Scary to think that this entire season is going to be about Rick Nash. I see no way this team can go all the way if Nash plays like a pansy and somehow can't get Eric Staal going. I couldn't believe when I looked next to Hank's name and age said 34. Just seems so wrong. Basically, they are going to probably need a new goalie in 3 years. Good thing they have 3 outstanding goalie prospects. However, I'm sure Gorton will piss them away along with more picks for old rentals.
Me too. That would make sense which is why he won't do it. He'll probably move Glass with Staal soon.
I think Lundqvist will be solid right up until 40 with the way he stays fit. Maybe he goes down to 50 games in a few years. Hopefully one of the two goalie prospects at least turns out well.
Provided Luongo doesn't keep going, Lundqvist will probably end up 2nd all time on the goalie wins list. That being said, there is no guarantee he finishes his career as a Ranger. If both Halverson and Shesterkin turn out to be really good, at 22 Lundqvist will be 37 with a couple years on his contract. Huska might be the best of the bunch and they got him in the 7th round. Trying to figure out if the will be chanting Shester, Igor, or Adam or Huska, or Brandon or Halvie All have a good ring for their future goalie chants. Be a damn shame if Hank never gets a cup. Honestly, I think the team would have been so much better off if they broke the team down after the Kings final and took a step back for a year and then went back at it.
These would be my lines when Nash returns: Miller/Brass/Zucc Kreider/Step/Stalberg Nash/Staal/Hayes Lindberg/Moore/Fast That's what I would like to see. Here is what I think is more likely to happen: Miller/Brass/Zucc Kreider/Step/Fast Nash/Staal/Hayes or Stalberg Glass/Moore/Hayes or Stalberg AV will play Glass. AV also is a big fan of Fast, so I expect him to stay in the top 9. I fully expect the first plan would be for Lindberg to be the odd man out. One thing that has caught my eye recently is AV playing the 4th line a lot more. We need the 4th line to be decent if that is the case. And to me the best hope of that is the combo of Lindberg/Fast/Hayes/Stalberg on the wings of Moore, and Glass out. But I don't see it happening. So with that said we need to hope Glass plays well, because he will have a clear role here. I personally have my concerns about a 4th line with Glass and Moore playing in 2 of the 3 spots, but I think that is what we'll get. Not sure a line with those two guys can really be a positive for us over a long tough series...but we'll see.
I don't think ownership and the coaching staff (not to mention the majority of the fan base) would've had much of an appetite to step back after making the finals. They did jettison some players after that run but in no way was it a break down of the team. It's strange that they are the oldest team in the league just with the number of players they have in their early 20's.
On the flip side, no matter who AV puts out there we'll have 3 very strong lines that can all score. If you have Nash and Staal together that is a combo that would need to be respected and feared. And when your other two lines have Kreider and Stepan AND Miller/Brass/Zucc on them you have depth and balance. The 4th line concerns me as I said.
Fast had good chemistry with Kreider and Stepan in last year's playoffs. I like him there I don't know how I feel about Hayes. Where's does he fit?? Hopefully he can get it going. He had a great second half last year
The problem is we can all see AV not putting them together which is stupid... They're not a Kane/Toews or Crosby/Malkin where splitting them makes sense. Nash has done shit in the playoffs and Staal needs to get going. It would be best to give them a chance to play together first . Staal centering Hayes/Lindberg just sucks... Lindberg needs to be moved to the fourth line once Nash comes back. He tailed off a lot but he still learning. He's super responsible on defense which is why a checking line of Lindberg-Moore-Stalberg makes sense come playoff time. Stupid AV will sit on of them For Glass
When they made it to the finals they had 4 solid centers but the wingers were placed effectively . Pouliot had a great year, CK played great, the 4rh line scored big goals, etc Step centering CK and Nash Brass centering Zucc and Benny P Richards centering Hags and MSL Moore centering BB, Carcillo-Dorsett Each one had identity..especially the Brass line.
I think we can have that balance as well...clearly...if AV plays it right. There is a ton of balance if these are your 4 lines: Miller/Brass/Zucc Kreider/Step/Fast Nash/Staal/Hayes or Stalberg Lindberg/Moore/Stalberg or Hayes A lot to like there. The top 3 lines all have scoring and balance. Which line is the 3rd line? All 3 of those top lines are top 2 lines talent wise. The 4th line has grit and balance. This would be my group if I was AV, but my bet is Lindberg sits and Glass is on the 4th line to start with. To me that weakens the 4th line for sure when you start with Glass and Moore.
Nash practiced with team with non contact jersey today and said he could be back saturday for detroit which will be nice.
I like Rick Nash. He's a sound hockey player and the Rangers have missed his work ethic....... but I may have made him more prolific than he actually performs. He's very good but he is no Ovechkin, no Perry or Getzlaf nor even a Stamkos. I do not think he's the answer to lead the Rangers to the Stanley trophy. After this exasperating season, he and others may be traded. Ya can't keep 'em if they can't deliva. !!! ain't that the truth!
