The constant joke throughout the night was Brashears inability to score. They said a couple days ago they joked with him at a skate about how he scored 38 goals in the AHL.
Another funny moment. Kid goes "Gaborik, who do you want to be your center?"
Dave Maloney Goes: "Thanks Mr. Brooks"
Or something to the tune of that
Also just a side note, Kotalik is a freak of a man
the question, the way I heard it, was basically "Who do we need to get via trade or someone not on the team to center you, Marian?"
That's when Maloney quipped "Larry Brooks in the house!" (he wasn't there. Gross, Zipay, Obernauer were there, though)
I dunno, the Devils are looked at as one of the best run franchises in the sport and the Rangers have been virtually equally successful as they have since the lockout.
Finishing a round later or earlier doesn't mean much. If the Rangers weren't making the playoffs and being competitive in the playoffs, then I'd agree with you. I thought they've had decent clubs 3 out of the last 4 years.
You're right, finishing a round later or earlier doesn't mean much. But being dragged into the playoffs on a goalie's back year after year is different than being a solid, well-rounded playoff team.
You think they've had a decent club because your standards have been lowered thanks to the dark ages. Either that or your standards were never very high to begin with.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Levitate
You really think that's why people at MSG boo? Really?
People at MSG boo because they think it's fun. A lot of the people booing don't know **** about **** but they know it's fun to boo a scapegoat
You're right, most people who boo..hell, most people at the games in general, don't know anything. But I don't see the problem in booing the signing of Brashear. I don't care about him or his hit on Betts. I actually kind of like the guy based on what I've read about him. But it wasn't a smart contract to give out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by abev
He's an idiot because he keeps throwing money at something he doesn't like. Pretty much the definition of an idiot.
Really. Hmm, I though it was giving a 6 year, 6.5 million dollar deal to Wade Redden.
He likes the team, he doesn't have to like the current incarnation of it. Though I agree, not renewing would be a better way to send a message to the team.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jagr68NYR94Leetch
The fan is an idiot, because I for one think we have added some good players with some quality talent. Along with the fact that we do have some very nice developing prospects who could surprise in camp. And yes I know that is said pretty much every year at the start of camp, but this year it seems more true than ever that we have young prospects who can definitely come into camp and win a spot.
But most of all I think the fan is an idiot and an ******* for saying that when the roster isnt set, and we havent even given this new group of players to get on the ice and show us something. Thats what makes me mad.
The roster isn't set? Sorry, but just because Johnny Cakes says so, doesn't make it true. You've probably got two spots that are seriously, truly open right now, and that's it. What makes me mad is crappy cap management and personnel decisions. Maybe if that was improved upon, people wouldn't be booing.
I for one think this team is a Gaborik groin injury away from being a complete disaster, and isn't going to be particularly good even if the man is perfectly healthy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouvenirCity
I was at the forum, and asked Kotalik the question about being on the powerplay. Also the guy before asked chris drury about how he felt not playing up to his contract.
Funniest moment of the night: Little girl asks: "Chris Drury, did you ever play with any girls on your team?"
You're right, most people who boo..hell, most people at the games in general, don't know anything. But I don't see the problem in booing the signing of Brashear. I don't care about him or his hit on Betts. I actually kind of like the guy based on what I've read about him. But it wasn't a smart contract to give out.
Yeah I'm not a huge fan of the signing, if for no other reason than the money, but I guess I'm not much of a booing person either.
You're right, finishing a round later or earlier doesn't mean much. But being dragged into the playoffs on a goalie's back year after year is different than being a solid, well-rounded playoff team.
You think they've had a decent club because your standards have been lowered thanks to the dark ages. Either that or your standards were never very high to begin with.
If you're going to compare them to the Red Wings then the entire NHL is mediocre. Could they be better? Sure. I think you also have to acknowledge the fact that Rangers fans will NEVER accept seasons like the Penguins have had in order to get two #1 choices and become the team they are today. How many teams in the past 10 years have won the Cup after being completely awful? Lightning? Hurricanes? Penguins? (Ottawa in the Finals, too)I'll give you last year - they had problems all year long. The three previous years - they could've done as well as anyone else - particularly because Jagr was on the team and the guy was a force in the playoffs and because of who they've had between the pipes.
When I think of mediocrity in the NHL, I think of franchises that have never won anything and never seem like they're going to go anywhere. Atlanta. Phoenix. How about Toronto (1967)? Chicago hasn't won anything since the 50's. Tampa (since their ownership changed). Etc... The Rangers have won within the last 15 years, been to the Eastern Conference Finals, and (you can say whatever you want about Sather's efforts) each year try to build a team that will make the playoffs. You have to be in it to have a chance. Last year was the only year in the last few that I really thought they had no shot whatsoever.
I was at the forum, and asked Kotalik the question about being on the powerplay. Also the guy before asked chris drury about how he felt not playing up to his contract.
Funniest moment of the night: Little girl asks: "Chris Drury, did you ever play with any girls on your team?"
Fan yells: "Yeah, Scott Gomez"
Sounds like the type of fan that is an ahole to sit near at a game.
I think you also have to acknowledge the fact that Rangers fans will NEVER accept seasons like the Penguins have had in order to get two #1 choices and become the team they are today.
This is a fallacy, one that is always purported by the media. It's not the fans who won't accept a complete rebuild, it's the organization.
Really, if the Rangers had decided to not go after Gaborik this year and only made a few short term depth signings, leaving lots of room for the kids, what would the fans do about it? People are still gonna go to the games. People are still gonna root for the team. And any anger that fans felt over the "rebuild" would be washed away on draft day (assuming we were bad enough to get a top 5 pick).
Anyone who suffered through the dark years had to be praying that they would rebuild rather than retool every year. I know I was. But this isn't the same team that we had back then, nor the same situation. This team has made the playoffs 4 straight years and, while they haven't gotten past the 2nd round, I think they were closer to the top teams than many of us give them credit for.
I'm not happy about some of the signings over the last few years, same as everyone else. I'd love to get rid of Redden and Drury simply because they make too much. But as long as we keep drafting well and inserting young players into the lineup every year, I feel we are heading in the right direction.
People like that are the reason I want to claw my ears off everytime I sit in the 400's.
Fans like this are the same ones who call players ****, but only from very far away.
Nothing to do with the 400s. I sit in the 300s. Same idiots. They are everywhere. It almost seems like the Garden hires aholes as seat fillers some times but the truth is that a lot of people behave like idiots when in a crowd because they get courage, especially after a few beers.
This is a fallacy, one that is always purported by the media. It's not the fans who won't accept a complete rebuild, it's the organization.
Really, if the Rangers had decided to not go after Gaborik this year and only made a few short term depth signings, leaving lots of room for the kids, what would the fans do about it? People are still gonna go to the games. People are still gonna root for the team. And any anger that fans felt over the "rebuild" would be washed away on draft day (assuming we were bad enough to get a top 5 pick).
Anyone who suffered through the dark years had to be praying that they would rebuild rather than retool every year. I know I was. But this isn't the same team that we had back then, nor the same situation. This team has made the playoffs 4 straight years and, while they haven't gotten past the 2nd round, I think they were closer to the top teams than many of us give them credit for.
I'm not happy about some of the signings over the last few years, same as everyone else. I'd love to get rid of Redden and Drury simply because they make too much. But as long as we keep drafting well and inserting young players into the lineup every year, I feel we are heading in the right direction.
While we may be headed in the right direction, the top teams have elite forwards. Gaborik, if healthy is arguably that, even though he has never had an elite season, but aside from Grachev (and he is far from a given, despite some thinking of him as a franchise player), I'm not sure anyone is even on the horizon.
I hear names thrown around, like Kveton etc., but to say any of them is elite NHL-material is at this point wishing, hoping and dreaming.
On the current roster, our only players to be truly happy with are Lundqvist and Staal. Neither is a forward. Callahan is a great guy to have and I still have hopes for Dubinsky becoming more than most seem to think of him but sometimes he seems to have hands of stone, except when he's fighting.
We still have way too many okay players with zero offensive upside that also possess no real menacing grit, another quality a team should have. THe Rangers have grit but it's mostly living in their smaller bodies.
When was the last time the Rangers drafted a plyer who rose up to be an offensive force or a big menacing forward with at least some skills?
While we may be headed in the right direction, the top teams have elite forwards. Gaborik, if healthy is arguably that, even though he has never had an elite season, but aside from Grachev (and he is far from a given, despite some thinking of him as a franchise player), I'm not sure anyone is even on the horizon.
I hear names thrown around, like Kveton etc., but to say any of them is elite NHL-material is at this point wishing, hoping and dreaming.
On the current roster, our only players to be truly happy with are Lundqvist and Staal. Neither is a forward. Callahan is a great guy to have and I still have hopes for Dubinsky becoming more than most seem to think of him but sometimes he seems to have hands of stone, except when he's fighting.
We still have way too many okay players with zero offensive upside that also possess no real menacing grit, another quality a team should have. THe Rangers have grit but it's mostly living in their smaller bodies.
When was the last time the Rangers drafted a plyer who rose up to be an offensive force or a big menacing forward with at least some skills?
I'd say that Grachev, Stepan, & Anisimov I think right now are considered our forward prospects who have the ability to maybe sniff elite.
Del Zotto, Sanguinetti, McDonagh are the defensive prospects who are in that same boat.
Of course as you say, no one is a given. That's why they're prospects. We gotta get lucky with at least one, it seems to happen for other teams...
While we may be headed in the right direction, the top teams have elite forwards. Gaborik, if healthy is arguably that, even though he has never had an elite season, but aside from Grachev (and he is far from a given, despite some thinking of him as a franchise player), I'm not sure anyone is even on the horizon.
I hear names thrown around, like Kveton etc., but to say any of them is elite NHL-material is at this point wishing, hoping and dreaming.
On the current roster, our only players to be truly happy with are Lundqvist and Staal. Neither is a forward. Callahan is a great guy to have and I still have hopes for Dubinsky becoming more than most seem to think of him but sometimes he seems to have hands of stone, except when he's fighting.
We still have way too many okay players with zero offensive upside that also possess no real menacing grit, another quality a team should have. THe Rangers have grit but it's mostly living in their smaller bodies.
When was the last time the Rangers drafted a plyer who rose up to be an offensive force or a big menacing forward with at least some skills?
I don't think that's really a fair criticism. Yes, we are lacking elite type players/prospects, but in the absence of a top 3 pick, those are hard to find. Still, I think we've done pretty well for ourselves over the last few years.
Anisimov was one of the best players in the AHL last season. Grachev and MDZ were among the best in the OHL. Sanguinetti and Stepan both had solid rookie seasons. There's a lot of talent there. Whether that talent proves to be elite is anyone's guess. But still that's not bad for 2 1sts, 2 2nds and a 3rd.
And then there is the tragedy of Cherepanov. If he were still alive and healthy and had come over to play this year, the excitement for this team would be through the roof.
Regardless, we haven't been in a position to draft the type of player that is going to make an immediate impact. So we need to be patient and hope that at least one of the afforementioned players can reach his max potential.
I don't think most teams have multiple elite forwards. Most of them just have one, whether because they're hard to find or because they're hard to keep with contract demands, etc.
Pittsburgh is one of the few teams in the league that has two legitimate elite players at forward.
Most good teams and contenders in the league have an elite player and fill out the other top two lines with some very good players, the kind that the Rangers could have in their prospect pool with players like Grachev
I don't think that's really a fair criticism. Yes, we are lacking elite type players/prospects, but in the absence of a top 3 pick, those are hard to find. Still, I think we've done pretty well for ourselves over the last few years.
Anisimov was one of the best players in the AHL last season. Grachev and MDZ were among the best in the OHL. Sanguinetti and Stepan both had solid rookie seasons. There's a lot of talent there. Whether that talent proves to be elite is anyone's guess. But still that's not bad for 2 1sts, 2 2nds and a 3rd.
And then there is the tragedy of Cherepanov. If he were still alive and healthy and had come over to play this year, the excitement for this team would be through the roof.
Regardless, we haven't been in a position to draft the type of player that is going to make an immediate impact. So we need to be patient and hope that at least one of the afforementioned players can reach his max potential.
It wasn't only the tragedy of Cherry... before him you had Blackburn (which lead to us drafting Montoya), before that we had richter going down (which made Blackburns injury that much worse), before that we had Chernaskis career ending injury which again set this team back... If you really look at it we probably lost our top 2 forward prospects over the last 10 years and a top goalie prospect, and top goalie all go down w/ career ending injuries. That's alot for any organization to overcome.
Yes we missed on 2003 draft... but if Chernaski didn't get injured and became the star he was destined to become than it wouldn't be as bad. Couple that with Cherry and that is alot of potential firepower that we never got to see.
You could even throw in Klouceks injury on the backend that hurt the organization as well, and a promising roman Lyanshenko (who was a decent but not great by any means prospect) committing suicide, and it just shows how many career ending problems we had.
On top of that we had stars such as Lindros and Bure also go out.
Our organization has been through hell the past decade with major injuries, and unfortunate deaths. Not many organizations can really compare with us in that regard.
I don't think that's really a fair criticism. Yes, we are lacking elite type players/prospects, but in the absence of a top 3 pick, those are hard to find. Still, I think we've done pretty well for ourselves over the last few years.
Anisimov was one of the best players in the AHL last season. Grachev and MDZ were among the best in the OHL. Sanguinetti and Stepan both had solid rookie seasons. There's a lot of talent there. Whether that talent proves to be elite is anyone's guess. But still that's not bad for 2 1sts, 2 2nds and a 3rd.
And then there is the tragedy of Cherepanov. If he were still alive and healthy and had come over to play this year, the excitement for this team would be through the roof.
Regardless, we haven't been in a position to draft the type of player that is going to make an immediate impact. So we need to be patient and hope that at least one of the afforementioned players can reach his max potential.
It's a very fair criticism. There are very talented offensive forwards all over the league that weren't taken with a top 5 pick. Yet, the Rangers NEVER get one. Always seemed like a curious oddity to me.
I understand that you won't land a Crosby without a top pick but wouldn't it be nice to have a rising, young, talented forward that we drafted? Just once? Am I asking for all that much here?
For example, Parise, Krejci, Lucic, Semin, Carter, Gagne, Giroux, M. Richards, Pominville, Roy, etc.
Our organization has been through hell the past decade with major injuries, and unfortunate deaths. Not many organizations can really compare with us in that regard.
Over the last 3-4 years, I doubt there is a team that has had fewer injuries than the Rangers.
Well, lets not get carried away, some fans will always see things with Ranger blue colored glasses on, remember, Pat Auferio is a PP QB in the making
I just hope we hear less and less of 'if Gaborik stays healthy' comments. Everyone knows the deal, no need to use it at every oppurunity.
True, but we also all know that the contracts for Drury and Redden are an abomination but try and find a thread where that does not get talked about. We all have our personal axes to grind.
We also all know that Lisin is probably the greatest player in the history of the sport but every day I read more about it.
True, but we also all know that the contracts for Drury and Redden are an abomination but try and find a thread where that does not get talked about. We all have our personal axes to grind.
We also all know that Lisin is probably the greatest player in the history of the sport but every day I read more about it.
Funny thing is once they start playing none of this will matter, well, except for Lisin, people are gonna be surprised if he doesn't add a whole lot to the offense. Not me.
Over the last 3-4 years, I doubt there is a team that has had fewer injuries than the Rangers.
100% correct... and we made the playoffs every year as well. Our kids are coming up and playing and things are looking upward for us and our future.
But we still lost an elite prospect, and don't kid yourself into thinking that doesn't set back the organization some, because it does. Only one other team has lost a top prospect and that was Vancouver with bourdon.... but that's still not as bad as losing what should have become a franchise forward who could have been an elite forward for a long time. Bourdon would have been good, but I dont think he would have been an elite dman.
It will have a huge impact for us for years. I mean imagine if Patrick Kane just suddenly had a career ending injury (knock on wood, i would hope this never happens just using a comparative) it would have a huge effect on Chicago for years.... that is what happened to us 2x in the past decade... once with Chernaski and now w/ Cherry.
we still haven't recovered from missing our 2003 pick, and Blackburn's injury that forced us to take Montoya... add on top now we have to recover from Cherry's death. That's alot.
I was there last night, and had a great time. Lots of laughs, and overall I think everyone seemed to like the new players. Especially Higgins and Brashear. The beers were going down pretty good and i'm paying for it today, but off memory here were a few of the better moments.
I was there with "Sidney Diver"...He's actually my brother-in-law and he's out of his mind! After the playoffs a few years back and Crosby's constant whining and mastery of embellishing calls by the officials, my brother-in-law has gone on a mission. He wears a snorkel and flippers and a "Diver" shirt that has the number 87 on it. I was in Halifax this year with him(home of Crosby) where he wore the shirt proudly! Anyhow, during the question and answers Higgins stopped and asked..."I want to know what's up with the guy in the snorkel mask?"...my brother in law with no shortness of words got up and professed his hatred for Crosby and how he is on a mission to make MSG an unfriendly place for Sidney Crosby. His reception by the fans, and players was well recieved. They all got a kick out of it. Maloney responded..."He was definately dropped on his head as a child" to which my bro quickly responded...No Dave...I drowned twice!" Lots of people stopped to take pics with him afterwards.
I was also there with my friend Michelle who is by all accounts a rabid NYRangers fan. She is also the attractive girl who asked Higgins..."Are you single baby?". Higgins face was priceless aftr the questions. The other guys up ther also got a kick out of it.
The three of us and a few others are going to parade into Pittsburgh this year with the diver outfit. I'm sure the happy people of Pitt will give us quite a reception. It'll be fun going into the belly of the beast!
When the little girl asked Drury if he every played with a girl and the fan yelled out "Yeah Gomez!" it was just a case of perfect delivery! Becuase the place was silent as the little girl asked the question. Everyone was paying attention. It wasen't an akward moment for them like the original booing of Brash, it was one of the better laughs of the night, and it was more horsing around then anything else and the players got a laugh out of it too.
Onto the players...
It didn't take long for the crowd to warm up to Brashear. He was probably asked the most questions…And the guy was probably the most fan friendly along with Chris Higgins. When Brash first came out, he got some boo’s as mentioned, and being such a small setting it was pretty embarrassing. But…Brash got up there in front and challenged the crowd which was a good comeback from an akward moment. Brash was asked a few times about fighting in the game. He knows his role, and will execute it well. Also someone asked the whole group about how they plan on boosting the power play. Brashear raised his hand. I think MSG is going to boo him when he takes the ice, but after a few intimidation shifts and a good ole dustup he should win over the Garden like he did last night. I still would rather see Orr, but Brashear actually seemed like a really good guy off the ice and I am happy the club will still employ an enforcer.
Physically Brashear looked lean and mean. He was in great shape, and for his age the man is a genetic freak of nature. Looks as if he's 28 or 29, not 38 or whatever he is. His mitts are huge and I for one wouldn't to fight him!
Higgins you can tell enjoyed the spotlight. He was the first one out. He went out of his way to mention he brother was NYPD... I believe Metro. Of course that got a good response. You can tell Higgins is a Blue Collar type of guy despite graduating Yale. He seemed to be genuinely happy to be in NYa nd already seems like one of the guys!
Physically he looked in good shape...Not great, but good shape. He not all that big, but let's hope he plays bigger than his size suggests.
Kotalik was the most reserved of the bunch. He was the second one out and you could tell he was a little nervous to be in font of the crowd. I think the language barrier factors in here. He reminded me of Stephan Matteau, if anyone here ever met him you will know what I am talking about. He was reserved,a nd almost a little weirrd!...If that makes sense. Apparently he has a missle of a shot, which we all discussed here in the past. After seeing him in person, you can tell why he has a cannon! The guy is jacked! A fan asked him about his role and specifically if he might oplay the point on the PP with the big shot. His response was Tortorella has already asked him to do so. We all know he played with Drury in Buffalo, buit it was confirmed that they were actual linemates when they were there... it also appears that he is going to play that role again.
Physically Kotalik is a specimen. Much bigger than I though. His forearms are bigger than Brashear’s. I was surprised by this. Not sure that he plays a physical game, but for what his size suggests he has all the tools to come out of the corners with the puck. He was in the best shape of everyone present. Including Brashear.
Gaborik got a lot of health questions. He commented on his surgically repaired hips. He is excited about living in NY, and plans on living in Manhattan. A fan asked about moving the puck up ice, and with Gomez gone to Montreal, who is going to take up that role. Drury interjected that Gabby he may be the best guy in the league at carrying the puck up the ice. Gaborik was asked about goal scoring and his responses were generic.
Physically Gaborik looked inverygood shape. He has size, and you could tell by the size of his legs he is built for speed.
Drury, next to Brash was asked a lot of questions too. Some fan got up there and asked him directly about his exhorbitant contract, and will he basically earn his money etc. In such a small forum it was embarrassing again, and other fans actually boo’ed the question a little. Look we get it, the guy is overpaid. But being put on the spot didn't show a lot of class and there was again an akward moment. Drury came back with the politically correct answer, but the guy had no class and as soon as that question was done they next guy got up and reminded the audience that the Captain played through the last series with a broken hand. The place erupted with cheers. Chris was also asked about the kids. And as far as forwards go if he expected anyone to make the club. His responded by throwing props to the young defensive core of the team, and specifically Gilroy, Potter and Del Zotto and Sanguinetti. It seemed by his comments as if the last two defensive spots are going to be filled by rookie defenseman, which has also been the consensus of the board here for quite sometime. Minus the Siedenberg/Boullion talk.
Physically Drury isn't impressive. He actually looks like a boy compared to the rest of the crew that was up there.But, for anyonethat has ever seen Driury in person, you already know this. And with Drury you also know what you are getting. He is a gamer for sure, and his small size doesn't dictate his play. His heart does. I could onlu imagine what Drury could accomplish if he was 6'2" 215!
After the event we got to speak to Maloney for a while. He is jus a calss act and takes the time to talk with the fans. We asked him about the prosepct pool, anmd m ore specifically Gratchevs name was tossed around. Maloney genuinely didn't seem all that impressed, and didn't think he had a chance to make the club this year at all. Actually he thought he was a couple years away from making the big club.
Back to 31 after the event for a few more beers. Good to be backin there, and I can't wait for the season to start.
