Clock Finally Strikes: Rangers In Camp

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Finally! Training camp has officially opened today for the 2008-2009 New York Rangers. There's been much anticipation as to how this year's version of the roster, that has been dramatically changed from the past 2 seasons, will look. I gotta give Glen Sather credit, 2nd round playoff exits just aren't good enough! Slats has taken control and purged the roster. He definitely has shaken it up remarkably.

Many questions are in store as this camp gets underway:

1) Will Shanny find a spot on the roster?
2) The Mats Sundin Saga... does it help or hurt Shanahan? (I want Shanny back!)
3) How quick do the newcomers blend and get comfortable?
4) What will the 4 lines up front look like?
5) What are the D pairings going to look like? (I'll pay close attention to this)
6) Will any youngster find a way to crack the lineup? (I hope so!)
7) Will the trip to Europe help or hurt the Rangers? (It scares me a bit!)
Those are some of the questions that I feel need to be answered. Some questions that I feel don't need to be answered are as follows:
1) Goaltending: King Henrik is as good as gold.
2) Management: They have done their job assembling the talent!
3) Coaching Staff: They are excellent. They have shown that they can adapt to what the team is... that's not easy!
It will be fun and interesting at the same time keeping and eye on the Rangers. The next few weeks will be more telling and give us a gauge as to where they stand. Over and out!

Picture from the official website of the New York Rangers.

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm also a bit confused with the trip in Europe. Despite the fact I'm all excited to go to Bern for the Victoria cup, there are a lot of things that can happen in those two games, and most of all injuries. First game against Bern. Bern will play in his arena with his fans cheering around. I don't see them playing "for fun". That's an exhibition game but we should be careful.

Then the "big" game against Metallurg. Same thoughts, I don't see that KHL team going to Bern for peanuts and playing a soft game. They would also like to win in this particular conjuncture, this cold war between NHL and KHL. I watched them last week against Omsk, they are not bad at all (sad story about Omsk... 2 wins, 4 losses, Omsk's coach has been fired, Bob Hartley should be named as new coach but Jagr and others players don't want it...).

No really, these two games could be tricky with the season opener 3 days later.
But most likely, Rangers will bring in Europe 2 rosters as to minimize the risks of injuries for NHLers.

And I don't talk about the 2 games in Prague, that's the start of the season. In Prague or elsewhere, there are no questions, we must win!

Concerning what the team will look like, Sam Weinman reported yesterday what he's seen on the ice. the team is taking shape... Can't wait for the first pre-season games.

http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2008/09/16/spirits-are-high-and-so-are-expectations/

Leatherneck said...

I dont understand Sathers stance here on the Shanny Sundin saga...we dont need Sundin...Shanny is a Ranger at heart...a teammate to many of the players and certainly a positive influence to the newcomers..a leader...a scorer...well hell..forgive him for one bad year in a very glorious and established NHL career..he is human..whats Sathers intent here...i believe its now becoming a detriment..a bad move on his part...the younger players have to be seeing this..knowing..hummm...my only loyalty has to be to me..forget sundin..sign shanny...lets move forward...point is..Sathers move was good in the beginning..now..its becoming evident to people..fans..that...loyalty is being thrown out the window...as a former US Marine...i am not liking this indecision

Kotsy's Korner said...

jeff: I was over in Finland and Sweden with the Rangers for training camp. It was Herb Brooks first year as Rangers coach. We played in a tournament(Washington was there also). I know for a fact that the Swedish and Finish teams gave us their best. They wanted to show us that they were as good as NHL players. Things got real nasty at times during the games. I hope that the Rangers take precaution as to how they approach this.(Oh, we won the tourney and then I got traded to Hartford. Thanks Herb, just thought I'd throw that in.

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I don't understand all the hoopla over Sundin myself. I hope Shanahan and Sather can come to terms. You also have to be aware of this fact. The Rangers hired Mike Barnett who was with Phoenix who also at one time was a player agent. Guess who he represented? Mats Sundin. If something does not happen soon, I think Shanahan might be history. I certainly hope it turns in Shanny's favor. I got a bad feeling on this.

Leatherneck said...

If that happens...we sign Sundin over Shanny...that'll be in the same mold of..Brian Leetch debacle...he should have been signed even if for just 1 game...and retired a Ranger...if the management doesnt show some loyalty to the players...how can we think...that these players will be loyal to the team?..What you give is what you recieve..a philosophy that exists in all religions and alternative ways of belief,,This Sundin Shanny handling has caused me concerns over Sathers thinking proccess and throw in Leetch..one time..its easy to say ok..mistake...2 times...time to scratch the head..now its a pattern developing

Leatherneck said...

ooh...saw an article on expansion...you see it happening soon?...seems the odds on favs are Las Vegas and KC...i live in Vegas..as much as I would love a team here...it'll never be more than a team with a very select few fans...most will be going to the game..as a fan of another team..or..coorparte seats..for fads not fans..whats your take on expansion..and especially on a team in Las vegas..I know this..team in Vegas..Rangers in town..my colors will be red white and blue of the true blue..lol

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I think you and I agree on who we should sign. We'll just have to wait and see how it all works out in the end.
As for expansion I'd want a team in my city. Las Vegas sounds good but K.C, the NHL has been there before and it didn't work so why try again? You have to be real careful and not just take the expansion fees from anyone. Some of the teams we have now are struggling to compete. It's a double edged sword.

Leatherneck said...

Hi there Chris..hope you are well...Was thinking about this...we talked about expansion the other day...you think teams are forming rosters for the eventual expansion draft? Seems like 2010 is the expansion year..any strategy for that..for team management now..or to soon to do that....as for the kids at traverse city...seems the prominent names there were Soryal, Weise, Dupont and Anisimov..Do you hear how the practices are going? Personal question...how did you stay a true blue..lol..them clowns back then traded you so early in your career...and I know..the results show..we ended up missing you on the team

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I guess when you look at it from my perspective, my first impression was my last impression. The Rangers to me, that first year in the NHL was incredible. Greschner, Duguay, Vickers, Beck, etc... I could go on and on. We went to the semi-finals, the fans, the city everything that goes with playing for a professional New York sports team. When I got traded it hurt for a long time, some of my friends believe I never got over it. The fans of the Rangers used to hang over the glass in warm ups and be moan the fact that I wasn't a Ranger anymore. That continued the rest of my career. The New York Rangers organization and fans have treated me with respect when I was playing and treat me with the same respect to this day. So as the story goes, once a Ranger always a Ranger.

Leatherneck said...

Yeah..wasnt long..after you got traded..we drafted Terry carckner to fill that void..but for some reason he didnt pan out with us..what about the Roster and the coming expansion theory..isnt 2010 the expansion year?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I highly doubt that present day GM's And coaches would be worried about the coming expansion (If it's True or not?). They got enough to worry about keeping their jobs and their futures. I personally believe that the league, with its costs and salary increases, forces management to concentrate on what's at hand - rather than delve to much into the future.

As for 2010 being the set date, I'll believe it when it happens.

Leatherneck said...

Hi Chris, can tomorrows game be watched online? We dont get MSG here in vegas...and i think the NHL network needs to fire its producer...seriously..in this day of technology there are so many creative ways to do things..ie..how about a real team cam so we can follow our team..Ranger news to me..in example..and ranger games in pre season are more important than..the same old same old

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I'm not sure but, my son sometimes finds ways to access sports through the internet. Why no MSG out in sin city? That's strange.

Leatherneck said...

we only get center ice on our cable and NHL network...I wish MSG was on the menu...seems from the reports a few rookies are making a name for themselves and Zherdev appearing like he may be trying too hard?..or is he lazy?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Unfortunately it appears that Zherdev is living up to his reputation. You might get away with that in Columbus, but not in New York. The fans will expose lazy play and you will be marked forever. I hope Zherdev snaps out of it because he has the talent.

Anonymous said...

We knew the risk when we traded Zherdev, let's hope that's not a big deal. I prefer to wait for the first pre-seasons games to make me an idea on him in a Ranger uniform.

first pre season game's tonight, that's it, hockey time is here, new season on his way!

Kotsy's Korner said...

jeff: Jeff your absolutely right, I can wait on Zherdev. I know he has the tools, lets hope it's not a waste of talent. Yes hockey is here and Rangers are on MSG network tonight.

Wrath of Sanity said...

Leatherneck, I believe if you have NHL Center Ice Online that you can watch the pre-season game... not sure about other online streams though.

And also, I have faith that Zherdev will be OK. I am pretty confident that Renney will get him to play and play hard on at least a fairly consistent basis.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure about CIO, I subscribed last year to the equivalent service here in Europe named ESPN360, it seems there are no pre-seasons games scheduled unfortunately. Will check later tonight, but I'm not very confident.

Mr. Hockey said...

Kots--Shanny or 13--one guy is an ace-basically begging to be asked back--this other guy is a mutt and a coach killer--we all know who we would sign if it was up to any of us--than again we all would have had Avery back!!Hard proof once again that none of us has any say as to what goes on behind the door!
So far 13 is still a rumor.Hopefully it dies that way because if this guy comes in --you know that Sather would not stand for anything less than the Cup--when everyone realizes that this guy can't come through it'll be so long Coach Renney(coach killer).
How embarassing do you think it is for Shanny to have to beg for a welcome? A guy with his stature,to have to say that he would do whatever they want of him,just to come back is not suppose to happen!!(Nedved asks for a look-and he gets a kiss hello?)
O.K MSG in two minutes see ya.

Kotsy's Korner said...

mr.hockey: I feel your pain, Shanahan could have signed with other teams by now. So far he has chose not to, much to his credit. I think there's still a chance for Shanahan to be welcomed back. Let's hope so, because it would be a terrible way for Shanny to end his illustrious career.

How do you like all the penalties called so far? The NHL has a big problem!!!!

Leatherneck said...

How are the Rangers looking?..couldnt find the game online...

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: The good, Dubinsky was the best player on the ice for the Rangers. Rangers out shot Ottawa and had more scoring chances. Del Zotto looked very good. Overall not a bad performance.

However, the NHL has a big problem if this game is any indication. Rangers had 11 minors to Ottawa's 10. Absolutely no flow was allowed, too many penalty's, It sucks to watch this kind of crap. Let the players play, damn it!

Leatherneck said...

how was Potter and Betts?..and I agree...some of these penalties..they call,,,did Betts look good on the PK?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Potter was okay, nothing spectacular. Betts was his usual self. They did not bring a full NHL caliber squad to Ottawa. The Sens played with almost a full squad. Rangers played the complete "white" team from training camp.

Anonymous said...

Wooosh! Dubinsky was on fire, I finally found a way to watch the game,that was quite impressive to see him. Great effort on the PK (or poor PP on the other side?), Betts with an "A" was nice to see.

And that was not our season's squad... can't wait for the season to start, we could have good surprises.

Mr. Hockey said...

Kots--I'd have to say that after waiting all summer for this season to get underway--I was pissed to the max!!How could I have forgotten the product that the schmucks on Ave.of the Americas now call hockey? Tell me did you enjoy the flow of the game? The obstruction calls really speed the game up don't they! I guess I'm not as wise as the Troll and his lackeys, but to me nothing disrupts the flow of action more than the whistle!!!It dosn't slow the game down like a bit of obstruction does--IT STOPS IT DEAD!!4 on 4--5 on 3 this is what they call a better game for fans to watch? Fortunatally for the N.H.L hockey fans will never turn away--there is no other game played to give the fans their fix like hockey does!!This has to be the reason why the changes have remained like they are.Because no matter how they screw it up, the real fans will always be loyal to the game.
We'll see how Redden,Naslund,Zherdev and the rest look on Monday!I always say that I decide for myself who's got what it takes and who's a mutt.--Redden and Naslund???their games seem to be fading faster than my hairline---As you always say,if you get paid like one of the best --you better play that way!!Are you listening Wade???Naslund New York is a rough place to RESTART--Zherdev,I'll wait to see for myself,but if this guy is as lazy as I hear--he won't like the heat in New York--UNLESS HE WEARS NUMBER 68!!! seems that make it alright--anyway I hope I'm wrong on all counts and these players make us all proud I'll wait and see!

Kotsy's Korner said...

mr.hockey: No, I didn't enjoy the flow of the game, in fact - it really sucked. I don't understand the NHL and their collective thinking. It's like they are trying to force feed the fans, kind of like our parents did to us at the dinner table when we were young. Well, it didn't taste good then and it's not tasting good now. I am a fan of this great game, not just a former player!

As for the Rangers and the new additions, only time will tell. Some have to step up, others need to prove their worth.

Leatherneck said...

Read some stats on Betts..and noticed an 0 for on the PK including a 5 on 3 kill which Betts helped kill..10 of 15 on faceoffs..he may not score but hs value is elsewhere..and besides...look at his linemates ..Hollwegg and Orr...not even Lemieux would have had as many points in his career..lol.. and same issue with Orr..his contributions are also not noticed in the scoring Dept..eh..do you concur Chris? or are they replaceable giving up on those elements for more scoring?...my 4th line would be Byers centered by Betts and Orr...seems also that Voros, Dubinsky and Callahan had excellent chemistry..is that going to be our third line?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I wouldn't be surprised if Dubinsky pushes towards the second line. Betts Is a tough one, he could be replaced but at what cost on the defensive side? I think in the end Betts is to valuable as penalty killer, face off man and negating the top centers. Betts should be a keeper.

Colton Orr, What's not like about the guy. He fights the heavyweights, wins more than his share, doesn't take stupid penalty's, and his game will improve.

Rocco said...

Kotsy,

I'm not so concerned about the European road trip as I am with all of the preseason games we have. I understand a team's management sets up their squad's preseason schedule so why did they have their boys playing so many games in such a short period of time in the US? For instance, they have 5 games in 6 nights starting last night! That's insane...even though they have 2 separate groups of guys playing together,

Kotsy's Korner said...

rocco: Hey, Rocco nice to hear from you. I totally agree with you on the 5 games in 6 nights. the word "insane" fits the schedule perfectly. We can only hope that the players can navigate through without any injuries.

As for the trip to Europe - been there, done that, don't like it one bit. It's great for the fans of hockey in Europe, but it's grueling for the players. The Rangers must be careful how they approach this trip and keep their focus on the season. I have to say that I like what I see so far in the pre-season games.

Leatherneck said...

Hiya Chris...so first impressions..your vote...who is in..who is out? What would the team be..if you were coach..based on what you have seen..4 lines D-pair and goalies...who would you put on the taxi squad? i will stick to mine...Naslund, Gomez and Zherdev..Dawes, Drury and Callahan..Voros. Dubinsky and Fritsche..Byers, Betts and Orr with Prucha extra forward...D-men Redden and Girardi..Roszival and Staal..Mara and Potter with Pock as extra D..goalie is a no brainer..Lundy and Vallie..I would still make a trade for a power forward and hard hitting D-man..curious to see what your picks are

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I think I'll hold out on any roster predictions for a few more games. Have you been able to access any of the games so far? Tv or Internet. I like what I've seen so far. Not doing cartwheels, but progress is evident.

Leatherneck said...

no..i have not...unable to even hear them on the radio...i am at the mercy of stats...i catch the hilights of the game on TSN..online its driving me bonkers..

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could check around here for tonight's game. That's not in HD, but that's ok while waiting for CIO to start broadcasting. ;)

http://fr.justin.tv/rangers05fan


To come back on the Rangers's trip in Europe, well, an interesting thing just pop up in my mind. Last time the Rangers played exhibitions games in Europe that was prior to the 1993-1994 season in London against the Leafs... You all know how the season ended... ;)

Kotsy's Korner said...

jeff: We could only dream for this season to turn out like 1994. Thanks for helping out a fellow Ranger fan.(I hope it worked for him)

Soon the Rangers will be in your part of the world. Enjoy the experience.

Leatherneck said...

thanks jeff...hope it works tonight..I got to see a bit of dane byers...I like the kid...solid player....man..i like the sound of this as a 4th line..Byers, Betts and Orr..they as a group give us 10 goals..it'll be awesome..their value is elswhere and Sjostrom who many pencil in as 4th LW doesnt do it for me..I want to see teams get agitated playing against us...Byers will bring that to the table..and will hone in on his offense and be a solid contibuter in the scoring dept in a couple of years..also..takes away pressure from Dubinsky..to have to fight in certain situations...still..key fix has to be on D...how about Redden getting burned for 2 goals against..the one against Ottowa was horrendous..eh Chris...jitters or has he lost a step?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Boy! I was a shocked at how easy they went around Redden. I am a little concerned, not what I would expect from a veteran. If he has lost a step, then he's gotta play zone "D" like football. I was never the fastest, but I'll be damned if I'd let anyone blow by me like that. Byers looked good. The brass is gonna have a tough time figuring out who to keep and who not to.

Good luck in finding the game tonight.

Mr. Hockey said...

Kots--I know they don't count and it dosn't matter how bad a big contract looks on the ice--but I'm sure they didn't like the way Redden was flat footed as he got beat at the line in two straight games--the stick check he tried to use after he was beat is just a delayed penalty waiting to happen(in the NEW N.H.L)
Byers has been noticable on the ice, but I would'nt be shocked if he landed with the Wolfpack.After they lost Gratton,Lessard and Fritz I would think they need some toughness on the lines.
How did you like my man Sjostom's goal ? A snipers goal --over Smith's glove to the wide side--snapped it baby--lots of speed there too--an edge and he goes to the net when we have the puck!!
I would think that the staff and front office will be forced to make some tough calls--lets hope that none of these players make it easy for them!!!The only thing that would make me happier,is to have tea with Miss McGill!!

Kotsy's Korner said...

mr.hockey: Your right it doesn't count now, but it's something to keep an eye on. Redden's got to be smarter than that. Sjostrom roofed it where the peanut butter is, the top shelf. I think he's still going to find it tough to find a roster spot. Sorry it's just my gut feeling.

Leatherneck said...

Hi Chris...watched the game yesterday..online..thanks to Jeff,,,here is my take on it,,impressed by Voros and Fahey and again..Lundqvist needs to know when its ok to come out of the crease to let the puck play him..instead of him playing the puck...for some fighting for spots I saw no urgency which was disappointing...Orr should hold a fighting school for Voros, Byers and Dubinsky..lol..Nedved proved to me why Betts should be our 4th line center...again..the need for the physical defenseman was evident...the Devils didnt fear the crease...Mara needs to hit more...Staal and Roszival look like they lost that chemistry and finally..i saw a post on a blog..i agreed with...the line ups for the game today make no sense...the top players should play to build chemistry..as that is the big question with this team and just tinker with the 3rd and 4th lines...

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Glad you could watch the game.It's nice to see fellow Ranger fans look out for each other. I like Voros for his energy, but for a big man he sure finds his butt hitting the ice more than I would like to see(balance problem?). Overall I have to agree, the Rangers look soft physically, no nasty play or edge to their game. I wouldn't put too much stock in tonight's lineup. You have to worry about the trip to Europe and staying healthy, plus you got to hold some secrets back from Tampa for the season openers.

Leatherneck said...

As a Marine..we had it in us that there was always one more thing we could do...there was no perfection..that way we stayed in constant growth...my point?,,,Lundqvist..I dont like him back in the net in some instances...ie point shots..one of those goals..he could have just stopped by letting the puck hit him..playing the angle...let the puck just hit him by moving out of the crease by just 2 feet...is this a habit that can be broken..taught to him..to move out just a few feet on point shots on the PK..i noticed that alot last year..goals that could have been prevented by just coming out a little bit..infact..i think he could have had 15 shutouts last year..thats an honest remark..15 of em

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I hope he (Lundqvist) corrects that problem because so far it looks like the Rangers are going to lean heavily on him. It may be too early for me to talk about this but, shades of last year - no scoring!
As for perfection you're dead on. My play by play man on the radio at Quinnipiac Bill Schweizer always reminds me when I do a game for the Bobcats - You will never be perfect but you must strive for it!

Leatherneck said...

Redden timing issues? he has me worried for a veteran defenseman..Kopokoroski special K..keeper? forming any opinions on the line up Chris? Potter looked very good again as did Fritsche...and again..Betts my vote for 4th line center...how many can the Rangers keep on the final Roster? whats the league allowance..you see any potential waiver losses. pick ups..possible early trades?

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Potter looks like he belongs. Korpikoski showed great speed especially on his goal. I agree with you on Betts, but Renney had some kind words for Nedved after the game. Teams in the NHL usually keep 22-25 players up with the big club (healthy scratches every night).

I have two concerns after watching 5 games - lack of scoring - no physical play. I know the final lines are not set, so that maybe the reason for lack of consistent scoring. However sure looks to me so far just a little to soft in the physical department. Taking the body is one thing, hitting someone with meaning is another.

Leatherneck said...

yeah...I agree...the hitting is left to the same ol same ols...and the couple of mighty mites we have,,Callahan hits..but doesnt make the impact...on D..only one hits on a consistent basis...that I noticed and one who is on the cusp..Girardi and Potter...I have to say...Girardi is out best defenseman...now if Mara and Stall get in on the show...I would if the GM make a call to the Sharks..for 2 players I have heard often that are available...Patrick Marleau and Kyle Mclaren and Douglass Murray....here is where we have to give something to get something..maybe at a cost of Dawes or Callahan..with Prucha..Sjostrom..Korpokoroski.....Sanguinetti Kalinin..a combo there of and if need be..a draft pick or two...This team will compete from the heart as is..but will fall short of their efforts as is..that'll be heart breaking..infact..they remind me of the Minnesota Wild...very hard working team..some talent...but..look at the results..on the good news..its a remedy that can be fixed..unlike the teams of Jagr era..where there were obstacles..The D-man..that intimidates you knew my concern there...another onr has surfaced..a talanted power forward who can score 30 goals or more..key word..POWER FORWARD...not a scoring forward like a Gaborik..the Sharks do offer some answers based on their rosters and as well as rumors of availability of these players

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: Looks like Nedved is done in his comeback try, he got cut today. Potter and Fahey will battle it out for the final spot on "D". I think you will see a break out year with Staal, the only thing missing from his game is what most Ranger fans crave playing with a nasty edge. If Staal learns how to play with more authority on the physical side, the sky's the limit.

Your right about assets, the Rangers are well stocked and could use certain players as bait to get what they need. I believe when the time is right there will trades made as the season goes forward.

Power Forward - Intimidating "D" man I wish it was so easy to acquire. We will just have wait and see.

JohnM said...

same old vs Devils. No commitment to attack hockey. Total bogus coaching. Total bogus overuse of Orr and Betts. Korpikoski or no Korpikoski. If Saturday is a preview of the attack style they have been bull s'ng about, I am out.

Kotsy's Korner said...

john: John, I think many of us are feeling the same way. I will post a new blog about my outlook for this season by Monday. The Good - The Bad - The Ugly - Stay tuned.

Leatherneck said...

Hi Chris..this Rangers team I believe is not finalized...I feel a trade coming..if Redden gets his game back and Roszival gets sober from his champagne binge after signing his lucrative contract the D is fine minus the intimidating D-man...Potter has been the best one out there...very steady...bit what is glaring...is the no scoring...you think this team can score as is to win 40 games to get in the playoffs or get the 90 to 97 points to get in the playoffs? Devils did a number on us yesterday with a squad that was 90% of the opening roster... I have to admit...I liked Drury on the wing...however I think his centerman should be Dubinsky...now...which is more important to fix...the D-man we have talked about or a scoring forward in your opinion? one last observation...if the game yesterday was going to get tough...fighting..besides Orr there was no one else intimidating the Devils....no one...either Rissmiller starts hitting and dropping his gloves from time to time..or poor Orr is in trouble...Voros is a joke in fighting but his presance is indeed felt and his main contribution will be as the forward in front of the net...screening the goalie..tying up D-man infront of the net...here is where Byers would have truely helped the team...a mistake to send him down...if fights do shift the mommentum of a game and you and I know...they do...many of the top fighters will go after Voros...and I only see him winning 30% of his fights...and Voros will fight..the kid has heart...if I was an opposing coach..I have a few options to strategize against the current Rangers team...as it is right now..its going to be a very predictable season for the Rangers and not a very positive result for us...if we are 10 points out of playoff contention by end of December...then at this time...I would prefer the Rangers become a Lottery team....in all honesty...remember the year of Sid the kid?..we were a lottery team that ended up with the 17th pick???? because of the lock out..how did that ever happen...Chris..this team is in trouble and really has no identity as a collective team...maybe this trip will help sort a few issues out...I doubt it though

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: I, like you am a little nervous as to this teams make-up. It looks to me skill, speed,and talent is there. I'm not worried about the goal tending. The biggest problem I feel is lack of team toughness,(this team is timid). "Scoring" so far is a disaster. Potter has been steady, but needs to be more physical or he's just another defense man. Your exactly right about Voros, he will mix it up physically. I really hope things change between now and next Saturday.

Leatherneck said...

here is the kicker about Potter...steady freddy..as for his hitting..I think Renny has the reigns on him there...now the kicker..if Redden doesnt improve..buy him out...he has not impressed me at all and his status as a veteran..bleh..sometimes we make a mistake..but we solve our problems..so far Redden has been a mistake...mark my words..end of the year he will be a minus 25 to 30 if he continues to play as he is doing..I cant tell if it is his timing or he has lost a step..if..he has lost a step..he needs to go asap..if it is his timing only..then he will improve..I do wish him the best...however he is going to be the next Malik at the Garden and get booed unmercifully I fear and honestly have you seen Redden even throw a hit so far this year of any impact? As a former NHL defenseman..whats your take on Redden..has he become an avarage defenseman or is he still a premiere D-man...if the Ducks were able to move Schneiders contract..we should be able to do the same with Reddens contract...but it has to be soon..not when he is a big time minus player which I fear he will be...sooo..what a dilema to be in ..A for effort to Sather and an F for results in regard to Redden and whats your opinion of Bouwmeester of FLA and Mr Sather..trade for Douglas Muarray, kyle Mclaren and Patrick Marleau in a huge block buster early on or we are in big trouble...which means Redden has to go and also throw in Dawes, Prucha, Sjostrom, fritsche and Draft choices any combination there of.. Potter has made Redden expendible already even before the start of the season

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: My opinion on Redden so far is about the same as yours. Getting waltzed around like a pylon is disturbing to see out of a veteran. His play making and so called offensive ability will his not make up for defensive gaffs. he needs to pick up his game or he will get scorched by the Ranger fans. Sather has done his job, he can't play for them. Today's game expose's players for what they are because of the high price tags (free agency). You make what you think are the right moves and hope they work out. Let's give the Rangers the benefit of our doubt until we see how the openers against Tampa unfold.

Leatherneck said...

Hope all is well with you ...You have any line combos..D-pairings yet Chris

Kotsy's Korner said...

leatherneck: The lines? and pairings? I don't even think the Ranger brass has a handle on it yet. I'll probably take a stab at my starting line-up in my next post. I am staying positive about this season. There's an old adage about starting with a clean slate. I think the Rangers need to forget about the pre-season and get amped up for when it counts Saturday. All is well except my shitty 49ers got thumped today.

Leatherneck said...

here is mine..Staal and Girardi Potter and Redden and Roszival and Kalinin/Mara,,,Naslund, Gomez and Zherdev,,,Dawes, Dubinsky with Drury on wing,,,Voros, Korpikoski and Callahan and Rissmiller, Betts and Orr..extras Sjostrom and Fritsche..I still would call San Jose lol if I was Sather..Why is it that Philly can get the likes of Lupul..Hartnell and Coburn..If Holmgren can pull it off..so should Sather..by the way..Holmgren did a fabulous job of righting the ship in Philly

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