Hey last time we had a thread saying how one of our young defensemen is going is be a star, he started to slump a bit (McD).
However, MDZ has really picked up his play and has done a great job this year. If he can play this solid defensively, while slowly further improving his offensive skills (like, hitting the fing net), he'll be a very important cog.
Agreed. I just laughed when people were wanting his head and wanted to trade him. Kid is just way too young. It definitely would have bit us in the ass if we had traded him.
He's not awesome again, but he's finding his way back the right way. In a few years, he's going to really blossom if he continues to evolve the right way. I give a lot of credit to his coaches, both NHL and AHL, and to Michael himself for sticking with it and pretty much going back to the drawing board and simplifying his game until he really felt comfortable with and without the puck. A lot of young defensemen hit a similar wall and never recover, or take much longer to recover from it. He's handled it very well for a 21 year old.
Very pleased with the way he's been playing, especially over the last few weeks. He's contributing on both ends and is developing a much smarter game. Hope he stays a blue shirt for a while.
DZ's played awesome. The only thing I'd like to see him do more (besides hit the net with his shot) is to bring the puck into the zone himself on the PP. Constantly he'll always bring the puck to the blue line or red line and look for a pass instead of just entering the zone himself. He can definitely do it so I don't know why he doesn't.
DZ's played awesome. The only thing I'd like to see him do more (besides hit the net with his shot) is to bring the puck into the zone himself on the PP. Constantly he'll always bring the puck to the blue line or red line and look for a pass instead of just entering the zone himself. He can definitely do it so I don't know why he doesn't.
The PP Break-ins are, 95% of the time, a set play from the coaching staff. Its not up to him to be the carrier there.
Still needs some serious target practice, but other than that, he's been awesome.
Totally different player from last year.
Haha this. We still made the right move by not drafting Fowler.
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"Trust me I'm an expert, I watched 13 rangers games on NHL center Ice this year through streaming." -Starburst
"I don't even understand what the point of all this arguing is. Are you guys hoping that the other side is going to have an epiphany and go 'Oh, OH! You're right, we ARE going to lose this series!'" -Crease
You mean to say that the 21 year old defenseman is maturing into a solid defenseman and his career isn't blown? NO?!?! It can't be true?!?!?
What's awesome, is that he's still improving. As his skating and puck handling gets better, he'll be an All-Star #1 defennder. MDZ-Staal as our top line!
The youngest player on a young D squad that will get younger still. That's what sticks w/me. Girardi is still just 27. Just entering the prime of his career. Imagine where players like Del Zotto and McDonaugh could be in six years.
Del Zotto and the Rangers D is the bright spot for the organization.
He still has the rough edges expected of a young defenceman trying to make his way into a top 4 rotation. But he has been very steady this year. I have been particularly impressed with his aggression along the boards; he looks like a bigger player and is using the size very well.
The guy still can't shoot but he has other offensive skills. He has displayed great decision making all season long in terms of when to get deep on the attack and the poise is paying dividends now with a good points streak.
He still has the rough edges expected of a young defenceman trying to make his way into a top 4 rotation. But he has been very steady this year. I have been particularly impressed with his aggression along the boards; he looks like a bigger player and is using the size very well.
During training camp the beatwriters commented on him looking noticeably bigger/stronger...
