Pionk better make this team over clueless DeAngelo. Gettinger looks like he's getting comfortable and the coach seems to like him.
That would be really stupid if they didn't have Pionk on the opening roster. But, the Rangers tend to do stupid.lol
If I see Pionk in the minors, McLeod, Holland or some other ass on the 4th line, this rebuild is a crock of shit.
Gorton basically has screwed up the defense. He has entirely too many bodies around right now. Doesn't look like he has any plan there. He needs to get rid of Staal or Smith right now. Not at the deadline. Now. Unless the plan is to go with 7 defenseman. I mean, you could double shift young guys like Andersson, Chytil as well as Spooner or Kreider and give them turns on the 4th line.
During last night press conference, Quinn said that he might go with 8 defensemen, at least 7. Smith looked good so far, Stall does not. He looks even slower than last year. Stall used to win most board battles in the past, now it seems he looses 75% of those. Yesterday Devils scored on his mistake. I hate to say it, but I think Stall has to go.
I think Staal will be bought out after the year. Smith does look better and more focused but we'll see how it goes. They may be able to deal him if he plays well but the team is out of it in the spring. Claesson hasn't impressed much but is a whatever stopgap 7th spare anyway. Hajek is not far off but i think he's in Hartford most of this year. Ditto for Lindgren.
Aside from the washed up Staal who I agree needs to go I think we need to see how the new coach runs defense and whether many of the Rangers defensive woes were due to AV's ineptitude. D'Angelo needs to move to RW if he wants an NHL career, his tiny body cannot withstand a season of forechecking by opponents significantly larger and stronger. Shatt needs to be more selfish and throw more shots at the net instead of trying to make the low percentage tip in pass.
