I'm starting already to be won over by Lava's system. Seems like the breakout of the zone easier than they ever did with Gallant. Their forecheck actually seems to be effective and the dumbasses actually cover the point in their own zone now. When you have a superstar goalie, team defense should always be the first priority.
Looking more and more like Lafreniere is ruined. It’s alarming that Othmann and Cuylle look that much better. Just their hockey IQ looks higher than his which shouldn’t be the case via his scouting reports.
I think the Rangers absolutely made the right hire with Lavy. They needed a system, structure, and accountability. Also to let the kids play. He is the right coach for all of that. The last coach was absolutely the wrong coach for that. Truth be told, I'm not sure it will matter though. To me the team sinks or swims with Laf, Chytil, and Kakko taking pretty big steps forward. Can they/will they do it, don't know, but Lavy has to start with them in important roles and see where it goes and if they are up to it, because it is the only way this team truly can win big, especially in a stacked Met division. Laf on line one with Kreider and Z, Chytil should be the 2nd line C (Trocheck is well suited for a 3rd line checker/gritty/win big FO's role), Kakko will be in an important spot on RW. I am also concerned about Laf, he doesn't look good. Makes low % mistakes, doesn't shoot enough, I am concerned by him the most of the 3 - Laf, Chytil, and Kakko. At some point he needs to man up and step up. He will be given a chance this year, it appears with Kreider and Z, and he has to man up and own it. No excuses if that is the case.
He passes up the same shot on the PP or at even strength every fucking time. If I'm Lava, I flat out tell him if I see you pass up that shot one fucking time in a game, you'll being doing a bag skate every practice for a month. I was hoping Cuylle and Othmann looked good in camp but I never expected they would look this good. Especially Cuylle with his passing and hockey sense. JD draft pick. However, it says an awful lot about Cuylle that he had 25G 20 A and was second in scoring on an AHL team that had very little offensive talent on it. Not easy to do at all. You're seeing what he can do with better players around him. I must admit that Henriksson looked better. Maybe this will be the year that he finally puts together his offensive game.
Cuylle and Othman are going to skate past Laf who isn't ruined, he's just lazy. Hopefully this is the year he wakes the eff up and gives 100% effort every shift.
It's also time to move Jones. He can play in the NHL. Gustafsson is clearly going to win that spot. It's not fair to Jones to keep him around in case of an injury and ruin an NHL career. Emberson, Robertson even Harpur can fill in if needed. Scanlin had a good year for the Pack. Holding onto Jones at this point would be moronic. His value will only decrease as he rots in the minors longer. Not to mention the fact I don't like the idea of having two small defenseman on the team. If you look at the teams in the finals every year they usually have a lot of size on defense.
I think one of Cuylle or Othmann should make this team on the 3rd line. That allows Lavy to play Goodrow on the 4th line and give us good depth. They look ready to play a top 9 role I think. Pick one and let him play. Go kids man, I think it is our best bet to truly win. A 3rd line of Trocheck with Wheeler or Kakko, and Cuylle or Othmann is really solid.
I think both Othmann and Cuylle are easily making the team from what I've seen. It would be a disgrace if they didn't. I've said this for many years. The Rangers are a moronic organization signing these below average role players like Bonino, Pitlick and Nash and fucking young prospects over. They have been doing it for years. Bonino, Nash and Pitlick should not make the team. Only be used as extras. The four centers should be Zibanejad, Trochek, Chytil and Goodrow. Lines should be something as follows. It's time to start diminishing Panarin's ice time and role on this team. I would also have Lafreniere take all the draws and work with Peca. I would also seriously consider moving Lafreniere to center since the dumb fuck won't shoot. Something Chytl is actually good at. Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko Othmann-Trochek-Wheeler Panarin-Chytil-Lafreniere Cuylle-Goodrow-Vesey
Nash won't make the roster but I think both Bonino/Pitlick will to start. Cuylle/Othmann will likely start in Hartford and then they will see where it's at around the holidays. Gustafsson was a nice pickup, he will help.
If Cuylle and Othmann start in Hartford this organization will never win a cup. It's also a terrible message to send to every young player in the organization that training camp and the pre-season is useless because if you badly outplay below average, NHL role players, you still can't make the team. Cuylle has absolutely nothing left to prove at the AHL level. Also, with Lafreniere showing jack shit in the pre-season, they need those two guys. Honestly, I would consider sending Lafreniere to the AHL to start the season as a wake up call. Let him get his confidence back because he clearly has none.
That would be pretty crazy if Laf actually got sent down. I don't see it but you never know. I don't think he has the skating/quickness to be more than a solid but not star player in the league.
I don't see them both making it, I have read they won't stay to play 4th lines roles. My guess is Cuylle stays and plays on the 3rd line. Othmann starts in the AHL, which is fine to me as he has never played there, so it will be good experience for him. I also see no shot in hell Laf starts in the AHL. Should he/should he not is a different discussion, but no way they do that to him at the start. They'll at least give him a chance before pulling the plug, and I agree with that approach. And everything I have read, they like Bonino, and think he's a great fit as a 4th line C who can win FO's. Again, I am okay with that, Bonino, Goodrow, and Vesey on the 4th line. Put Cuylle on the 3rd line to start with and see where it goes.
Like what I see from the limited time watched .. will wait at least 10 reg games before I truly have an opinion
