I don't see how that's a valid reason. We already have players on our roster who have been good in the SO. I agree that Immonen should get a call up, as he's been solid all year, but I don't see how his 2-2 SO performance matters.
I don't see how that's a valid reason. We already have players on our roster who have been good in the SO. I agree that Immonen should get a call up, as he's been solid all year, but I don't see how his 2-2 SO performance matters.
Not too shabby if you ask me. I can really see dawes and ward feeding off each other.
Maybe it's the pessimist in me, but while we all want Dawes & Immonen to make the team, I have doubts about both of them making it.
Oh, and in your equation, there is a good shot that Helminen is already better than Moore.
I have doubts about Dawes, but unfortunately do not have real conviction or backup in my doubts and this kid is surprising everyone (this has been a very good scoring season for a young AHLer).
In Immonen I question his ability to compete every night, but do not question that he has NHL abilities and has the size, shot, speed, vision and smarts to play in the NHL. It's just a matter of if he's a second liner or a third or fourth liner.
I think that both have the making of fine 2nd line players. It's the realistic chance that the Rangers will leave room for both to make the top 6. I think that both can make cases for going into camp with 2nd line spots as theirs to loose. The problem is that you need to leave room for them. While both can probably play on the bottom-2 lines, I do not feel that that is the place for either to develop.
Having said that, for Immonen to get a fair shot, the Rangers have to stay away from UFA centers. If they do that, then Jarkko will get his shot. And, if he does not make it, then one can always drop a presumably resigned Straka into that slot.
In the case of Dawes, it is a little different. I think that he is showing that he is ready for a real shot. I, like you, have had my doubts about Dawes, however it is hard to ignore the fact that the kid has been scoring at every single level. He is exceling at the AHL level as a rookie. However for him to have a shot at making the team at all, it means that one of Straka, Sykora or Rucinsky is not resigned. Further, for him to have a shot at making the top two lines, it further means that one of Straka (the more probable as he plays LW) or Sykor is not resigned. If Straka and Sykora are both resigned, then (if Rucinsky is not brought back), Dawes can be started on the third line. The problem is that he will have to compete w/ Helminen for such a spot, if Renney lets loyalty rule his head and brings back both Betts & Moore. IMO, Helminen can make for as good a third line center as either Betts or Moore, AND put up better offensive numbers.
So my doubts center on whether or not the Rangers continue the "rebuild" or if they sign UFA's and various "stopgaps" who will prevent players like Immonen, Dawes & Helminen from making the team.
