If I were to objectively look at it, I agree and say the Rangers are top 6-8 in the NHL (not saying they 8, looking at the top teams in a group). In the East I look at the Bruins, Leafs, Panthers, and Canes in the top tier with the Rangers. The positive for the Rangers is the Bruins, Leafs, and Panthers will be top 3 in the Atlantic, so if the Rangers make the ECF they would only have to play one of those teams, whichever team comes out of the Atlantic bracket, that is a big plus. As for the Canes, if we both get through the 1st round, we'd meet in the 2nd round (the Rangers/Canes will finish 1/2 in either order in the Met). So, while nothing in the NHL playoffs is easy, in theory it should be a good bracket for the Rangers only having to play one of those top Atlantic teams in the ECF and cannot play the Atlantic team sooner. The thing about the NHL playoffs is it's wide open. Almost any team can get hot and win a series or more. I don't see how the Rangers can pass on this chance to try and make a run, and certainly not for a crapshoot pick in the 20's. With regards to this trade DL, there are not a lot of big-time guys available, if any. It will be about solid players who could be middle 6 forwards, bottom 4 dmen. Which is why to me I think Drury should be looking at a package if he deals our 1st. Say the Ducks for Vatrano and Henrique, or the Kraken for Wennberg and Eberle (I have seen Wennberg's name mentioned a few times recently). That would be my focus if I were Drury. Kill two birds with one stone if possible, the one stone being our 1st round pick. I see no way Drury sits by and does nothing. Not saying he deals the 1st for sure, who knows, but we'll add at least one middle 6 forward. We'll see if he tries to add two and/or a dman.
I would put the Rangers top 5, they haven't even hit their stride as far as playing completely and if Igor has found his game they're top 3. This team is much better than 2 years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if Drury stood pat and did nothing if other GMs ask for too much. I haven't seen anyone mentioned on the trade blocks that would be a huge improvement. Edstrom and Rempe address the missing grit need, 4th liners shouldn't be expected to provide offensive support no more than Mika should be expected to play physically. Their defense is markedly better with Gustaffson, as much as I'd like a crease clearer he's been a great #6D.
This team is not better than Dallas, Vegas, Florida, Edmonton and Vancouver for sure. Igor had to stand on his head vs. Dallas and they were playing the second of a back to back after a long, grueling game vs. Boston. They dominated the Rangers in the third and had over 40 shots on goal. They also had two key defenseman out. Carolina, Boston, Colorado and Winnipeg are every bit as good. No fucking way they are in the top three.
Anything can happen, but I'd be very surprised if Drury stands pat, it doesn't fit with his/the Rangers MO.
57 games into the season, on February 23rd, the Rangers have the # 1 points % in the whole NHL. Not saying they are the best team, just stating that fact. They will be buying, good or bad, whether we like it or not.
I'm not sure why the Rangers haven't brought Berard up and tried him with Zibanejad and Kreider. He has 19 points in his last 21 games. Maybe defensively he struggles. He's not a big player but with the monsters they have on the third and fourth lines, they can try a smaller forward with those 2 guys.
Scouting report on Berard looks promising. Brett Berard Scouting Report: 2020 NHL Draft #72 (lastwordonsports.com)
Dallas like Jersey threw a lot of shots on goal from the perimeter, you would have needed to watch the games to know that but it's good to see you've accepted the Rangers are making the playoffs. My opinion is they're top 5 easily with Igor on his game and Edstrom/Rempe in the lineup. I can't think of any team that won the Cup with finesse and avoiding contact with small shifty lines. That had been the Rangers failing formula for decades .
Rempe looks considerably faster than last year. Those two guys definitely have an intimidation factor to them. Rempe is going to have to learn how to go thru a hit because the league probably is going to be watching him with his size advantage. You need a couple small, water bug players though. They can give bigger defenseman fits. Just don't have too many of them.
That hit on Bastian late night will def put Rempe on the league's radar. Size advantage or not. He'll learn though. Definitely a welcome addition to the roster!
I was thinking maybe Motte if was still with Ottawa but he's in TB now. I liked Blackwell when he was here.
just hope that Rempe doesnt suffer and change his game like Kreider did because of the questionable calls he would get just because he was bigger faster and stronger
I have to admit, since Rempe picked up speed with his skating, he's a scary fuck. Question is can he find a way to chip in 8 to 10 goals as a 4th liner which he has to if he wants to play a role long term.
Watching video of the Rempe hit again and didn't see that Rempe also dropped Siegenthaler with one punch, totally changes the dynamic of how teams play the Rangers. Hard pressed to think top tier teams like Vegas, Florida, Vancouver, Boston are going to have the same experience Bonino/Pitlick gave when they played the Rangers earlier. I think a #3C would be helpful or with Ottawa in the basement maybe get Tarasenko back.
Siegenthaler isn't exactly known for dropping the gloves but it's clear that Rempe is going to deter opposing players. The next game against the Devils should be pretty fun to watch, that's for sure!
I agree. My take on the trade DL is go add a top line RW, Tarasenko would be perfect, and I would also target a 3rd pair D upgrade. I think I'm okay with the 3rd line of Cuylle/Brod/Kakko. Upgrade the 1st line RW, gives us two stud lines. Move Vesey to the 4th line with Rempe or Edstrom and Goodrow. I guess my point is if I had to choose between a 3rd line C or upgrading the 3rd pair D, I go D. I think a top line RW is a must given the current lineup. Having two big scoring lines is huge, with solid 3rd and 4th lines. I just don't fully trust that 3rd pair of Gustafsson and Schneider.
