If he can’t get going in the conference finals the way that piece of shit has been playing. There’s no reason to go forward with him after this year.
Not for nothing but I don’t want to hear about Fox. Mika is the number one center and after doing zip against the Devils last post season this is ridiculous.
Fox was clearly playing hurt. He actually look much healthier last night. Mika plays like a pussy every time things get physical in the playoffs.
Respectfully Al, I think you are seeing something none of us are. Fox, Kreider, and Panarin have all struggled against the Panthers, but I only see one guy who doesn't seem to be giving his all, is playing soft as heck, and doesn't seem to give a sh*t. Now I am sure he does obviously, but he is playing like he doesn't. He's coasting, making low % plays, doesn't appear to be hustling, isn't sticking his nose in there, and is saying ridiculous things after the game. It is not a good look for him, and it is more than just a player working hard but struggling. I don't like anything about what I am seeing from Mika right now. Maybe I am being too tough on him and being swayed by the terrible effort I saw in OT and his ridiculous post-game comments, but that's how I see it, and I think others agree. Fox has 3 points and is a +3 against Florida, Panarin has 3 points and is a +1, both Kreider and Zibanejad have zero points and are -3. If there is any comparable it is Kreider, but at least I see him hustling and saying the right things, Mika I am not. And yes, maybe that shows how well the Barkov line has played against them, but I don't care how good the D is on the other side, to have zero points through 4 games is just not acceptable, and they have to take accountability for that, as Kreider has.
At least Kreider owns it, where is Mika taking any responsibility as the # 1 C and should be anchor and driver of the top line. The Rangers were out-attempted 19-5 when Kreider and Zibanejad were on the ice at 5v5, surrendering 10 scoring chances while creating just two of their own. Kreider was extremely hard on himself after the game, taking the brunt of the responsibility for the top line’s lack of offensive production. “I just needed to make a couple plays. I think I single-handedly harpooned a few of our possessions in the O-Zone,” Kreider said. “Throwing a couple passes that didn’t sit flat or just whiffing on them entirely. Everyone’s on the same page, everyone was clicking, and I personally needed to execute a little better and I think we would have been more efficient.” It’s an admirable sentiment from the longest-tenured Ranger, but Zibanejad also plays a part in the line’s struggles. Mika got off to a red-hot start to these Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying 13 points and three goals in the first eight games, recording a point in every contest. He’s cooled off significantly, recording just one point in the past six games and riding a nine-game postseason goalless drought.
find it funny, that Mika gets destroyed...no heart ...gutless..blah blah blah... based on 4 games, meanwhile the prior 10 playoff games he has 14 points Same with Kreider, you all remember him, the guy who willed his way to a natural hatrick to win a series... but 4 games against a quality team and he sucks too Fox gets a pass...always seems to be hurt in the playoffs... last 21 playoff games, 0 goals ..he is our number 1 dman... trouba Miller and REMPE have more goals....
Mika only has one point in his past 6 playoff games, and 0 goals in 9 postseason games, that is more than just 4 games. Like I keep saying, for me it is just as much about his attitude, what he is saying, and his clear lack of emotion and energy. He did not hustle at all on that OT play, it was bad. Kreider man's up post-game, and Mika says try something different and hopefully it works out. Come on now, that is not a leader. Let's see Mika step up tomorrow night in the game of the season so far, that will change some opinions if he does. The Rangers in general should be ready to go tomorrow night, you would think the series is 4-0 Florida with some of the talking points and comments going on. The Rangers are also a huge underdog again. Not that they need it, but this should all be extra motivation. These guys need to show what they are made of this season with a big effort tomorrow night, I expect they will do it. This is funny: Matthew Tkachuk didn’t get upset when Chris Kreider tossed his mouthguard away. Instead, the Panthers forward took a shot at Kreider’s play on Tuesday, which tied the Eastern Conference Final. “I told him, that was the best play he made all game,” Tkachuk responded. Rangers should come out passionate and ready to go in game 5. Get a win, Mika plays well, and all this stuff goes away.
Time to cut the ties with him in the offseason. Don’t get me wrong, the guy has been a good ranger and we’ve gotten very good years out of him. I never really got a feeling about Mika being the guy interested in leading the team to the cup.
Yes, he has a NMC until the final year of his deal in 29-30, then 7 days before the trade deadline it becomes a modified NTC with a 21 team no-trade list.
Mika has been bad this series, he wilts when the play gets physical and he has made some awful plays but it's the lack of effort and quitting on plays that's maddening. Looks like even a legit HOF coach can't get through to him either.
Some players are going to be who they are regardless of coach (some players can evolve and improve with a different coach), Mika and softness/shying away when the going gets tough appears to be who he is unfortunately. And you said it Panzer, that has been my point on Mika. As bad as the lack of production is his lack of hustle and effort, plus his ridiculous post-game comments. Soft.
