Tomas Sandstrom

I feel as if VK was the biggest "loser" from the fallout of JD and Gorton being fired. At least as far as players go. To me, that signaled the owner throwing down the gauntlet and saying "Time to Win Now". One of the consequences to that was very little tolerance for non-productive players getting playing time in the NHL. The thing is, guys like Chytil, Kakko, Laf, K'Andre, Schneider, etc. while certainly not at their ceiling in terms of career productivity, they weren't liabilities. So they continue to get in the lineup. Thus they continue to improve. VK was caught in a different situation. So, without the luxury of time on a rebuilding team, it necessarily meant that if he wasn't productive, and was deemed to be a liability, he simply wasn't going to play. And he's done himself no favors by his own words and actions.

Well put. I also fear that these young guys are going to be "too good" to be able to keep them all together, given the reality of the cap. Although, it might be possible if Drury can get creative, and maybe a little luck comes our way (in the form of a player or 2 excepting slightly less than they otherwise could make in order to help keep the team together). Most likely, within 2 years, at least one of of our young core guys are gone. I am enjoying every moment of this team while I can

Tough situation...VK has done himself no favors...and with team in win-now mode, there's little room to develop a guy who night in and night out is giving you next to nothing. Especially this time of year, when we start to hone in on a playoff run, buttoning things up. Hopefully Drury can pull off a deal...something like a solid 4th line center and a first round pick for Krav (and if you have to throw in a sweetener, so be it). I am sure there are GM's out there who believe this kid can be a solid contributor moving forward, and would take a shot. As you said, he's a pick from the previous regime...in all sports, these things happen when there is a regime change. "System Fit" is a real, tangible thing. Sometimes players simply don't fit the system you are trying to run. That really has nothing to do with how talented (or not) the player is. From the player's perspective, life is a hell of a lot easier when you play in a system that fits your style and strengths. This seems like a situation where VK really doesn't fit the system GG is running, and the Rangers don't have the ability right now to allow him to possibly grow into a role. VK also has done himself no favors by his actions. So a divorce may be the best outcome for both sides here.

As a 49 year old, lifelong Rangers fan, I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I LOVE watching this team. Thinking about Valentine's Day today, and realized my heart is truly with this team, right now. These ARE the Good Old Days. The time before we inevitably lose one of our young core to free agency or a trade (that's gonna be a very sad day for me). I'm not sure in my lifetime, I've seen a Rangers team quite as talented overall from top to bottom. Nothing can ever replace '94, that team forever holds a special place at the top, but this feels a bit different. This build feels very home-grown, but with a NY flare to it (I.E. big free agent signing in Panarin...big trade for Tarasenko, and before that, Trouba). When has a Rangers team ever had this much top young talent making such key contributions? Chytil...Shesterkin...K'Andre...Laf....Kakko....Schneider... Even guys like Zib and Fox, although not drafted by the Rangers, but acquired when they were still very young. Being able to watch them grow into absolute superstars is special and should not be taken for granted. So while there are certainly things to complain about, as Valentine's Day approaches, I urge you to take a minute to truly appreciate what we have here: Nothing short of one of the best, most talented teams in the NHL. Happy Valentine's Day, fellow NYR fans!

As much as we hate hearing this, the absolute right thing is to be patient with young talented players. That's probably the most frustrating thing, but also necessary with a lot of young players. "Sometimes, it just takes time". Experience helps. Chytil had a great playoffs last year, which was huge for his confidence, and now look at where he's at. Often times, it takes that one "spark" for the light to turn on...you hope that spark comes sooner rather than later, but as Axl Rose so eloquently put it: All we need is just a little Patience

K'Andre Miller

Antti Raanta?

Krav should have been on the First line last year. Don't believe me? Just ask him!

Yup, safe to say it's time for the kids to blosom...at least a few of them. If none of them step up, you are correct. However, I do think this is the proper approach because the alternative would be to spend precious cap space on players like Copp and Vatrano which would ultimately block any ascension opportunities. I think Laf has shown enough to think he's ready for a more prominent role. Chytil could springboard based on his playoff performance. I, for one, haven't even remotely given up on Kakko. In fact, I thought he did a lot of really nice things last year. Was the scoring there? No. But hopefully that comes with time and maturity. Finally, assuming Krav comes over, if he can provide some scoring that would help a lot. All in all, not a bad place to be. I bet you a lot of teams around the league would love to have our "problem".

As long as no one trips coming out for player introductions, I'm good with any of these

Yes, this is very well said. I agree 100%

I agree. I'm wondering how much line balance and inexperience played into the ES scoring last year? Also wondering if maybe it was just statistically low, and there will be some regression back to the mean next season? Like maybe some of that was just dumb puck luck (not all of it, but maybe a few goals here and there....like we happened to score with 4 seconds left on the PP, while the other team happened to score 2 seconds after the PP expired, just an abnormal amount of quirky things like that)? Either way, I am confident that things will be different next year, if only for the experience and maturity factor. Remember, heading into last season, it was new coaching, a bunch of new players / new roles, ect. They were also a really young team. It was obvious to anyone who followed that they grew and bonded together as the season progressed. The young guys started to mature a little and grow into their roles a bit. Then of course the playoff run. So, given that it's year 2 under the same coaching staff, and given the experience gained last season...I am confident that some of the ES woes will be eased. How much is the big question. I'm curious, how did Vegas do at ES during GG's tenure there? Anyone care to look it up?

John F'n Druce says Hi

I think what will change is experience, maturity, fine tuning what worked so well last year, and then building off it. For instance, If they can possess the puck better, and be better at sustained offense / cycling wouldn't that necessarily lead to less shots against, and less pressure on the D and goalie? There are many ways to skin a cat, so to speak. Overall, this was a very young squad last year. Don't overlook the growth and maturity which should happen naturally. Hopefully, that leads to less chances against and less of a need for Igor to HAVE TO stand on his head...not that he's not capable of it, but would be nice to see him have to do it less as time goes on.

Bingo I think a good synopsis of last season would be that early on they lived off of Shesterkin and the PP. However, as the season went on, the TEAM started to gel and play better as a whole, the young guys started to find their footing, even if it didn't always show on the stat sheet. After the trade deadline, this was a different team. I think the playoff experience is going to really pay dividends, especially for the young guys. My feeling is that this will be a more well balanced team, not HAVING to live strictly off of Shersterkin standing on his head and CK putting up 50 goals. They should get more contributions from more guys. Hopefully the defense and puck possession is better so that Shesterkin doesn't have to always stand on his head. That would be nice.

Better team, but with the following caveats: - Every season is different. For the most part, they avoided major injuries last season to key people (granted, Blais injury sucked, but he was 3rd / 4th liner). Will they be so lucky next year? - As mentioned, they got top seasons out of some of their key players: Igor, CK, Fox, Zib, Panarin... Now they are all really good to great players, but slumps and down seasons can and do happen. We can probably expect at least one of those key guys to not repeat their stellar seasons. - Last year, they were the hunter...a bit of an underdog if you will, or at least a team that really didn't have a target on their back. After last year's run, that will not be the case next year. Different dynamic when you always get the other team's best focus and effort. - That said, not all doom and gloom, there are numerous young players on the team who can reasonably be expected to play better next season. The experience gained last season is huge. The comfort level and comradery of this team should be off the charts, and that is an environment where we just may see some of these "kids" really bloom and take their game to the next level and perhaps beyond. Just look at how well, for example, Chytil and K'Andre performed in the playoffs. That can certainly be a springboard. So even if a guy like Kreider doesn't put up 50 again, the Rangers can certainly be a better overall team should guys like Laf, Chytil, K'Andre, and Kakko pick up the slack and then some. There are certainly reasons to believe this can and probably will happen. - Bottom line is the chemistry on this team seems to be really good, the talent is there, and barring major injuries to or regression from key guys, there is no reason to think the team can't perform to the standard they set last season. Further, that playoff experience will be huge come the next time the playoffs roll around. It's a very exciting time to be a fan of the New York Rangers!!!

It's a long season...injuries and slumps happen. It's nice to have multiple options. Let's hope they are both overqualified for the job...that's a nice problem to have.

2 Points out of first place, with 7 to go. Legit shot at winning the division. Carolina has 2 home and 5 road games left, Rangers have 5 home and only 2 road games left. Ironically enough, Rangers will be rooting for Islanders and Devils to try to knock off Hurricanes. Barring a losing streak, probably comes down to the last game with Carolina on the 26th Finish strong, boys!

Just took a look at the schedule... 10 of last 14 are at MSG. 4 road games: @Islanders, @Devils, @Flyers, and @Boston - So really not much travel left Currently: 3 Points ahead of Pittsburgh, 3 points behind Carolina Can't overlook anyone or assume anything, but the way this team is playing right now, seems like a real opportunity here to finish strong. At the same time, should be a good opportunity for some home cooking, get some rest and prepare for the playoffs. So, some questions I'm considering: Where do we see this team finishing in the standings? Any playoff matchup more preferable than any other? How important is home ice in the playoffs? This is suddenly turning into a pretty special season, great opportunity these next few months...

Price was dirt cheap, so what's not to like here? IF anyone gets banged up, we'll be glad to have this guy in our lineup down the stretch / in the playoffs.

Trivia is Tony McKegney

He's playing the long con...he almost has them right where he wants them. Come playoff time, it's hat trick season, baby!

100% you go for it. If not, then why were JD and Gorton fired in the first place? Owner says Go For It. It's the NHL Playoffs...anything can, and usually does, happen. Give me the best goalie in the game, an experienced coach, let's add a gritty goal scorer or 2, some depth on the blue line, and let's go to War. If all our guys are (relatively) healthy come playoff time, we've got as good a shot as anyone else to catch fire and go deep....

Fair...maybe the determining factor was simply to do Hank a favor by allowing him to go sign with anyone he wanted to for one final chance at winning a Cup. Maybe Hank asked for it and the Rangers granted the request? Either way, I don't think it made too much difference...sad for Hank that his career ended on IR in Washington, I was actually hoping he'd have a shot at one more playoff run, even though I despise the Capitals...FU John Druce!

Wholly cow...I'd say they have to focus on stopping Kaprizov...didn't realize he was having such a good season. Also, nice to see Cam Talbot having a solid year. I always liked him and thought he played well for the Rangers. Rangers win 3-2 in OT Ulf Dahlen for Trivia