100% agree Dump, this was Krappo's problem from day 1, read an article where he talks about being more confident playing with no pressure in Seattle - what a baby. Some guys never develop that edge, even a nonfighter like Buch figured out that if you show opponents that you're willing to take a suspension and bury a cross check in a persistent agitator's face they'll move on to easier prey. He's still young and may figure the physical side out but he was a zero postseason for the Rangers, 2 different coaches scratched him. The finish by Rempe on his goal last night was a nice example of his improved skating and puck handling from last year. They have become a formidable 4t line.
Now, the Rangers absolutely have not developed Kakko and Lafreniere properly on the offensive side of things. However, there are playoff types of players and there aren't. Kakko isn't. Shesterkin is and he's your best playoff player. So the team should put playing defense first without question. Something they clearly haven't done since Shesterkin came into the league. The past 2 weeks is the first time I have seen the Rangers put defense first. Just look at Shesterkin's numbers since they have done that.
Carrick and Edstrom have been playing well the past two weeks. Even chipping in on offense. That has put pressure on Rempe to do the same instead of just skating around like a goon.
Lindgren, Chytil and a number 1 for Miller is absurd. Glad Drury did not do this. Trading Lindgren would not make the team happy. Chytil either after what he's gone through. A number 1 we can't afford to give up with our farm system. With Miller's salary all I would offer is Miller at 35% retained, Sykora though I like his game, Smith, Berard and Chmelar. That's it. Miller is talented but he's a gigantic pain in the ass. The kind of pain in the ass I think would fit here. However, not worth Chytil, Lindgren and a first. Not even close.
I guess i don't understand why a team with an aging core wants to go out and give up assets to add another aging player to its core.
Miller for Mika made sense to everyone but the alleged DJ yet he's not catching nearly as much crap from the media as Trouba, typical inconsistency from the longtime Rangers beat reporters. Best is to hope Mika wakes up and starts scoring, the Rangers need him. I think Miller would be a tremendous addition especially for postseason play. I'm not sweating trading draft picks the Rangers don't know how to use and I wouldn't have a problem with Drury overpaying to get JT. This team for the most part has been to 2 conference finals in the last three years, now is the time to go for broke and get to the Cup.
8 more games until they break for the stupid 4-nations tournament, which is 4 weeks before the deadline. Certainly the standings on Feb 9th are going to have a huge impact on what the Rangers do. I don't expect them to make any consequential moves prior to the break though.
