Rangers fan coming here in peace. Love watching your team and was just curious with how you guys felt about the 3 former Rangers. I have watched every game and it really is amazing how much Brian Boyle steps up his game in the playoffs. The guy is noticeable constantly and it is truly a pleasure watching him. Anton Stralman was always my favorite Ranger and he seems like he also always steps it up in the playoffs. I have not noticed him as much, but maybe that is a good thing. I was also surprised to see he was getting so much PP time. Was very curious to everyone's thoughts on him.
Finally, Ryan Callahan seems like the Ryan Callahan that I always remember in the playoffs. Doesn't do much and is not very noticeable. I truly believe unless the Rangers win a Stanley Cup this year, you guys won the trade with getting 2 first round picks. It just seems like Callahan is continuing to prove why I didn't want the Rangers to go anywhere near his contract demands. Would you guys say that statement is accurate or is he just having a rough series? I am sure it will make you guys feel better as well that Marty looks pretty much done.
Anyway good luck and hope you guys can extend this series. Really enjoy watching Tampa play.
Callahan has been one of our most consistent forwards in the playoffs. Yeah like him to score, but would also like all the other forwards not named Tyler Johnson to score as well. Last game he was off, but the entire team was off, except maybe Johnson.
The guy plays like he gives a crap, does what he can, and plays both sides of the well. He should not be the go to guy to score goals, that guy is Stamkos. Yeah he does not have the skill set of an elite forward but a 50 point player is far from a 3rd liner.
Also, Stralman and Boyle have been awesome, they likely would not have signed if it was not for the influence of Callahan so there is that from what I've heard.
Thank you for the response. It killed me when you guys got Stralman. He was so underrated when it came to other team's fan bases. I was furious when we signed Boyle for the same 4.5 million you guys gave Stralman. It makes it even worse now that we have Yandle now, so really no need for Boyle. I am glad he has been great all year for you guys.
That is pretty much what I expected to hear about Callahan. The guy is a heart and soul guy, but he is not overly skilled and talented. He takes an absolute pounding during the year and when it comes to the postseason he is just a diminished player. Great 3rd line guy, but was playing top 6 minutes for the Rangers and seems like the same in Tampa. Just my opinion, but I think that is going to be a real rough contract down the road.
One a completely different note, wow are you guys lucky to have Tyler Johnson. Unreal how good that kid is. Hell of a find by your organization.
A guy who scores over 20 goals and puts up around 50 points with the potential of more should not be in the boat of a 3rd liner. He gets that label because of his physical play, like a Dustin Brown type. Dustin Brown has fallen off a cliff, Callahan has re-found his game and offense again after having a down season last year due to injuries, off-season surgery, and etc. Nice bounce back to tie his career 54 points this season.
He gets top 6 min time because of his play, he was put on the 3rd line this season for a number of games because the 3rd line was hurting, top line was then struggling so was put back up to the top line. But it's like with the Rangers the guy shows up to play and gets promoted.
Anyway , good luck in the playoffs. Rangers organization did me in, but still root for those players on that team which I still like.
