Last night against the Kings, Brad Richards was a minus three, had three shots on goal, 3 giveaways, was 8 and 12 on faceoffs and played 21:23 in the game. Richards was on the ice for 11 shot attempts for and 26 against and 5 shots on goal for and 13 shots on goal against. Pat Leonard wrote in the Daily News that Richards was as ineffective as he was last season in the playoffs and that even though Alain Vigneault always allows players to make up for their mistakes, continuing to go with Richards hurt the Rangers “dearly.” (Daily News) Larry Brooks writes that Richards struggled all over the ice. (NY Post) Arthur Staple tweeted last night in the second period, “Brad Richards looks “Get off my lawn” level old tonight.”
Should be interesting to see if he rebounds tomorrow night. We need him. We need that line. MSL wasn't that much better last night. He didn't have his best game either and was also a - 3.
No matter what he does this SC final, he should not be a Ranger next year. If he's the Ranger's example of leadership, no wonder they look like lackeys vs Kings............... always accommodating to a fault.
Richards had a decent regular season but not one worthy of this salary. His playoff numbers aren't terrible but he's proof numbers don't tell he entire story. His play last night was abysmal.
I just don't see anyway we keep him this summer. The only shot would be if we win and something magical happens there, but even then it would be a longshot at best. MSL is also a wildcard due to his relationship with Richards, but I am sure that can be smoothed over. Richards will sign with one of our rivals though, he will stay Northeast, so let's hope he doesn't come back to haunt us.
Chuck, getting a little nervous over all the vibes coming out of the locker room about richards leadership and him taking the teams reins etc and hoping Sather doesn't decide to keep him. Anyone who rationally watches richards imo can only come to the conclusion that he is just about shot. I wouldn't worry about him showing up on any of our rivals roster. MSL has survived without richards for many years now so shouldn't be devastating for him to last another couple of years without him.
Richards might have played his worst game as a Ranger last night.....and he played some bad ones last year That said he has been pretty good this year all and all. Just wait and see what happens. The fact that Sather was non commital about his situation publicly before the finals started makes me think they are going to buy him out this summer. The cap recapture penalty is brutal so it has to be heavily considered....Even more so after a game like last night. But I bet he rebounds at the Garden this week and plays well. If Richards and the Rangers rebound and they win the cup then it will be tough, lets hope that they have that tough decision ;-) BTW, I thnk Mike Richards is even a stronger buyout consideration. He is a very expensive 4th liner
