How fun is it to Watch Step and Mcd help this team win. They played against each other in youth hockey, played against each other at the High School level. They help Wisconsin get to the NCAA Championship last year and now and both leading this team to a playoff spot in the NHL.
Before we bash this group every other night how they suck, just remember that Step, Mcd, Zuuc, and Sauer probably never even thought they would be playing in the NHL, let alone trying to carry this group of guys into the playoffs. With all the injuries I think that the Rangers are awfully lucky that these young guys have made the contributions that they have. If anyone deserves credit here it's Gordie Clark and his staff for drafting this very talented group!!!
How fun is it to Watch Step and Mcd help this team win. They played against each other in youth hockey, played against each other at the High School level. They help Wisconsin get to the NCAA Championship last year and now and both leading this team to a playoff spot in the NHL.
Before we bash this group every other night how they suck, just remember that Step, Mcd, Zuuc, and Sauer probably never even thought they would be playing in the NHL, let alone trying to carry this group of guys into the playoffs. With all the injuries I think that the Rangers are awfully lucky that these young guys have made the contributions that they have. If anyone deserves credit here it's Gordie Clark and his staff for drafting this very talented group!!!
The Rangers didn't draft McDonagh (MTL) or Zuccarello (FA). Clark didn't draft Sauer, Maloney did.
I think it's a pretty good story that those two played on the same college team and then leave school and are now both playing on the same NHL team and making an impact. Both look like they'll be great players
I'm really impressed with McDonagh's ability to read the play, especially in the neutral zone...it might be better than Staal's even.
Some good stuff. Yeah we struggling down stretch, but good to see it was the kids who helped us get to this point, and will help our push forward. Didn't know they played youth hockey vs each other like that.
I find it just remarkable that two kids coming from NCAA can have that big of an impact on an NHL team the next year. The pace in the NHL is MUCH faster and you play more than double the games. Hats off to Step and McD
To the OP: why wouldn't Step and McD, players who were drafted in the first two rounds of their draft year have ever thought they'd play in the NHL? I'll give you Sauer cos of his injuries but surely if you're drafted that high and show improvement you're expecting to play at least a few games in pros?
To the OP: why wouldn't Step and McD, players who were drafted in the first two rounds of their draft year have ever thought they'd play in the NHL? I'll give you Sauer cos of his injuries but surely if you're drafted that high and show improvement you're expecting to play at least a few games in pros?
Sauer was a 2nd round draft pick as well (40th, so not late in the 2nd round either; with an older brother already playing in the NHL).
These players weren't signed to PTOs off the street...they were all expected/projected to make the NHL.
To the OP: why wouldn't Step and McD, players who were drafted in the first two rounds of their draft year have ever thought they'd play in the NHL? I'll give you Sauer cos of his injuries but surely if you're drafted that high and show improvement you're expecting to play at least a few games in pros?
I think he meant this year. McDonagh was thought to be on the roster when camp broke and Stepan was supposed to start in the AHL, it was the other way around. It works for both of them.
Sauer was supposed to be an afterthought at this point with his injuries and people thought it would take Zuccarello a year in the AHL to be ready to play in the NHL. They both have been playing well for us too.
I'd also argue that Staal, Girardi, Dubinsky, and Callahan are carrying us, but these guys are taking up huge spots on this team and not making Dubi and Cally ave to go too far above and beyond what they can.
Sauer was a 2nd round draft pick as well (40th, so not late in the 2nd round either; with an older brother already playing in the NHL).
These players weren't signed to PTOs off the street...they were all expected/projected to make the NHL.
not to get OT; Kurt Sauer (NFL) is suffering with Post Concussion Syndrome and is having a bad time of it; cannot hold job, wife left him and he is drinking heavily; hope he gets help. NFL/NFLPA better get their act together and soon
it is good to see, but 2 rookies fresh out of college shouldnt have to carry a team through a playoff run
Agree they shouldnt but yet they are. That's what I love about this team. Both have been really impressive. I thought Stepan was more of a playmaking centre and while his passing skills are evident he has a knack of getting in the right spots. As impressive as Sauer has been in his first 20-odd games I think McDonagh's first 20-odd games were better. That's not a knock on Sauer at all. Hopefully this time next year we are talking about Hagelin and Werek and possibly Kreider.
not to get OT; Kurt Sauer (NFL) is suffering with Post Concussion Syndrome and is having a bad time of it; cannot hold job, wife left him and he is drinking heavily; hope he gets help. NFL/NFLPA better get their act together and soon
I think you have your Sauers mixed up.
Kent, Kurt, and Michael Sauer played in the NHL.
Craig Sauer played in the NFL and retired as a result of an injured foot.
So who are you referring to? Kurt Sauer hasn't played since his concussion, but plays in the NHL.
not to get OT; Kurt Sauer (NFL) is suffering with Post Concussion Syndrome and is having a bad time of it; cannot hold job, wife left him and he is drinking heavily; hope he gets help. NFL/NFLPA better get their act together and soon
I think it's pretty cool how we have players with connections before turning pro. Cally and Girardi were good friends and played together on Guelph, Dubi and Sauer played together on Portland, and McD and Step played at Wisconsin.
this thread is failtacular. gordie clark has had nothing to do with any of this other than stepan but i do agree with the premise. we are fortunate to have them.
im still not sure on the norwegian midget. jury definitely still out.
sauer and mcd look like studs. amazed at ryan mcdonoughs stride. hes a very good skater and has a complete understanding of what hes supposed to do. and mike sauer rarely makes a mistake and when he does, hes smart enough to make the right read to minimize it.
derek stepan isnt the fastest skater and hes not the biggest guy, but he smart and he sees things before they happen. thats called hockey iq and hes got it in spades.
but i do agree with the premise. we are fortunate to have them.
