2 and will need to be. If Krieder plays like he did but improves because of his playoff experience, he will provide some solid depth behind Gabby and Nash.

Sauer coming back and being able to play his game would be huge...but I am worried about that...a physical dman with post concussion syndrome is a recipe for disaster. I hope I'm wrong.

[Lucy Brown]

Originally Posted by nyr2

I meant nothing personal and I hope it didn't come off that way...the core group that posts here regularly during the season are clearly passionate, die hard fans...but even during the off season I still care more about hockey and the Rangers than any other sport, so I never really take a break. Jack seems to be similar in this aspect...that's all I was saying.

I didnt have a problem with your post and my response was merely to mention that I had been lurking about.

I'm looking forward to next season. I'm enjoying my summer but I always look forward to fall because that brings hockey. I'm really looking forward to see the new players play. I'm curious to see how Asham fits in and I'm really looking forward to see how Kreider plays.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by Lucy Brown

I didnt have a problem with your post and my response was merely to mention that I had been lurking about.

I'm looking forward to next season. I'm enjoying my summer but I always look forward to fall because that brings hockey. I'm really looking forward to see the new players play. I'm curious to see how Asham fits in and I'm really looking forward to see how Kreider plays.

Yeah the new additions always makes it fun! I remember 1974 as an example when Nifty Ricky was a Ranger and a rookie after spending the year before in the AHL and then in 1975 when Hickey and Dillon came over from Toronto of the WHA!
Seeing new faces like an Asham always makes it fun!
One of the biggest guys was Turk Sanderson! He was HATED by Ranger fans and seeing him in the Ranger blues for the first time was something else! He also started out wearing number 4 and later switched to his 16 when they got rid of Rod Seiling early in 1974!
We have a little feel for Kreider having seen him already play or if a guy comes right to the team and plays during the season like a Knuckles Nilan, Joe Kocur, Phil Esposito or Mark Messier. There is little time to think about it but players acquired during the summer give us time to think about them like an Asham!
I wrote hopefully 20 goals for Kreider because I am trying to be realistic and not think like a fan. Lets hope that I am wrong!

[nyr2]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Yeah the new additions always makes it fun! I remember 1974 as an example when Nifty Ricky was a Ranger and a rookie after spending the year before in the AHL and then in 1975 when Hickey and Dillon came over from Toronto of the WHA!
Seeing new faces like an Asham always makes it fun!
One of the biggest guys was Turk Sanderson! He was HATED by Ranger fans and seeing him in the Ranger blues for the first time was something else! He also started out wearing number 4 and later switched to his 16 when they got rid of Rod Seiling early in 1974!
We have a little feel for Kreider having seen him already play or if a guy comes right to the team and plays during the season like a Knuckles Nilan, Joe Kocur, Phil Esposito or Mark Messier. There is little time to think about it but players acquired during the summer give us time to think about them like an Asham!
I wrote hopefully 20 goals for Kreider because I am trying to be realistic and not think like a fan. Lets hope that I am wrong!

20 out of Kreider is not too much to ask with his size and skill...30 would be reaching. I also expect 20 out of Hagelin, 20-25 out of Stepan, 30 ish from Cally, 30 ish from Richards, 40 from Nash and hopefully 20-25 out of Gaborik based on missing part of the season. Throw Doan into the mix and you're looking at another 20-25. Scoring should without a doubt be up for this team...I can't see them being as dismal on the PP...if they are, then I give up with trying to figure things out.