New York Rangers Mid-Season Report Card

[Megustaelhockey]

Please rate the following on an A+ to F scale with comments. You may also grade individual positions and/or the overall team.

Derick Brassard
Dan Boyle
Anthony Duclair
Jesper Fast
Dan Girardi
Tanner Glass
Carl Hagelin
Kevin Hayes
Matt Hunwick
Kevin Klein
Michael Kostka
Chris Kreider
Henrik Lundqvist
Ryan McDonagh
J.T. Miller
Dominic Moore
John Moore
Rick Nash
Martin St. Louis
Marc Staal
Lee Stempniak
Derek Stepan
Cam Talbot
Mats Zuccarello

Alain Vigneault
Scott Arniel/PP
Ulf Samuelsson/PK
Glen Sather

Click to read more...

 

[danktopshelf]

Derick Brassard: A-
Dan Boyle: B-
Anthony Duclair: C+
Jesper Fast: B
Dan Girardi: B
Tanner Glass: D-
Carl Hagelin: C-
Kevin Hayes: C
Matt Hunwick: B
Kevin Klein: A+
Michael Kostka: F
Chris Kreider: B+
Henrik Lundqvist: A
Ryan McDonagh: A-
J.T. Miller: B
Dominic Moore: B
John Moore: C
Rick Nash: A+
Martin St. Louis: B
Marc Staal: A-
Lee Stempniak: B-
Derek Stepan: A-
Cam Talbot: A-
Mats Zuccarello: B+

Alain Vigneault: A-
Scott Arniel/PP: B
Ulf Samuelsson/PK: A-
Glen Sather: B+

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Derick Brassard: A-
Dan Boyle: C
Anthony Duclair: B-
Jesper Fast: B-
Dan Girardi: B+
Tanner Glass: F-
Carl Hagelin: D
Kevin Hayes: B
Matt Hunwick: B-
Kevin Klein: B+
Michael Kostka: F
Chris Kreider: B-
Henrik Lundqvist: B+
Ryan McDonagh: B+
J.T. Miller: B-
Dominic Moore: B
John Moore: D
Rick Nash: A+
Martin St. Louis: B-
Marc Staal: B
Lee Stempniak: C
Derek Stepan: A+
Cam Talbot: B-
Mats Zuccarello: B

Alain Vigneault: B-
Scott Arniel/PP: B-
Ulf Samuelsson/PK: B-
Glen Sather: C

 

[danktopshelf]

Derick Brassard: A-
Dan Boyle: C
Anthony Duclair: C+
Jesper Fast: B-
Dan Girardi: B+
Tanner Glass: F-
Carl Hagelin: D
Kevin Hayes: B+
Matt Hunwick: B-
Kevin Klein: B
Michael Kostka: F
Chris Kreider: B-
Henrik Lundqvist: B+
Ryan McDonagh: B+
J.T. Miller: B-
Dominic Moore: B
John Moore: D
Rick Nash: A+
Martin St. Louis: B-
Marc Staal: B
Lee Stempniak: C
Derek Stepan: A+
Cam Talbot: B-
Mats Zuccarello: B

Alain Vigneault: C+
Scott Arniel/PP: B-
Ulf Samuelsson/PK: B-
Glen Sather: C

B for Klein. You Serious?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

B for Klein. You Serious?

I meant to give him a B+, but gave it to the wrong player. B+ for Klein, B for Hayes.

 

[danktopshelf]

I meant to give him a B+, but gave it to the wrong player. B+ for Klein, B for Hayes.

Wouldn't want you as a prof. For this team and his contract I don't see a much better first half Klein could have had. Great win tonight though.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Wouldn't want you as a prof. For this team and his contract I don't see a much better first half Klein could have had. Great win tonight though.

Maybe so, I really don't think I'm being hard on the players, coaches and GM with my grades. We are in the playoffs by the virtue of a wild card spot. I'm happy with how the team is starting to play, but I don't think its been all great so far.

 

[Doctyl]

I'm gonna grade them based on my expectations for each before the season


Derick Brassard A+
Dan Boyle B
Anthony Duclair C
Jesper Fast B
Dan Girardi B
Tanner Glass F
Carl Hagelin C
Kevin Hayes B
Matt Hunwick A-
Kevin Klein A+
Michael Kostka D
Chris Kreider C
Henrik Lundqvist B-
Ryan McDonagh C
J.T. Miller B-
Dominic Moore C-
John Moore C
Rick Nash A+
Martin St. Louis B
Marc Staal B
Lee Stempniak C
Derek Stepan A+
Cam Talbot B
Mats Zuccarello C

Alain Vigneault C-
Scott Arniel/PP B+
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B
Glen Sather B

 

[DanielBrassard]

Derick Brassard: B+
Dan Boyle: B-
Anthony Duclair: B
Jesper Fast: B
Dan Girardi: C
Tanner Glass: F
Carl Hagelin: B
Kevin Hayes: B
Matt Hunwick: B
Kevin Klein: A-
Michael Kostka: D
Chris Kreider: B-
Henrik Lundqvist: B+
Ryan McDonagh: C
J.T. Miller: B+
Dominic Moore: A-
John Moore: C
Rick Nash: A-
Martin St. Louis: B
Marc Staal: B
Lee Stempniak: B
Derek Stepan: B+
Cam Talbot: B+
Mats Zuccarello: B

Alain Vigneault: C
Scott Arniel/PP: B-
Ulf Samuelsson/PK: B
Glen Sather: C-

 

[danktopshelf]

And only 1 thing I want to add. Glass does suck at hockey. But games like tonight you need dudes to scrap. He doesn't back down, and provided you don't ask him to do ANYTHING with the puck he's alright kind of. Hence my D-.

Not a total failure if he's your only enforcer. Although I'd want him as a healthy scratch also.

 

[nyrleetch]

Someone waited for a win! lol

 

[Machinehead]

Derick Brassard A+: Beast. Perfect 2C.
Dan Boyle A-: Most underrated Ranger by our own fanbase in some time.
Anthony Duclair B: He wasn't great but he's also 19. Showed flashes.
Jesper Fast B: Will blossom into one of the best 4th liners in the league.
Dan Girardi A-: One of his more consistent campaigns to date.
Tanner Glass F: C'mon man
Carl Hagelin D: Just not good enough. Nowhere near enough offense.
Kevin Hayes B: F faceoffs, A- everything else
Matt Hunwick A-: A revelation. Solid 6D.
Kevin Klein A+: Cult Norris candidate
Michael Kostka F: LOL
Chris Kreider C: He can be way better. Not intense consistently enough.
Henrik Lundqvist A-: Has recovered from his slow start. Hank is back.
Ryan McDonagh C-: Just doesn't look like McDonagh to me. Needs to improve.
J.T. Miller B+: Noted improvement on both sides of the puck.
Dominic Moore B: Eh, does what he's here to do.
John Moore C: Not awful, but has been outplayed by Hunwick.
Rick Nash A+: Not much to say here, look at the stats.
Martin St. Louis A-: Scores big goals. A legend. A leader. Will show his worth in the playoffs.
Marc Staal B+: Started awful, noted improvement.
Lee Stempniak B+: Has been extremely solid
Derek Stepan A++(Flawless Victory): Top 10 center in the league. And yes, I mean 1st line center.
Cam Talbot A-: Talbot gonna Talbot.
Mats Zuccarello B: Could be better, but getting there.

Alain Vigneault A+: Best coach in hockey
Scott Arniel/PP A: Excellent
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+: Could be better but getting there.
Glen Sather A-: Minus for Glass signing, but the team is winning.

 

[Megustaelhockey]

Someone waited for a win! lol

You're damn right! Hahaha.

Could you imagine what a string of profanity we would have seen in here if we'd done it after the real 41st game?

 

[nyrleetch]

Derick Brassard A
Dan Boyle B
Anthony Duclair B-
Jesper Fast B
Dan Girardi B
Tanner Glass D-
Carl Hagelin C-
Kevin Hayes B
Matt Hunwick C
Kevin Klein A-
Michael Kostka F
Chris Kreider C+
Henrik Lundqvist B
Ryan McDonagh B-
J.T. Miller C+
Dominic Moore B-
John Moore C
Rick Nash A
Martin St. Louis B-
Marc Staal B
Lee Stempniak C
Derek Stepan A
Cam Talbot B+
Mats Zuccarello B+

Alain Vigneault A-
Scott Arniel/PP B
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B
Glen Sather A-

 

[Crazed Beaver]

Derick Brassard A
Dan Boyle B-
Anthony Duclair B
Jesper Fast B+
Dan Girardi A-
Tanner Glass C-
Carl Hagelin B
Kevin Hayes B
Matt Hunwick B
Kevin Klein A
Michael Kostka D
Chris Kreider B
Henrik Lundqvist A
Ryan McDonagh B
J.T. Miller C
Dominic Moore B
John Moore C+
Rick Nash A+
Martin St. Louis B
Marc Staal B
Lee Stempniak C
Derek Stepan A
Cam Talbot B+
Mats Zuccarello B

Alain Vigneault A
Scott Arniel/PP B
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B
Glen Sather B

 

[Hockeyplayer99]

Derick Brassard B+
Dan Boyle C+
Anthony Duclair C
Jesper Fast B
Dan Girardi A-
Tanner Glass F
Carl Hagelin C-
Kevin Hayes B
Matt Hunwick B
Kevin Klein A+
Michael Kostka F
Chris Kreider C+
Henrik Lundqvist B
Ryan McDonagh B
J.T. Miller B-
Dominic Moore C+
John Moore D+
Rick Nash A+
Martin St. Louis B
Marc Staal B
Lee Stempniak C
Derek Stepan A+
Cam Talbot B
Mats Zuccarello C+

Alain Vigneault B-
Scott Arniel/PP B
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B
Glen Sather C

 

[OverTheCap]

I think grading is kind of hard because everyone has different criteria, but I will list the players in accordance with my expectations for them before the season started.


Exceeded Expectations
Derick Brassard: by far his best season but still makes some silly decisions
Anthony Duclair: did not anticipate him to make it out of camp, showed a lot of potential in his time with the club
Kevin Hayes: thought he would start the season in Hartford, great ability to hold on to the puck (although sometimes he holds onto the puck too long)
Matt Hunwick: a pleasant surprise, looks like he could handle bottom pairing minutes every game
Kevin Klein: really going above and beyond what I ever anticipated of him, our most consistent dman and a goal-scoring machine
Rick Nash: our MVP, he's finally playing without fear and is driving to the net


Met Expectations
Dan Boyle: decent on the PP but makes me nervous in our own zone
Jesper Fast: good defensively and starting to contribute on offense
Dan Girardi: steady and reliable but has no business on the PP
Carl Hagelin: he is what he is at this point, a speedy guy who is super inconsistent offensively
Henrik Lundqvist: looked shaky at the start of the season but bounced back and is bailing us out per usual
Marc Staal: had a rough go of it at first but has been great since November, his stick/long reach is still his best asset
Lee Stempniak: solid but unspectacular bottom 6 option
Derek Stepan: developing into a great all-around center, only detriment is his faceoff percentage
Cam Talbot: ideal backup

Fell Short of Expectations
Chris Kreider: not much improvement from last season. Still figuring out how to use his size and is prone to bouts of invisibility. His defense awareness isn't as bad as it once was
Ryan McDonagh: not sure if it's the injury or the captaincy, but he isn't playing up to what he is capable of
J.T. Miller: finally seems like he's pulling it together offensively, but his two-way game still needs a lot of work
Dominic Moore: good PKer and our best faceoff guy by far, but he seems to have taken a step back since last year. Loss of Boyle may have hurt him, they had good chemistry
John Moore: an offensive defensemen without the offense. Not sure if he will ever be anything more than what he is now
Martin St. Louis: talent is still there, but starting to show his age and his defense has deteriorated
Mats Zuccarello: he's closer to a 45 point forward than the 60 point forward we saw last year

Garbage
Tanner Glass: vomit
Michael Kostka: I had already forgotten about him and purged him from my memory until now

____________________________________________________________________________

The coaching staff has been OK, some of the personnel decisions have been questionable (Girardi over Klein on the PP, Glass, etc.) The system is well-suited for our type of offense but man defense still poses some problems, especially when it comes to leaving players wide open in the slot. Not a huge fan of prevent D in the 3rd.

The front office failed to adequately replace some of the players we lost in the offseason, but our young forwards look promising. Hayes was a good pickup. Yet another offseason with lots of expiring contracts looming.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Derick Brassard A-

A lot of questions surrounding whether Brassard could handle extended looks from better pairing defensemen, and he has played the best regular season hockey of his career to date.

Dan Boyle C+

May be slightly unfair due to injuries and the flu, but I just haven't been impressed. Would be lower if not for a good stretch of games recently where he has come on. His shot hasn't wowed me once this year.

Anthony Duclair C

Young player, not ready. Showed glimpses of things to come.

Jesper Fast B

Love this kid. His defensive awareness is a beautiful thing to watch. Has some untapped offensive potential, too, but love him on the 4th line right now.

Dan Girardi B+

Gets a lot of hate from Ranger fans. Has his occasional terrible game where you wonder how the hell he got into the NHL, but continues to just block shots, play sound positionally, and make a solid first pass out of the zone year after year. No complaints.

Tanner Glass F

I can't take away his work ethic, and his teammates allegedly love him everywhere he goes. But I just can't find a single thing about his game that I like.

Carl Hagelin C-

Hagelin is so frustrating, because with his speed, he should make an impact on every game he plays, even if it's only a subtle play. He disappears for too many games and has been nonexistent for the majority of the season in my opinion. However, his speed and PK ability is invaluable in the playoffs.

Kevin Hayes B

Often times looks like he's not a great skater, but I think he just has a long stride. Solid defensively, which is surprising for such a young player. Good hands, decent shot. Has played extremely well in some games and in the others has not made the rookie mistakes one would expect. Terrible on draws, but he gets a pass as it's his first season playing center.

Matt Hunwick B-

Stepped in and was serviceable with injuries. Solid #7.

Kevin Klein A

He has just had a phenomenal season, both offensively and defensively. Such a sound defensive player, always in the right spot. Got a snarl to his game, and a pretty damn good shot.

Michael Kostka F

Not a good hockey player for this level.

Chris Kreider D

Kreider is arguably our most talented player when you look at overall skill set, but he just hasn't been productive since he took a goalie interference penalty early in the season. I don't know whether it is brains, work ethic, confidence, or the media affecting him, but he needs to play with an edge to be effective. Doesn't use his speed or size enough, often not finishing his checks. Just bigger and stronger than most people on the ice and I expect him to play that way.

Henrik Lundqvist A-

Was going to give him an A because if you look at his numbers, they are stellar, but I had to remember how god awful he was playing early in the season. Hank is Hank. No complaints.

Ryan McDonagh C

McDonagh is not the same McDonagh as last year - don't know if it's the shoulder still bothering him, the captaincy affecting his game a la Leetch, or what, but he's not having the same impact on games as he had last season. There are still times where I say "wow, McDonagh is so good" when he slips away from a forechecker and makes a quick pass out of the zone, but he seems to have lost the offensive element to his game that had the NHL world thinking he could challenge for a Norris Trophy. Hopefully, he can round into form when it matters most.

J.T. Miller B+

I've said from day one how well Miller has played this season. He looks like a completely different player than in years past. Even in his early stint this year, he was good. Always noticeable. Physical, confident. Seems to have worked on his defensive game. Love this kid's future.

Dominic Moore B

Is what he is, and does what he does well. Perfect 4th line C.

John Moore D

If only his brains could catch up to his physical tools, we'd have an All-Star defenseman. Has played better of late, however.

Rick Nash A+

Has been one of if not the top all-around forwards in the game this season. Does so many things well, although in the past 3 games he has disappeared somewhat. I'm not going to let that skew my perception. Nash has been absolutely filthy all season in all facets of the game.

Martin St. Louis B

His age is showing a bit. But he can still put up points. Would love to see him shoot the puck a bit more.

Marc Staal B+

He gets a lot of hate from Ranger fans, for some reason, but he is a stalwart defensive defenseman. His long reach has got to be frustrating as all hell to play against, and he is deceptively physical. On our second pairing, we have a first pairing defenseman on half the teams in the league.

Lee Stempniak C

Stempniak was good early in the season, but has tailed off of late. He's my first guy out of the lineup (except Glass) if we acquire a forward. Still a valuable effort guy.

Derek Stepan A

This kid does not get enough credit. A true #1 C, and one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL. He'll win a Selke one year. Need to keep him on the ice. We are a different team with him on the ice. It's very evident.

Cam Talbot B

Had a shaky start, and then recovered nicely. He's a top backup. No fear starting Cam against almost any team.

Mats Zuccarello B-

Figured Zucc would drop off a bit from last year's production, but he really hasn't done anything to impress me this season. His shot is soft, but his tenacity and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit with Nash and Brassard. He's a good player, but I think 50 points is not going to be the norm for him.

Alain Vigneault A-

Just a great hockey coach. Needs to adjust slightly in certain games, but his steady presence helps prevent extended losing streaks, even when the team is playing poorly.

Scott Arniel/PP B+

The PP, for once, has really come on, and I guess Arniel gets the credit for that.

Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+

Ulf has to be one of the top assistant coaches in the NHL. He'll be a head coach some day soon.

Glen Sather A-

Slats did a nice job, with the help of his staff, maneuvering around the cap. I think the best time to grade Slats will be after the deadline, however. Right now we're really just judging him on the team he constructed in the offseason.

 

[Konamic Ice Hockey]

All ratings are relative to players ability. D rated by importance to team.
Derick Brassard B+
5 Dan Boyle B-
Anthony Duclair B- Nice surprise
Jesper Fast B+ Doing what I thought he could
4 Dan Girardi B- Started slow but playing well now, has a higher rating now but overall
Tanner Glass D Some games he plays well and is like a C+ but not worth it
Carl Hagelin B
Kevin Hayes B+
6 Matt Hunwick B
3 Kevin Klein A Really stepped up this year
100 Michael Kostka F
Chris Kreider B-
Henrik Lundqvist A- Started slow but playing well now, has a higher rating now but overall
1 Ryan McDonagh B- Started slow but playing well now, has a higher rating now but overall
J.T. Miller B+
Dominic Moore B+
7 John Moore C+ Some games he looks like an A
Rick Nash A+++++ What can you say best overall wing in the league right now.
Martin St. Louis B Still has those wheels
2 Marc Staal B
Lee Stempniak B sometimes an A
Derek Stepan A+
Cam Talbot B
Mats Zuccarello B- to an A needs to be more consistent, always bring the effort though.

Alain Vigneault A
Scott Arniel/PP A
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B
Glen Sather Well I did not like the off season so right now C but he did not do any dumb trades when the team was not playing well
Team is trending up and I expect these rating to go up on all players except Nash.

 

[Beacon]

Glen Sather: C-

What a dumb thing to say. Slats did not make one mistake this year, save maybe for Glass (and we can afford him now, and with his salary being a lower percentage of the cap next year with one less year on the contract, someone may take him off our hands). Either way, Glass is a minor mistakes since we lost no assets and very little cap space.

1. Dorsett for 3rd: good trade.
2. Added Kevin Hayes for nothing, adding the rare 6-foot-5 center with skill.
3. Signed Stemp, Hunwick as good, cheap players. The signings that didn't work like Kostka, Lombardi, Malone, Mueller are all buried in the AHL, and Malone & Mueller actually helped a little.
4. Didn't overpay anyone in the free agent market, while keeping all our guys.

 

[DanielBrassard]

What a dumb thing to say. Slats did not make one mistake this year, save maybe for Glass (and we can afford him now, and with his salary being a lower percentage of the cap next year with one less year on the contract, someone may take him off our hands). Either way, Glass is a minor mistakes since we lost no assets and very little cap space.

1. Dorsett for 3rd: good trade.
2. Added Kevin Hayes for nothing, adding the rare 6-foot-5 center with skill.
3. Signed Stemp, Hunwick as good, cheap players. The signings that didn't work like Kostka, Lombardi, Malone, Mueller are all buried in the AHL, and Malone & Mueller actually helped a little.
4. Didn't overpay anyone in the free agent market, while keeping all our guys.

Signing Glass while trading Dorsett for a 3rd, letting Stralman walk, re-signing Girardi. And now re-signing Staal with Girardi already locked up.
All bad moves. Hayes and Stemp signings were good, and Hunwick too. Dan Boyle was OK. And lol at Glass being a minor mistake, 1.45 million for Glass for 3 years is a horrible contract, no matter how you slice it. Especially when there were alot better players available in FA. Regardless it wasn't a great off season. Maybe C- is too harsh, but I wouldn't go higher than C. Average at best.

 

[Beacon]

Signing Glass while trading Dorsett for a 3rd, letting Stralman walk, re-signing Girardi. And now re-signing Staal with Girardi already locked up.
All bad moves. Hayes and Stemp signings were good, and Hunwick too. Dan Boyle was OK. And lol at Glass being a minor mistake, 1.45 million for Glass for 3 years is a horrible contract, no matter how you slice it. Especially when there were alot better players available in FA. Regardless it wasn't a great off season. Maybe C- is too harsh, but I wouldn't go higher than C. Average at best.

Trading Dorsett was a good move. Glass was a mistake, but a tiny one considering he cost us no assets and can be buried in the AHL and likely traded next year.

You may like Stralman better than Boyle, but this team needed an offensive defenseman who can QB the PP. The shorter term of Stralman matters for multiple reasons, one of which is that next season we can sign St. Louis to a bonus-based contract allowing him to stay while moving much of his cap hit to the following year... when Boyle will be gone. Why is that good? Because it allows us another real chance at the Cup next year.

Slats did not make one serious mistake. Not one. He's an A- and anyone who gives him a low grade just never liked him and never will.

 

[Doctyl]

Trading Dorsett was a good move. Glass was a mistake, but a tiny one considering he cost us no assets and can be buried in the AHL and likely traded next year.

You may like Stralman better than Boyle, but this team needed an offensive defenseman who can QB the PP. The shorter term of Stralman matters for multiple reasons, one of which is that next season we can sign St. Louis to a bonus-based contract allowing him to stay while moving much of his cap hit to the following year... when Boyle will be gone. Why is that good? Because it allows us another real chance at the Cup next year.

Slats did not make one serious mistake. Not one. He's an A- and anyone who gives him a low grade just never liked him and never will.

I'd rather have Dorsett than Glass if we had to keep one. Glass can be buried but we are still losing cap space on him being down there.

 

[ReggieDunlop68]

Derick Brassard B+
Dan Boyle B
Anthony Duclair Remedial Coursework Pre-requisite
Jesper Fast B
Dan Girardi B+
Tanner Glass Special Education
Carl Hagelin C+
Kevin Hayes B
Matt Hunwick B
Kevin Klein A
Michael Kostka W
Chris Kreider B
Henrik Lundqvist A
Ryan McDonagh B+
J.T. Miller B
Dominic Moore B+
John Moore D
Rick Nash A+ [Grade Pending for Final Exam]
Martin St. Louis B+
Marc Staal B+
Lee Stempniak B
Derek Stepan A+
Cam Talbot A
Mats Zuccarello B-

Alain Vigneault A
Scott Arniel/PP C+
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+
Glen Sather Emeritus

 

[aufheben]

When healthy, A.

Except Glass, he gets an F-.