torontonyr

Panarin going from Valeri Bure to Pavel Bure. Meanwhile Wheeler is going from Eric Lindros to Brett.

The little brother syndrome is strong

I don't know what Wheeler brings to this team. He's huge, but not physical. Skilled, but can't contribute to building offense. And he's about as fast as Reaves. I'd rather have almost anyone else on the first line

Wheeler with a missed reception of a pass and a turnover on the same shift. Big wheels keep on turnin

Rangers hockey, at this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within Newark?

I was just coming to post this.

Damn feel bad for the kid. I'm hopeful with today's treatment he can be kept out and return to playing, if that's what he wants. Folks like Mika have gotten multiple and seem to be healthy, and we're in no rush to bring him back.

Totally get that, but emotions aren't logical.

Would rather sign Kravstov

I'm not trying to assume there's a master plan, but I can totally see him looking back at the contract and his treatment by the fans and having a chip on his shoulder

As happy as I am for his coming out season, I get this sneaking suspicion he's doing it out of spite following a disappointing contract year. Whatever works, but I worry he will bounce for Montreal or another team asap.

Dude can barely walk and you want him to run?

Well if it wasn't weekend at Bernie's

Wheeler is snake bitten. Not in the sense he's been unfortunate, in the sense that he looks like he's dying and should probably go lay down.

Time to call Wheeler firestone, dudes a bust.

I get the feeling he's a kid who's been groomed to be a first overall pick, and has enjoyed a bunch of structure, talented teammates, and ice time leading to his time in the league. Both of these he's been stripped of during his tenure as a Ranger, at varying degrees at various points. We basically took a high performing academic student and let them live on their own and do whatever they want. Now, he's playing in his comfort zone. Top line minutes. High level talent. Actual coaching structure. I don't know that he was ever intentionally sandbagging, but it's clear he's in his element now.

So what's the argument? That they won't score? When is this deflated? How many good teams do they need to play? I'm not saying they'll stay at the top of the division, what I'm saying is they will get more widespread contributions barring something unforeseen.

Yes, but to use your point, a line is scoring and this team is hot on the power play, thanks to contributions from Kreider and Zib. Your fears are logical, but aren't applicable.

This logic isn't sound. If PCL weren't scoring, the landscape of each game changes which discrates the rate of play and structure of each line's strategy. Goals are always wanted, but a lines primary goal may change depending on the status of a game. It's entirely possible, and likely, that KZB would produce to fill that hypothetical vacuum. The rangers may be low on scoring, but they are the top team in the metro. This is because they own a much larger goal differential than others in the division (5, next closest is 2). It seems that they're playing just fine and are outscoring their opponents on any given night. It's tantalizing to think "what if everyone scores to their potential" but it's not realistic and it's not viable. Team hockey is more important and there are only so many goals to go around. We'll complain about other lines in the future.

Pretty sure that's a falacy. It doesn't quite matter where the goals come from, as long as they're coming. Statistically, there are only so many goals in a game or season. It's entirely possible that if PCL weren't producing, the vacuum would be filled by KZK.

Eh, Vesey's hit was worse and there was no reason for Goodrow to complain here.

I have no idea what you see in him. I hope you're right, but at best he's been a shutdown player for this team. At this pace I wouldn't be surprised if we cut bait.

If Goodrow is the cost, I see it as trading Goodrow for Kane and Wheeler. I think that's fine.

I'm increasingly convinced that Wheeler doesn't make it to the trade deadline for this team.

I'll also add that while he's shown those flashes, they've never been consistent. Last night we routinely saw him demonstrate what he possesses.