Phil Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 But Quinn’s desired style of play goes beyond fists and fracas. He has also mandated an up-tempo offensive game that’s tailor-made for a puck-moving defenseman such as DeAngelo. It’s a style the young rearguard has shown early results playing under, even with the caveat of these games not being a true measure of any one player’s NHL readiness or the quality of competition they face. In fact, DeAngelo’s first pass — reminiscent of Michael Del Zotto’s rookie season — could in and of itself earn him one of the few available roster spots on the Rangers’ blue line. And that’s not yet accounting for his tremendous skating ability or tenaciousness; both of which are likely opening the eyes of the Rangers’ front office. It also says nothing of his underlying numbers which only strengthen his case that much more. Pushing for a full-time NHL role for a third time since being drafted 19th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, DeAngelo’s combination of supreme skating and offensive instincts are particularly borne out by his relative possession metrics. Despite being limited to just 33 contests last season, his 5.15 relative Corsi for percentage lead all Rangers defenders last season and was a sizable jump over his 1.4 CF% rel from just a year prior with the Coyotes. He also owned a 5.0 relative Fenwick for percentage despite operating with a lowly 93.8 PDO rating. Couple all of this with Quinn’s reputation as a strong developer of talent, and it’s hard to buy any argument for an opening night roster that doesn’t include the 22-year-old defender, who could very well be an early pillar in establishing Quinn’s culture and philosophy on Broadway. DeAngelo’s game isn’t without warts because, well, no one’s is. But offensive defenders tend to get exposed more than their stay-at-home peers due to the knife’s edge of risk they are often playing on. There’s still much for him to learn about defending in his own end. Turning the puck over less often, for example, would help. So would fewer Twitter battles (if any at all). But you have to have the puck to give it up, and having control of it with his improving skill set is an important first step to establishing him as a full-time NHL player and could help spring him into a fixture on the Rangers’ blue line for years to come. https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2018/9/25/17899000/tony-deangelo-a-quinn-tessential-defender-for-new-look-new-york-rangers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gravesy Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I know it?s just pre season, but I?m excited about how he?s looked so far. Would be a great bonus if Quinn & co can unlock his potential. I still think this guy has big time offensive upside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giacomin Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 For ADA to come back from the injury and look better than ever, And how good Hajek looks, changes our entire defensive outlook. * Pionk seems dedicated to improving * Smith serious about his comeback * Claesson and McQuaid acquired, * Shatty and Staal at least healthy * And of course Skjei, who will come around * And a good teacher/coach of D. This group should exceed everyone's expectation just months ago. Our ranking may be too low. Tell ya, out of the shoot, our D group looks better than the Isles or Devils. Not too hard to name 8 others, even if our guys may be more mistake prone this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sod16 Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I think Claesson and McQuaid should only be in the line up (or roster) for so long as the likes of of ADA , Pionk, Hayden et al. are not earning time. It would be a mistake to keep them around longer than necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted September 25, 2018 Author Share Posted September 25, 2018 McQuaid is a pretty clearly a one-year leadership experiment. I can't see them keeping him without trading DeAngelo and/or Pionk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThirtyONE Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 I like ADA. I think this environment is the perfect one for him at this point in his career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoMinutesForNothing Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 He drives possession so well. Our whole approach was so noticeably different tonight without him in the lineup. If he can keep his game together he will be a very key player for us. Always liked him, but can't believe how good he's looked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 He's not the kind of player that changes the complexion of a game that way. The Rangers aren't changing their approach with ADA out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrowningPI Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 He's the best puck carrier they have. His skating and stick handling creates time and space, which is at a premium in the league right now. Hopefully he'll start finishing his shots on goal and shore up his game in his own end. If he can do that, he could be reminiscent of that blonde haired guy. Sent from my SM-N900T using Blueshirts Brotherhood mobile app powered by Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giacomin Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 He drives possession so well. Our whole approach was so noticeably different tonight without him in the lineup. If he can keep his game together he will be a very key player for us. Always liked him, but can't believe how good he's looked. Maybe it is the combination of ADA and Hajek, who has also flashed a positive possession and passing game. Both have been steady in the D-zone and transitioning or pushing the play up ice. That neither are discouraged from skating it out is an added dimension. It is more difficult for the D to key on certain tendencies or anticipate where the puck is going. AV's pass first approach is a good one in theory, but like anything it can be overdone. Particularly when it becomes predictable to strong opposition. Discouraging players like Yandle and McD (even an older Boyle, DZ, Stralman and Jon Moore) from using all their tools such as their ability to rush the puck, eventually makes it easier to defend, as the league catches up to what you are doing. It's been interesting to see that even with the green light to rush, both Hajek and ADA have been putting on a passing display. Maybe because teams can't key/count on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrowningPI Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Maybe it is the combination of ADA and Hajek, who has also been a difference maker with his positive possession and passing game. Both have been steady in the D-zone and transitioning or pushing the play up ice, from their own end. That neither are discouraged from skating it out has added another dimension to our attack. It is more difficult for the D to key on certain tendencies or anticipate where the puck is going. AV's pass first approach is a good one in theory, but like anything it can be overdone. Particularly when it becomes predictable to strong opposition. When you discourage players like Yandle and McD (even an older Boyle, DZ, Stralman and Jon Moore) from using all their tools such as their ability to rush the puck, the league catches up with you. It is easier to defend. It's been interesting to see that even with the green light to rush, both Hajek and ADA have been putting on a passing display. Maybe their passing is looking so good because teams can't key/count on it. A multi-threat approach is critical to success, in this league today.A multi-threat approach is critical to success in this league today. Exactly. It's a big part of Karlssons success. Sent from my SM-N900T using Blueshirts Brotherhood mobile app powered by Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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