ColePens
RIP Fugu Buffaloed & parabola
GDT #2
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers
Sunday January 20nd, 2013
MSG - New York City
[glow=black]What to watch for![/glow]
Game Preview
(click on the link above to read the full article)The New York Rangers gave up some quality pieces to land an even bigger one this past July. The Rick Nash saga ended on Broadway, as the Blueshirts acquired the scoring winger from Columbus in exchange for forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon and a first-round draft pick. The reigning Atlantic Division Champions are looking to build on a 109-point performance in 2011-12 and hope that the acquisition of Nash will take them to the next level.
During training camp, Nash slotted in on the right wing next to playmaking center Brad Richards (with young speedster Carl Hagelin completing the line). Nash never had an elite center during his nine seasons in Columbus and still scored at least 30 goals in seven of those campaigns, reaching 40 twice. It's intriguing to think of what he's capable of working with an elite talent like Richards. Certainly the most important offseason transaction for the Rangers was landing Nash, but he wasn’t the only player movement in the Big Apple. Gritty winger Brandon Prust got a large raise in Montreal, while forwards Ruslan Fedotenko and John Mitchell also moved on. Also gone are defensemen Jeff Woywitka and John Scott.
General manager Glen Sather did as much as he could to replace those that departed, by signing forwards Taylor Pyatt, Jeff Halpern, Micheal Haley and former Penguin Arron Asham. Pyatt had nine goals and 19 points through 73 contests last season in Phoenix. He has been playing with big-bodied center Brian Boyle and talented sophomore Chris Kreider. A veteran center, Halpern no longer produces as many points, but is excellent on faceoffs and could be key in winning draws for the Rangers.
[size=+2][glow=black]Projected Lineups[/size][/glow]
[FIELDSET="Bylsma's Bag O' Lines - Shake 'em up and see what you get!"]
Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis
Eric Tangradi - Evgeni Malkin - James Neal
Matt Cooke - Brandon Sutter - Tyler Kennedy
Tanner Glass - Joe Vitale - Craig Adams
Brooks Orpik - Paul Martin
Kris Letang - Matt Niskanen
Deryk Engelland - Simon Despres
Marc-andre Fleury
Voukoun
Eric Tangradi - Evgeni Malkin - James Neal
Matt Cooke - Brandon Sutter - Tyler Kennedy
Tanner Glass - Joe Vitale - Craig Adams
Brooks Orpik - Paul Martin
Kris Letang - Matt Niskanen
Deryk Engelland - Simon Despres
Marc-andre Fleury
Voukoun
[/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="New York Rangers"]
Rick Nash - Brad Richards (A) - Carl Hagelin
Marian Gaborik - Derek Stepan - Ryan Callahan (C)
Chris Kreider - Brian Boyle - Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp - Jeff Halpern - Brandon Segal
Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Marc Staal (A) - Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto - Stu Bickel
Thy King
Marian Gaborik - Derek Stepan - Ryan Callahan (C)
Chris Kreider - Brian Boyle - Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp - Jeff Halpern - Brandon Segal
Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Marc Staal (A) - Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto - Stu Bickel
Thy King
[/FIELDSET]** Note all lines are subject to change **
[glow=black]Cole's Players To Watch[/glow]
I know we are completely way too early in the season, but I think Geno is the best player in the NHL this season. He was on fire in the KHL and looks to be in mid-season form. While Crosby, Stammer, Giroux, and Ovy will be on his tails... I think #71 is ready to go and prove he was the best.
Another thing that is dangerous for the NHL is that he gets James Neal for another go-around. FINALLY Geno has a guy that has been his line mate that he can gain chemistry more and more each shift and know he won't be demoted to the 4th line. It's something we've dreamed about for awhile. A perfect example is the faceoff play they use where Geno puts it in a perfect spot and Neal rips it before I even finish my sip of beer. Can't wait to keep watching these two dominate.
Another thing that is dangerous for the NHL is that he gets James Neal for another go-around. FINALLY Geno has a guy that has been his line mate that he can gain chemistry more and more each shift and know he won't be demoted to the 4th line. It's something we've dreamed about for awhile. A perfect example is the faceoff play they use where Geno puts it in a perfect spot and Neal rips it before I even finish my sip of beer. Can't wait to keep watching these two dominate.
Watching this Boston game, I can't help but to notice some guy in beast mode. Yeah.. I'm not happy to admit but Nash makes this Rangers offense scary. He was working the Boston defense and played very well. I'll keep it short and sweet - we have to watch out for him. He has legit weapons around him and is very dangerous.
[glow=black]Cole's Video Matchup[/glow]
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VS.
[glow=black]Two For The Road [/glow]
IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!!!!!