Looks like just Copp and Chytil are in. Kappo needs more time. Perhaps he can be in the lineup tomorrow.
The pick gotten in the Skjei trade was used to trade up to get Schneider. Gorton got that trade right
Their top pk gives our top pp major issues. Gotta find a way to get in the zone and set up if they get more chances.
Why have Reaves on this team if he’s not gonna take a run at someone after that bullshit? That’s why you have Reaves. To do the dirty shit
The Rangers are not as good as Carolina. Doesn't mean it won't be a good series if we win round 1, but we are not as good of a team as they are. At this point it is the Pens or Caps in round 1. Pens lead by 1 point, and host CBJ later this week, a game they should win. If the Pens win that game they force the Caps to get 4 out of 4 points at the Isles and at the Rangers, since the Pens own the TB. Not impossible, but no lock. So I'd say slight lean we play the Pens, but at this point who knows with those two teams. I still say I rather play the Pens who have 5 or 6 good players, are soft, and have no goalie.
With Copp at 100 % and Panara and Kakko it’s a a toss up. They played most of the game without those guys.
It's not a huge difference but yeah all things being equal the Canes just have more overall. Shest could even the scales out in a series to a degree but Andersen is very good himself. I don't know that the Ranger D in front of Igor would be able to prevent enough grade A chances over an entire series. Throw in that their pk basically nullifies our pp and it would be tough.
I hope they don't plan on playing the playoffs like they do vs. the Canes. I saw one hit which Trouba flattened Aho after a wraparound. Aho tried to slash him when he was laying in the ice. He didn't like it. Unfortunately, nobody else threw a hit all night. I can see them wanting to try and stay healthy for the playoffs. However, if this team doesn't hit in the playoffs, they will be elminated in the first round. Easily. The loss of Blais is going to show up a lot in the playoffs.