tWe start the season on fire, winning majority of our games. The PP clicks, Henrik is unstoppable, and we're getting contributions from everyone. We're ready to make noise in the playoffs, Henrik will finally win the Vezina this year, and Tortorella is starting to get it all together and is now a great coach. Then Thanksgiving comes and we start sucking. Henrik can't stop a beachball, Gaborik has a nagging knee injury, Prospal starts to show signs of slowing down, and Redden is ****ing up as much as ever. Anisimov and MZA are busts. We should trade Lundqvist. Tortorella needs to be fired. We'll be in 10th place by the All-Star Break, everyone will be rioting for Sather to be fired and for the Rangers to blow up the roster with a firesale. Instead, Sather will remain GM and will make a lateral trade on defense and acquire some underachieving forward who will be a UFA at the end of the year. Henrik will wake up from the dead and carry the team on his shoulders. The season will come down to the final few games and the Rangers will either barely squeak into the playoffs and play the Devils in the first round or will barely miss the playoffs.
tWe start the season on fire, winning majority of our games. The PP clicks, Henrik is unstoppable, and we're getting contributions from everyone. We're ready to make noise in the playoffs, Henrik will finally win the Vezina this year, and Tortorella is starting to get it all together and is now a great coach. Then Thanksgiving comes and we start sucking. Henrik can't stop a beachball, Gaborik has a nagging knee injury, Prospal starts to show signs of slowing down, and Redden is ****ing up as much as ever. Anisimov and MZA are busts. We should trade Lundqvist. Tortorella needs to be fired. We'll be in 10th place by the All-Star Break, everyone will be rioting for Sather to be fired and for the Rangers to blow up the roster with a firesale. Instead, Sather will remain GM and will make a lateral trade on defense and acquire some underachieving forward who will be a UFA at the end of the year. Henrik will wake up from the dead and carry the team on his shoulders. The season will come down to the final few games and the Rangers will either barely squeak into the playoffs and play the Devils in the first round or will barely miss the playoffs.
that sounds VERY familiar... substitute Anisimov and MZA for Kotalik and Higgins, waddya got? sounds like 2009-2010 season to me.
We will sneak into the playoffs, and make it to the second round, well after people have been calling for us to tank for a high draft pick halfway into the season.
There will be cases made that 3 seasons of suckage for picks is better than an eternity of mediocrity.
If they get 40 goals combined from Dubinsky and Callahan, I see no way they make the playoffs — let alone as a 6th seed.
I hope I'm wrong but, as much as i like them both, I've been pretty disappointed in their maturation. I don't expect a big jump for either this year. It'd be nice to see 25 out of them each.
I hope I'm wrong but, as much as i like them both, I've been pretty disappointed in their maturation. I don't expect a big jump for either this year. It'd be nice to see 25 out of them each.
I can certainly understand that. And I have never been sold on Dubinsky becoming a big offensive player. With that said, how can you see this team being a sixth seed if they don't get better production from those two?
I can certainly understand that. And I have never been sold on Dubinsky becoming a big offensive player. With that said, how can you see this team being a sixth seed if they don't get better production from those two?
I'm hoping for solid, increased production out of a handful of either guys: Prospal, Christensen, and Anisimov. Perhaps a few more goals out of Staal and Avery too. Staal seemed to find a nice offensive game toward the end of last year.
Then I think our D will be solid (though not elite) and our goaltending will be top-notch.
Maybe I'm dreaming, but my gut just tells me we're a better team than a lot of people are expecting.
I'm hoping for solid, increased production out of a handful of either guys: Prospal, Christensen, and Anisimov. Perhaps a few more goals out of Staal and Avery too. Staal seemed to find a nice offensive game toward the end of last year.
Then I think our D will be solid (though not elite) and our goaltending will be top-notch.
Maybe I'm dreaming, but my gut just tells me we're a better team than a lot of people are expecting.
I think getting more from AA is possible. Christensen perhaps marginally. I can't see Prospal matching his production from last year.
1. VP has another good season and is the team leader again while Drury disappears to the 4th line again.
2. Many of the defensive options in training camp impress but but none make the team and instead we hate on Redden all season and wish Sather would have waived him.
3. MDZ is continued to be pressed into a role that a young body isn't ready for and he begins to tire.
4. Dubisnacks become the favorite treat sold at Petco, all dogs rejoyce and become hockey fans. Hockey becomes America's #1 sport.
5. Avery, after season of mandatory flying under the radar, attempts to reclaim the title of NHL Megapest.
6. AA takes a big step forward, with Frolov on his wing.
7. AA Frolov and VP Gabby finally gives NY a solid 2 lines.
8. Henke, gets more rest, and can count his loses one one hand, with the glove on...and i'm talking his glove hand....he'll need to take his hands off to hold the vezina he finally wins.
9. Which helps the Rangers make it to the playoffs.
10. And they lose in the second round.
I can certainly understand that. And I have never been sold on Dubinsky becoming a big offensive player. With that said, how can you see this team being a sixth seed if they don't get better production from those two?
That's great. How many goals is he going to score this year?
How many goals is he going to stop is the question. The offense is a little better than last year with the addition of Frolov and I think Staal will contribute some more, but anyway...
I said Lundqvist because he always carries the team. The only way we will be the 6th team, is if he carries a heavier load - even though the one he carries is pretty burdensome.
And/or if the Frolov scores 30 goals, plus Dubi, Cally, Prospal potting 20+
The bolded is certainly possible.
And Drury sure is hell isn't going to be a 30 point scorer this year either.
