As much as I like the McDonagh/Sauer pair, I wouldn't mind splitting them up if the last two are Del Zotto and a rookie. Provide a bit more stability for those two.
I can't remember teams ever switching up their pairings based on the opposition. Has it ever happened?
We did it as recently as last year. Staal-Rozsival was the regular pairing, and against teams like Pittsburgh and Washington the switched to Staal-Girardi to better counter the top line.
The first 2 pairs are set and I think there´s no doubt about it. The 3rd will be chosen in camp. We have to wait and see what happens & will surpise there and get a chance to play for the big club...
I agree with splitting up Staal and Girardi as long as they both still look good on seperate lines. If i remember correctly last year they sometimes faltered a bit when they were split up. I would prefer to see
Staal - Sauer
McDonagh - Erixon
MDZ - Girardi
With relatively even ice time. MDZ - Richards for powerplay, and Staal - Girardi or McD - Sauer for PK.
We did it as recently as last year. Staal-Rozsival was the regular pairing, and against teams like Pittsburgh and Washington the switched to Staal-Girardi to better counter the top line.
Oh, duh. Yeah I guess I don't have much of a short-term memory, anymore. haha
I know this Staal/Girardi are #1 pair. The rest is influx. I would think they will bring in a veteran Dman for the sixth spot, and maybe bring back eminger to fill the 7th. That other spot is up for grabs between Vtank/mdz/erixon.
I think you will see The top 4 getting most of the Ice Time
Figure 50 Minutes Even Strength
Staal-Girardi-20 Min.
Sauer-Mcdonagh-18 Min.
DZ-Erixon-?-12 Min.
I honestly believe we'll see something similar at some point, but I wouldn't bet on it happening early on. Obviously our 2 top pairings are set in stone, but without a vet addition I believe MDZ, Erixon/Valentenko are gonna need some stability from one of the top 4 guys at some point.
OP... you live in Montreal, are posting on the Rags board, and have a name that indicates you're either a fan of the Sabres, Bruins or possibly Pens/Leafs. Unless of course you're somehow hoping Tyler Arnason comes back to the Rags/Pack, which would be a little odd =P. Just checking cause I'm a Sabres/Rags fan from NYC living in Montreal.
I honestly believe we'll see something similar at some point, but I wouldn't bet on it happening early on. Obviously our 2 top pairings are set in stone, but without a vet addition I believe MDZ, Erixon/Valentenko are gonna need some stability from one of the top 4 guys at some point.
I just don't think the top 4 is set in stone (we thought that last off-season, too). Staal/Girardi is a given. Torts trusts them to play half the game. McDonagh/Sauer were very good, but they only had about half the season together.
The Rangers have made it clear that they see Erixon as a top 4 defender, and that they believe McDonagh can become a top-pair guy. Erixon is also the only one of the 4 LD's with a history of playing on the right side. McDonagh/Erixon just makes sense as the second pair.
Del Zotto could use a defensive rock playing next to him for plenty of reasons, but primarily as a confidence booster (I think most of his problem last year was mental--with Gilroy as a partner, he couldn't count on support from his partner if he screwed up). Del Zotto/Sauer would also be an ideal 3rd pairing--DZ would get somewhat protected ES minutes + PP time, and Sauer would get 3rd pair + PK time, allowing the team to control his minutes (I don't think Torts will want to ride Sauer the way he rides Staal/Girardi, what with his injury history).
If both Erixon and MDZ make the team I think we will need to break up the McD Sauer pairing. MDZ will need to be protected, probably by Sauer. This would put Erixon on the 2nd pair with McD. If he is not ready for that I have a hard time seeing he and MDZ together on the same pairing unless they play real protected minutes at ES and get PP time.
Staal- Girardi
McD-Erixon
MDZ-Sauer
If we pick up a vet D and/or only one of Erixon/MDZ make the team it's moot; and McD and Sauer remain the 2nd pair.
listen i like mcdonaugh and sauer probably more then anyone else, but who is to say they dont falter much like mdz did in his sophmore season.. same with stephan... sophmore slumps are very common in the nhl.. i would think sauer would but suscitable to that because he is older and has been a pro longer, but mcdonaugh although a strong player might take a step back.. what if del zotto returns to form from his first season?
listen i like mcdonaugh and sauer probably more then anyone else, but who is to say they dont falter much like mdz did in his sophmore season.. same with stephan... sophmore slumps are very common in the nhl.. i would think sauer would but suscitable to that because he is older and has been a pro longer, but mcdonaugh although a strong player might take a step back.. what if del zotto returns to form from his first season?
Yeah I agree with you, this is why we need some more veteran presence on the blue line and start one of Erixon/MDZ on the farm team.
well its only july, who know who works hard in the offseason.. who thought sauer/mddounagh would be our second pairing, and playing so well? maybe there are guys we dont know about that will make the rangers defense up.. gross wrote very highly of mcilrath, and how his skating improved.. although he should be sent back.. quite honestly i like where the rangers are going, but they need to require these guys to play in the minors for atleast a season, learn to be a pro down there.. red wings require there players to be in grand rapids for 3 years i believe.. although youd think erixon makes then team simply because he signed to play in the nhl, thats why he apparently left calgary because they wouldnt guaretee anything..
