New York Rangers Mid-Season Report Card

[Raspewtin]

Derick Brassard A+

Really couldn't ask much more from him this season. One of the only reasons we were even competitive with no Stepan.

Dan Boyle B

I've seen some really nice things and some not nice things from Boyle. Great on the PP, okay at even strength. Wish he was healthy all year though.

Anthony Duclair C+

Did about as much as a 19 year old could. Showed flashes, got a few points, s'all good.

Jesper Fast B

Love his defensive game but really want to see him play a little more offensively.

Dan Girardi B-

Good year by his standards.

Tanner Glass F-

Inexplicably terrible.

Carl Hagelin C-

He's had a very lackluster season offensively, and has taken a lot of really stupid penalties. Not thrilled.

Kevin Hayes B+

You see the flashes in his every day solid play. Love him as a player. Can't wait to see what he becomes. Being developed perfectly right now.

Matt Hunwick A

Very good for a 7th d-man.

Kevin Klein A+

Career year for Klein. Great season on both sides of the puck so far.

Michael Kostka D

Totally unimpressive.

Chris Kreider B-

Really streaky but has been great the last stretch.

Henrik Lundqvist A

Mostly a great year for him.

Ryan McDonagh C-

Really inconsistent year from him and I don't like it at all.

J.T. Miller B

Makes some really stupid decisions, but the positives out-weigh the negatives, especially after his call up.

Dominic Moore A+

Having a truly underrated season. Positive possession player despite starting like 17% of his shifts in the offensive zone, and playing with Tanner Ass for most of the year.

John Moore D-

Rocks for brain dumbass. Has had a few good games, but mostly forgettable/bad.

Rick Nash A+

Rangers MVP for sure, right now.

Martin St. Louis B-

Great offensively as usual, but defense leaves A LOT to be desired.

Marc Staal B

After a horrible start to the season, he's been very good. I still hate his inconsistency

Lee Stempniak B

Solid player. Happy to have him.

Derek Stepan A

One of the team MVPs, cornerstone in all three zones, truly great an underrated player.

Cam Talbot B

His usual steady self.

Mats Zuccarello B

I really want to see more point production out of him, but he's been pretty good elsewhere.

Alain Vigneault B-

Problems with blowing leads, and insisting Tanner Glass plays every other ****ing game, gets him an average grade.

Scott Arniel/PP B+

PP has been really good once the right line combinations were found. Has been great since our winning streak started.

Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+

It's been okay. Wish we had another PK center.

Glen Sather C

He's made a lot of frustrating decisions, and a lot of good ones. Meh.

 

[Matt4776]

Derick Brassard A
Dan Boyle B
Anthony Duclair B-
Jesper Fast B+
Dan Girardi B
Tanner Glass F
Carl Hagelin B-
Kevin Hayes B+
Matt Hunwick B
Kevin Klein A+
Michael Kostka G
Chris Kreider B
Henrik Lundqvist A-
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 A
Cam Talbot A-
Mats Zuccarello B

Alain Vigneault B+ (**** you Glass)
Scott Arniel/PP A-
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+
Glen Sather A- (See: Alain Vigneault)

 

[bigbuffalo313]

Tanner Glass and Mike Kotska:

 

[haohmaru]

Derick Brassard A (good contract, great performance)
Dan Boyle C+ (hand injury limits his first half. getting better)
Anthony Duclair A (bright future)
Jesper Fast B+ (getting more comfy in the NHL. great defensively)
Dan Girardi B (guy is just a warrior)
Tanner Glass D (overpaid, underperforming wast of time)
Carl Hagelin B (always hustles but misses some chances)
Kevin Hayes B+ (getting more out of this kid faster than I expected. kudos Sather)
Matt Hunwick B (pretty consistent for a journeyman defenseman)
Kevin Klein A+ (exceeding expectations on every level)
Michael Kostka D (wasn't expecting much. didn't get much)
Chris Kreider C+ (inconsistent. still trying to figure it out)
Henrik Lundqvist B (mostly for inconsistent first month. he's been lights out last 2 months)
Ryan McDonagh B- (I expect more from him. Still think he'll step up)
J.T. Miller B (scratched again last night for Glass? I don't get it)
Dominic Moore B+ (draws, the 4th line anchor, great team guy)
John Moore B (he's not playing all that much, but he's not a glaring liability anymore)
Rick Nash A+ (leads the league in goals, getting in dirty areas, playing D)
Martin St. Louis B- (scoring has dropped quite a bit. PP specialist)
Marc Staal B (slow starter, been a monster for the last few weeks)
Lee Stempniak B+ (really? Yeah. 900K contract and good performance on lower lines)
Derek Stepan A (rounding into a bona fide #1. Not a Getzlaf, but on par with Miko Koivu or better)
Cam Talbot A (what more could you want from a backup net minder?)
Mats Zuccarello B (similar production to last year, but probably the Rangers best defensive forward as well)

Alain Vigneault A (great coach everywhere he's gone)
Scott Arniel/PP B- (expected more consistency with Boyle on the back end)
Ulf Samuelsson/PK A (love Ulfie. He gets an A just for being Ulf Samuelson)
Glen Sather A- (Haggerty, Hayes, Stempniak, good looking youngsters. Alas, there's Tanner Glass, which prevents the "A")

 

[haohmaru]

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.

Huh? Are we really waxing poetic about Derek Dorsett? The guy that took bonehead penalties and played on the 4th line? A 3rd round pick for him is just fine.

Had to let Stralman walk - couldn't address PP QB need (losing Richards) AND retain Stralman. Didn't happen because it was impossible to do.

Resigning Girardi and Staal is a "bad move"? LOL. Every team in the league would've talked to both if they got to UFA and both would've signed for more elsewhere. This is the core of this team that's won gotten to the Stanley Cup Final and the Eastern Conference final in two of the last three years.

Glass is a horrible contract and a terrible player. I'll give you that.

To which I'll add Hayes. And Haggerty. And Stempniak. Oh, how about that Klein for Del Zotto trade last year? How's that working out? How about the kids (Duclair, Shestyorkin, Buchnevich, Skjei, etc...)? How about 2nd most playoff appearances since the 2005 lockout?

Pre 2005 I give Sather an F or D. Post lockout, the Rangers have been one of the more consistent teams in the NHL - particularly the last 3 years. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Derick Brassard - A
Dan Boyle - B-
Anthony Duclair - inc
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 - A-
Ryan McDonagh - C
J.T. Miller - B-
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 - C+

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

 

[LionsHeart]

Derick Brassard - A. Has really stepped up.
Dan Boyle - B. Clearly makes the power play better.
Anthony Duclair - B. Did well in his time here, but still needs a little more seasoning.
Jesper Fast - B. Makes a clear impact on the bottom 6 when he's in the lineup.
Dan Girardi - B+. Got off to a rough start, but is returning to form.
Tanner Glass - F. Beyond useless. I think it's good to have a guy who can scrap, but in today's NHL, he needs to be able to actually play the game as well. He seems to make the fourth line worse when he's in the lineup.
Carl Hagelin - C+. Has been good. He is what is he.
Kevin Hayes B+. Has really impressed me. Great signing after trading all of those 1st rounders.
Matt Hunwick - C. Wound up rounding out into a solid bottom pairing defenseman.
Kevin Klein - A. Dude had a great first half. Great trade by Slats.
Michael Kostka - F. Was terrible in his time here.
Chris Kreider - C+. Showing flashes, but still hasn't developed that consistency yet.
Henrik Lundqvist - A-. Got off to a rocky start, but has been unbelievable the last month and a half.
Ryan McDonagh - B. Not his usual McDonagh self, but I think he'll have a solid 2nd half.
J.T. Miller - B. After being yo-yo'ed between the AHL and NHL, he's making a great impact on the ice. Very similar to Fast in the way he rounds out the Bottom 6.
Dominic Moore - B. Does what he does, and does it well. Good veteran presence on the Bottom 6.
John Moore - C. Is what he is. Dazzles you sometimes, frustrates you most times.
Rick Nash - A+. Dude is a Top scorer in the league.
Martin St. Louis - B+. Great veteran presence in the lineup. A lot was given up for him, but he's proven his worth, and added another dangerous player on the PP and 2nd line.
Marc Staal - B+. Rough start, but really solid lately.
Lee Stempniak - C+. He is what he is. Doesn't negatively effect the lineup, doesn't necessarily make it better either.
Derek Stepan - A+. The team is different when he's on the ice. Still needs to get better at Faceoffs, but I could say that about most of the Centers on this team.
Cam Talbot - B. Solid backup.
Mats Zuccarello - C+. Not as dangerous as he was before, but still been solid.

Alain Vigneault -A. One of the best coaches in the league.
Scott Arniel/PP - B+
Ulf Samuelsson/PK - B+
Glen Sather - A-

 

[eco's bones]

Derick Brassard--B+. Very good year. Clutch player. Smart player.
Dan Boyle--C+ keeping in mind his season somewhat affected by injuries. He's gradually improved.
Anthony Duclair--C he's NHL capable as of now--but a little more development will help.
Jesper Fast--B does a lot of the little things. A smart player.
Dan Girardi--B+ a lot of people ***** about him but he eats monster minutes and there's not a team in the league that love to have him. An absolute gamer.
Tanner Glass--D not talented but when he's hitting and forechecking he can be useful at times. Should be our 13th forward now though--not our 12th.
Carl Hagelin--C+ his speed, his penalty killing our top notch. He's capable of more though.
Kevin Hayes--B a very nice start to his pro career. Has to get better on face-offs. Everything else is good though. Love how he can hold on to the puck and the smart plays he makes and the puck finds him.
Matt Hunwick--B- a good steady defenseman.
Kevin Klein--A+ 40 some games this year and he's taken one minor penalty. He's a +15. Steady, steady d-man in his own end and he's added offense including numerous clutch goals. Huge year for him.
Michael Kostka--D- do not like him. Too soft. Too many mistakes.
Chris Kreider--C+ showing signs of coming around but he has consistency issues. Also prone to dumb penalties. The upside is he's a ****ing beast and when he's on he's a big problem for other teams. Son of Kovalev.
Henrik Lundqvist--B+ he's had some stinkers but without any doubt he is the Rangers best player.
Ryan McDonagh--B+ the Rangers 2nd best player. Some consistency and some injury issues this year. His offense has not taken off yet. He's capable of more.
JT Miller--B finally showing he belongs. Good size--willingness to use it. Good year for him.
Dominic Moore--B a heady and reliable player who can move up and down the lineup in case of emergency. Almost always makes a good or a safe play.
John Moore--C+ the suspension seemed to take a little wind out of his sails. He's not as bad IMO as some people make out. He makes mistakes but mostly he's a safe player. Does not take penalties--which is good and he's a cheap contract.
Rick Nash--A+ all situations player this year. Tied for the league lead in goals. Hard to complain about that.
Martin St. Louis--B his overall game has taken a step back. Well--he's 39. Still a dangerous player.
Marc Staal--B more than less a good season. For a while he was having problems but the last month + he's been outstanding.
Lee Stempniak--C+ a steady reliable winger who can put up a few points.
Derek Stepan--A+ IMO he's really the Rangers best all around forward. Does almost everything well--our most creative playmaker. A key penalty killer. A key player on the power play. Not great on face-offs.
Cam Talbot--B on another team he might be a starter.
Mats Zuccarello--C+ not a great year. He's gritty and talented. Can play in all situations. Capable of more.

Alain Vigneault--A I don't always understand his lineups but he's got his team on board with his game plan and almost always gets good effort from them. Good with the media. Excellent composure when the team is down. A sense of humor helps the lows from getting too low.
As for the rest of the staff--A.
Sather--B+.

These are all pretty much good grades but that happens when the team plays good.

 

[Made Dan]

Derick Brassard: A+
What more could you ask for from Brass God? I kept doubting him for years, stoked he's proving me wrong.
Dan Boyle: B
Injuries have limited him thus far, I like a lot of what I see and dislike some. Not fair to judge him by this, but every time I watch him play I can't help but wish we still had Anton instead.
Anthony Duclair- C+
Very encouraged by him and expect him to lock down a full-time spot next season. The skills he displayed have me wet in excitement.
Jesper Fast- B
Fit in seamlessly and I'm very comfortable with him being on the ice. Of course like everyone else I'm waiting for the offense to come, but for what he is (6th rounder playing games for us) I'm very pleased. Great fit for the club.
Dan Girardi- B
Generally has played well enough and gives us a lot of solid minute, but I think he can give us more.
Tanner Glass- D
Is what he is. Performed as anticipated, which is kind of the problem. For the record, I would have absolutely no problem with him being on the roster as the 13F and having a 1mil> cap hit. Obviously, that's not the case.
Carl Hagelin- C
Underwhelming season thus far. Really doesn't generate much on his own, which he theoretically should be capable of based on his speed alone. Need, and expecting, more from him in the second half.
Kevin Hayes-B+
Very pleased with him thus far. Think he'll be a big piece for us down the road, but definitely gives us quality minutes now. Aside from faceoffs, couldn't ask for more.
Matt Hunwick-A
Gives us very solid minutes, better than anticipated. Honestly a piece I would look to retain. Enjoy when we have a consistent 6/7 d-man for several seasons. Last one was Eminger. Hope Matt will be that guy.
Kevin Klein-A+
Career year for a usually very solid defender. Couldn't ask for anymore. Stepped up for us when we needed him.
Michael Kostka- D
Muppet. Only thing saving him from an F is his eloquent flow.
Chris Kreider-B
Inconsistent season. Has picked it up as of late. Played scared after his ejection, but need him to maintain his tenacity and aggression. It's a fine line.
Henrik LundqvistA-
Hank has played great as of late, and has had a pretty good season thus far. Think he can and should continue his current level of play
Ryan McDonagh- C+
Up and down from him. Needs to be better, and consistently.
J.T. Miller-B-
Failed to lock down a spot early but very pleased with him as of late. Should be ****ing playing, but he who shall not be named must be in the lineup.
Dominic Moore-A
<3 Dom
John MooreC-
Just about done with this muppet. Shame because he has the ability, just has oogatz in his brain.
Rick Nash-A++++
The GOAT.
Martin St. Louis-B/B+
Marty frustrates me at times. He's producing, but could certainly stand to do more.
Marc Staal-B/B+
Up and down year. More good than bad, though. Played lights out during our win streak, maybe our best d-man during that time.
Lee Stempniak-B
I like Lee, but beginning to see why we were able to get him on the contract that we did. He's a solid piece, but certainly prone to dumb mistake and inconsistent play. Overall a good foot solider, and we're lucky to have him play 4th line minutes for us.
Derek Stepan- A
Great year when healthy. Keeps racking up points. Can't ask for more.
Cam Talbot- A-
One of the best backups in the league, crucial to give Hank rest. Long live the Prince.
Mats Zuccarello- B-
Need him to produce more. Bottom line. That's why he will (or won't) be paid this summer. Really pulling for him as I do want him here long-term.

Alain Vigneault- B+
Initial love fest is over for me after the cup run. Still grateful he's behind our bench, but beginning to see what Vancouver fans complained about with regards to his ability in handling younger players. And the Glass infatuation boggles me, obviously.
Scott Arniel/PP B+
No complaints.
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+
^
Glen Sather- TBD

 

[The Mouth]

My criteria is based on their roles.

Derick Brassard A
Got Paid and paying Dividends on the Ice

Dan Boyle B
Not a liability even strength , Gives PP great looks, needs more PP goals.

Anthony Duclair C
Flashes Skill and finish, defensively porous

Jesper Fast C
good head for game, overrated defensively. expected more offense

Dan Girardi A
Excellent after Ranger D got healthy

Tanner Glass F
makes me yearn for Taylor Pyatt back he is that useless.

Carl Hagelin C
Love the effort and forecheck. Same two moves offensively annoys me

Kevin Hayes B
Doesnt realize he can manhandle half the NHL yet, too unselfish

Matt Hunwick B
Joins the rush, not a defensive liability

Kevin Klein A
has gone beyond expectations on both ends of the rink.

Michael Kostka F
Slow, AHL fodder.

Chris Kreider C
goal production needs to be higher, too many stupid penalties

Henrik Lundqvist B
Rough start of season but on par for another great season

Ryan McDonagh B
Horrible initially after getting C after injury has been superb for the most part

J.T. Miller B
Finally ! both ends of the Ice looking good

Dominic Moore C
Always involved, poor scoring chances maybe due to suspect linemates

John Moore C
been consistent, but his inability to grow is worriesome

Rick Nash A
Stellar Offensively and Defensively

Martin St. Louis B
comes to play every night and produces, but stop with the one-timers

Marc Staal B
Consistent, using the stick wonderfully in D zone

Lee Stempniak B
vet who brings it every night

Derek Stepan A
bringing it both offensively and defensively bounce back year

Cam Talbot A
Reliable and a winner

Mats Zuccarello C
needs to put up more points especially on first line. was invisible offensively for first 15 games.

Alain Vigneault A
patient and not quick to judge. Only fault is argue with officials once a decade wont ya ?

Scott Arniel/PP A
I cant remember when the Rangers near the mid way point were in the top 10 in this category

Ulf Samuelsson/PK A
He continues to make D men overachieve, except for J. Moore


Glen Sather C
dormant in Banf

 

[FLYLine27*]

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

 

[Mikos87]

Derick Brassard A
Showed up every game. Very consistent, the talent is there, but the consistency never was earlier in his career. Production levels are a result of that consistency effort.

Dan Boyle B
Finally gives this team that RHD offensive D that's been missing for a few years. Power play is much better with him than without. Solid 5v5 play. Gets a B for a couple of ghastly
turnovers.

Anthony Duclair C+
Showed flashes, and I was someone who expected him to crack the line up for a look based on his dominance last year. Deferred a lot instead of shooting, needed to play a little more selfish and back check harder.

Jesper Fast B+
Just solid and reliable. Speed makes things happen out there. Good PK option, mistake free play.

Dan Girardi B-
Solid for the most part, absolute anchor during the winning streaks but has off games. Still struggles handling pucks.

Tanner Glass F
Sucks.

Carl Hagelin C+
Skating very fast as usual, but outside of the PK he hasn't been a stand out. Don't think he's found a role 5v5 where he's productive but he's got to shoot more.

Kevin Hayes B-
Impressed given his experience and really had some solid games. I think he can get better, but you don't want to over load him. Faceoffs need to improve. Too cute out there at times, not shooting enough or trying to drag it through too many players. As the season matures and games become tighter, he'll have less time and space than he had on plays that didn't work out. Will need to play a more of a power game.

Matt Hunwick B
Moves the puck, sustains pressure. Reads are much better than early in the season. Not making a lot of mistakes.

Kevin Klein A
Offense is a bonus, as is him stepping up for his teammates.

Michael Kostka F
Sucks.

Chris Kreider C
Hard to look past the 25 games where he was a passenger. Games taken off after Christmas. He can will his way into dominating as long as he's physically engaged and driving the net. Chose not to do that for a big part of the season. Let's hope he's finally grown up.

Henrik Lundqvist B
Slow start before getting back to normal. Needs to start stealing games and demoralizing the opposition. Hasn't had a streak of unbelievable play yet this year.

Ryan McDonagh C-
Mac Truck not beast this year. Injury was a setback, maybe the C is a lot of pressure on him, but he hasn't dominated like in the past. That consistent level of play hasn't been there.

J.T. Miller B-
Well he's taken a step forward, but he can't relax. Needs to play a high percentage game. Eliminate mistakes, and play more physical.

Dominic Moore C
Effort and motor isn't as high as last year. Must be a contract year thing. Hasn't had solid wingers that play consistently either. Would like to see him line up with Hags and Fast in a Speed shutdown line.

John Moore D+
He's had two good games. The IQ and character just isn't there. Can skate though.

Rick Nash A+
Played like an MVP

Martin St. Louis B
He can do more. Not skating as fast as he could every game. Needs to get that chip on his shoulder back.

Marc Staal A
We all know he isn't offensively gifted, but the guy's been a rock. Best takeway to giveaway ratio among all NHL defensemen.

Lee Stempniak C-
Doesn't have a roll. Not big or physical, not a scorer, not a good PK or checking option, doesn't score enough to be in the top 6. Doesn't win board battles, isn't versatile, and plays out of position. Think he has a big part in the bottom 6 forward unit not having an identity. Just don't see him as an effective part of the puzzle.

Derek Stepan A-
Most important forward on the team. If he was good on faceoffs, then people would call him Bergeron lite.

Cam Talbot B+
Had a couple of bad games that resulted in losses, but otherwise he's one of the best back ups in the game

Mats Zuccarello C+
Needs to play with more urgency. The stats aren't there as much as last year. Needs a bigger chip on his shoulder.

Alain Vigneault B+
Needs to have a more defined bottom 6 forward unit. Don't like the whole dressing of Tanner Glass. But he's really done wonders with a line up that isn't as deep or as proven as last years.

Scott Arniel B
Boyle makes the PP. Made his job easier.

Ulf Samuelsson B+
Did all that he could with a shorthanded defense. Finally seems to have gotten over his Wookie life debt to the JMoore family by benching the underperformer. Ulfie's son Phil lived with JMoore's family when Ulfie was coaching in Sweden and Phil was playing in the US.


Glen Sather B-
Two holes in the line up from being a cup contender. A big bodied RH C/RW that can win faceoffs, and a big bodied reliable number 6 defenseman. That's not to bad.

 

[Radek27]

How is JT Miller getting greater or equal grades to Hayes when Hayes beat him for the job?

Hayes = top 9 foward

Miller = 12th/13th tweener

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Because given his role, Miller has been pretty damn effective since his recall. Pretty sure hes out produced Hayes over the last month+ too. Just because you can't see that doesn't mean that others haven't.



Derick Brassard A-
Kept this team afloat while Stepan was out and has been pretty consistent throughout the season. Wish he would shoot more.

Dan Boyle B
Hes been great on the PP and his even strength play is improving. Dealt a pretty crappy hand to start the season but he seems to be coming around.


Anthony Duclair INC


Jesper Fast B
Quickly winning me over. I don't see top 6 potential that some do, but I do think hes going to be an every day bottom six player in this league from here on out. Was really impressed with how he handled the heavy teams out west, has more spunk and guts than he gets credit for.


Dan Girardi B
No one gets more unnecessary hate on this board than Girardi. He is what he is, which is pretty steady and a horse made out of steel. Still dont know how he came back to play in that first game against Pittsburgh. Really want to see AV limit his minutes though to keep him fresh.

Tanner Glass GTFO
He doesn't even deserve to have his play justified with a letter grade.

Carl Hagelin C
Hes had his moments, but he has been invisible far more often than I would like. Looking for a much better second half from him.

Kevin Hayes B
Better than I expected him to be. Protects the puck like a boss and has shown great vision, would have more points if the players he has played with had more finish. Faceoffs suck and I worry about conditioning but his minutes have been kept pretty low so that shouldn't be a problem until late in the year/playoffs.


Matt Hunwick B+
Graded based on expectations. Hes bascially taken over the 6th spot (for now) and has limited his mistakes. Has been a pretty nice asset in the transition game too, huge props to pro scouting for basically picking him up off the scrap heap.

Kevin Klein A+
He has been to the D what Brassard has been to the forwards. Great from day one, wish AV would put him on the PP.

Chris Kreider C+
Hit a lull for a while but his game has picked up again. Love that hes figured out when to streak down the wing and has gotten more than a handful of breakaways based on that alone. Its coming together for him, excited to see him take the next step.

Henrik Lundqvist B+
Slow start before getting back to normal. Needs to start stealing games and demoralizing the opposition. Hasn't had a streak of unbelievable play yet this year.

Ryan McDonagh C
Hasn't been a banner season for McDonagh so far. I think people forget that he struggled a bit last season to before tearing it up after the Olympic break but it certainly wasn't to this level. Rangers will need him to regain his form from here on out and I have no doubt that he will do that.

J.T. Miller B-
Abysmal to start the season, much better since his recall. Can be a physical force when he wants to be and has shown a decent amount of creativity. AV needs to stop scratching him for Glass.

Dominic Moore C+
I don't think hes been bad, but he hasn't been great either. Kind of like Hagelin but hes the one guy who has performed well in the dot for the Rangers this year.

John Moore D
Maybe the most frustrating player on the team. Has all the tools to be a beast, has no idea how to use them.

Rick Nash A+
Beast Mode.

Martin St. Louis B-
Predominately a PP player who has turned over the puck a ton at ES. Hes basically played like Ryan Callahan+. Expect a big turn around from him though, hes too good not to.

Marc Staal B
October and November were terrible, but since December hes been excellent. Keep waiting for that shoe to drop though, hes done this before.

Lee Stempniak C
Meh. Started off like a house on fire and has quieted down considerably. Think if the Rangers make a trade for another forward hes the obvious choice to come out of the lineup and provide insurance for Hayes/Miller and keep Glass the **** away.

Derek Stepan B+
Production wise, hes been awesome. I think he can play even better. Still telegraphs passes too often for my liking and refuses to shoot.

Cam Talbot B
St Louis and Detroit games still irk me. Detroit wasn't so much his fault as the team just decided that they had won the game after 20. Can't complain too much when your backup has 3 shutouts.

Mats Zuccarello B-
Hes been better since December, but he has more to give. Poor puck luck has hurt his stats but his effort has hurt them more.

Alain Vigneault B
I think hes made some really poor decisions this season (mostly glass related) but he was able to navigate this team through a pretty rough stretch in November.

Scott Arniel B
I don't know how much credit a PP coach should actually get. I mean there is coaching involved, but the players really dictate the results here.

Ulf Samuelsson A
The Rangers played a stretch against Winnipeg, St. Louis and Detroit where they played with literally 4 defensemen for an entire game or had some combo of Kostka, Allen and McIlrath in the lineup. They got 4 out of a possible 6 points in those games and honestly, deserved all six. The D has performed much better since then.


Glen Sather TBD
I think aside from Glass, he did about as well as he could in the offseason. Will wait to see what he does prior to the March Deadline to improve this club. Does he become fixated on a single player to miss out on other glaring needs ala Nash in 2012 or does he stay away from the big name and find quality players to fill holes?

 

[haohmaru]

How is JT Miller getting greater or equal grades to Hayes when Hayes beat him for the job?

Hayes = top 9 foward

Miller = 12th/13th tweener

I was grading Miller the Winger, not Miller the Center. Can't speak for everyone else.

 

[Ice Hockey]

Derick Brassard- A
Dan Boyle- C-
Anthony Duclair- A
Jesper Fast- B+
Dan Girardi- A-
Tanner Glass- B.......................
Carl Hagelin- A
Kevin Hayes- B
Matt Hunwick- C
Kevin Klein- A+
Michael Kostka- ?
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- A+
Marc Staal- A
Lee Stempniak- B+
Derek Stepan- A
Cam Talbot- B-
Mats Zuccarello- A

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

**not informed enough to grade coaching/GM individually** collectively i'll give them an A

 

[Ice Hockey]

I don't know how kevin klein has anything short of an A+ on anyone's list. mostly he's getting an A+ but I can't even justify an A. I feel almost insulted and i'm not even him!

 

[RangersOwnNewYork*]

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

 

[pavelich]

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

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

 

[NYRangerFan*]

How is JT Miller getting greater or equal grades to Hayes when Hayes beat him for the job?

Hayes = top 9 foward

Miller = 12th/13th tweener

To be fair, Miller has 6 less points in almost 20 less games but i still think Hayes is the better player since points aren't everything

 

[jerseyjinx94]

How is JT Miller getting greater or equal grades to Hayes when Hayes beat him for the job?

Hayes = top 9 foward

Miller = 12th/13th tweener

That's absolutely ridiculous, if you watch the games. I have no idea what you're watching.

 

[Steezer99]

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

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

I really wish Mac, Zuc, and Boyle would pick it up they can make a huge difference. That being said, you couldn't ask for more out of Nash, Brass, Stepan, Talbot and lately even Lundqvist.

 

[gump116]

Derick Brassard B+
Dan Boyle B-
Anthony Duclair B-
Jesper Fast B+
Dan Girardi B
Tanner Glass F
Carl Hagelin B
Kevin Hayes A-
Matt Hunwick B+
Kevin Klein A
Michael Kostka C
Chris Kreider B
Henrik Lundqvist A-
Ryan McDonagh B-
J.T. Miller B+
Dominic Moore B
John Moore C+
Rick Nash A+
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 B+
Ulf Samuelsson/PK B+
Glen Sather A-

 

[Radek27]

That's absolutely ridiculous, if you watch the games. I have no idea what you're watching.

I have watched every game but Miller didn't even play in all of them. Guy is our 13th forward. If you don't think Hayes beat him for that spot I'm not sure what you're watching.

 

[PromNite]

I would just like to say that I think anyone giving AV less than a B is crazy. He's the best coach we've had in decades. Second best coach in the league behind Babcock IMO.

I'm personally convinced that the call to play Glass is coming from Slats or someone over his head. It's the only way it makes sense.