Can make up all the excuses you want but the Rangers went soft and have gotten what they deserved because of it.
At the end of the day, simply couldn't score enough to win these games. Strome is done here, and I am very good with that. I really make every effort to convince Panarin to waive his NMC and try to deal him. I think it is time we add a legit # 2 C also. We are close, a lot of upside as Lafreniere and Miller become studs, Fox already is a stud, Z and Kreider stay very good, Schneider continues to develop, and maybe a few more kids are ready for the jump next season, especially a LD to pair with Schneider and complete the 3rd pair. As we said earlier today, right now super disappointed because we had this series at 2-0/2-0, but TB is more mature battle tested team, and that was the difference. Few more moves to make and this team can be very special next season, I think Drury can get it done.
To his credit he did for almost the full regular season. In the playoffs he was back to disappearing for games again. He is who he is, not changing now. I write stay very good, not great because of that. If he scores 35-40 next season I would be great with that. Add a real # 2 C (may have to deal Chytil for that), either a kid ready for 3rd pair LD or add someone, re-sign Copp and Motte. Let the rest go.
They really could use Kravtsov getting it together and making it work here to cost balance things but he may be part of a trade too so we'll see.
If this team had any balls he would've been drilled already. They completely lost whatever edge they had after game two. Regardless of the 2-0 lead in game three they let Tampa start getting away with crap.
It's a shame, losing how we did makes it more difficult. If we lost to a better TB team that came out and took it to us, not good, but okay. But to be up 2-0/2-0 and thinking SCF here we come, just to fall apart is real tough. Over time we'll look ahead and be excited for a great few years to come I think. Drury has to upgrade the team a little more, the kids grow a little more, and away we go. The arrow is pointing up with Drury finishing the team off, and more kids coming. We should be excited about that.
And Kravtsov has to be part of a trade I think. The interesting guy is Chytil - trade or keep. That is one to watch. Do they believe he can be the # 2 C...not sure he can.
Let's face it. They got a gift goal tonight after mustering nothing more than a garbage time goal in game four. Great season but I expect them to go quietly in game six. Very disappointing.
I am not ready to give up yet. It's not like Tampa has been dominating the series. They're due for a loss at home.
Maybe they can dig down and find it in themselves one more time with the season on the line. Just go play.
