Mikos87
Registered User
This year should be another year where this team makes a run, possibly the window closes after this season due to the cap and the Rangers losing their cheaper value contracts. I fully expect this team to contend and win the Atlantic again, with a so-so first half of the season and a very strong second half when guys find their roles.
With that said here are some select predictions, more to be added later.
Kreider: Contract year, and the book on him is out as far as not showing up every game. While the masses have yet to give him the Kovalev treatment, he's development curve reminds me a lot of Kovalev, flashes of dominance thrown in with weeks long stretches of passive play. He's a smart kid, and knows he can cash in big time with a good season. He shows up every night and scores 30. 30-25-55 Lots of hits, and a great +/-
Hayes: Hockey pedigree helps him out as he knows the game and listened to his mentors so he was one of the few collegiate players that was physically prepared for the long season. I think that background helps him further and this year he becomes a better shooter and puck protector. Using size, speed, skill as an advantage he becomes the Rangers breakout player offensively while still getting favorable match-ups. 22-40-62
Nash- Big Rick had a phenomenal start to the year and somehow forgot to drive the net for stretches in the 2nd half and the playoffs. This year the big man diets better than ever but plays as a bit of a pacer rather than his streaky self. Due to his lack of desire to park himself in front of the net on the PP he loses his minutes to Kreider and Hayes, and experiences a dip in scoring thanks to more EV and PK time. 33-30-63
Stepan- D-Step is Bergeron without the faceoff wins the oh so sexy advanced stat metrics. He realizes that he needs to become better on draws and improves there, but still doesn't break 50%. Since he spends the most of his time next to Nash on the PK or Kreider on the PP and EV he racks up the assists and leads the team in scoring. 18-47-65
Brassard- Ain't no more Jekyll and Hyde play out of Brassard and more prime PP time helps his offensive numbers grow. With 3 centers in the line up that can take d-zone assignements in Stoll, Lindberg, and Moore on a given night, Brassard gets more offensive chances and is always put in an offensive role. 16-40-56
Zuccarello- Not having to play behind MSL in offensive situations Zucc gets more PP time and offensive zone time. The Rangers end up with more of a traditional top 6 and bottom 6 set up this season and Zucc reaps the offensive looks. 15-40-55
Miller- Having discovered his game last season, this year he discovers his role. No he doesn't break out offensively, but becomes a power winger that gives a solid top 9 effort. His minutes are limited to EV since he doesn't establish himself as a PK guy, and doesn't produce on the PP. 15-12-27
Stalberg- Quietly becomes the team's replacement for Hagelin, counted on defensively, and a guy that drives the net hard. Slowly but surely he becomes a favorite of Hank and AV as a key PK guy and a guy that transports the puck from the d-zone for an offensive zone faceoff. 12-12-24
Moore- Does what he does. 8-10-18
Stoll- The legs keep him from becoming more than a 4th liner, but he finally gives the Rangers a guy that can win draws from the right circle in the d-zone. Becomes a key PKer and faceoff guy that AV puts out there to protect leads. Also becomes a guy that establishes zone time with some dump and chase hockey giving the Rangers a different look. 5-5-10
Fast- Rangers other breakout winger, albeit not offensively. He realizes the need to get more pucks to the net, and develops a shoot first mentality. His speed, and defensive IQ sees to it that he gets his fair share of ice time, but just doesn't see power play duty until the end of the year when Arniel finally puts him out there for a RH shot. Surprises fans with goalscoring out put, but becomes a favorite of AV. 18-15-33
Etem- Gets the Miller treatment since doesn't fill a role and is a part time player for the bulk of the 1st half. Rangers coaches try to coach him up but realize he is the new age tweener. Not skilled enough for the top 6, not smart enough for the bottom 6. He becomes the guy that's first in on injuries or moves up the line up if one of Miller-Kreider-Stalberg don't bring it. Becomes trade bait at the deadline 8-8-16
Lindberg- A perfect utility player for AV he becomes a guy that they trust with leads and serves as a player that the coaches use to switch looks. Primary plays in defensive roles in the manner that Kruger gets used by CHI his offensive numbers aren't high, but he becomes a key cog in the line up playing both center and wing before becoming an everyday center. 9-14-23
Glass- Actually plays in the NHL until November before providing partial cap relief and veteran leadership down in HFD. Traded at the deadline for Joe Vitale 0-0-0
McD- He's back but not in a prime offensive role. Loses PP time to Yandle and Boyle but is still a prime defenseman. With less pressure of the captaincy, he feels more comfortable and skates like he can every game. Coaching philosophy changes a bit and he's given more of a green light to go and dominates at even strength while shutting down top players. Some on HFNYR pray every night that he doesn't play with Girardi while posting chart after chart during the day. 10-25-35 with a monster +/-
Girardi- does what he does, goes up against top players, shuts them down, blocks shots, doesn't make mistakes and is heavily criticized on these forums on an hourly basis. Still ends up playing top pair minutes on a winning team that gives up the 2nd or 3rd fewest goals in all of hockey. Comes into camp a few pounds lighter after going Paleo in order become more mobile. 4-17-21
Staal- Coaches give him tougher assignments when they see he's going. Feels more rejuvenated this season at being able to man handle lower competition and gets to a point where he and McD alternate between the tough match-ups freeing up McD for more offensive situations at EV. Gets green light to carry puck up like he used to, possession metrics improve, but is still whipped for his cap hit. 3-18-21
Yandle- Gets a full 2 min on the PP, and sheltered d-zone starts and flat out molests lower tier competition. Serves as the teams x-factor in matchups and by mid-season gets an unconditional green light from the coaches. Debate on whether to trade him or not subsides due to the Rangers not getting secondary and tertiary offense from depth forwards. 6-50-56
Boyle- Still plays with a chip on his shoulder and is healthy this season. Gets PP time and plenty of offensive zone looks. Develops chemistry with forwards and has more of the set plays he used to in SJ for tips and screened shots. Since he doesn't have to get used to a new system this year he plays with a lot more consistency. 12-32-44
Klein- Quietly becomes a better offensive player like he showed signs of last year because he's better able to take advantage of match ups. The speed on the Rangers bottom 6 establish zone time and he's not faced with going up against top 6 competition while lining up with Yandle. 7-20-27
McIlrath- Forces team to decide whether or not to sneak him through waivers or play him during injuries and spot duty. Finally decides to not try and prove his toughness with staged fights, and starts wrecking guys. Sees time on a limited basis when Rangers dress 7 D like Tampa and fills in for injuries.
Diaz- Teammates and coaches like him, but he doesn't do much to push the top 6. Question becomes as to who serves as the cheerleader, him or McIlrath. The latter's skillset and willingness to punish other players becomes the winning factor after both show competent play during pre-season. Ends up back in Switzerland by Christmas and enjoys a very long career there.
Hank
Raanta- Turns out to be a very emotional player that cares about winning. Initial start is good but then loses a couple of games for the team and Hank gets mad. Raanta channels his inner rage into becoming a tougher practice goalie, and pushes guys in practice. Ends up winning some games, consistently beating the NJ devils but doesn't play like he can steal games.
Team wins Metro, finishes 2nd in the East behind Tampa. Makes a couple of moves at the Deadline to add scoring and veteran depth.
With that said here are some select predictions, more to be added later.
Kreider: Contract year, and the book on him is out as far as not showing up every game. While the masses have yet to give him the Kovalev treatment, he's development curve reminds me a lot of Kovalev, flashes of dominance thrown in with weeks long stretches of passive play. He's a smart kid, and knows he can cash in big time with a good season. He shows up every night and scores 30. 30-25-55 Lots of hits, and a great +/-
Hayes: Hockey pedigree helps him out as he knows the game and listened to his mentors so he was one of the few collegiate players that was physically prepared for the long season. I think that background helps him further and this year he becomes a better shooter and puck protector. Using size, speed, skill as an advantage he becomes the Rangers breakout player offensively while still getting favorable match-ups. 22-40-62
Nash- Big Rick had a phenomenal start to the year and somehow forgot to drive the net for stretches in the 2nd half and the playoffs. This year the big man diets better than ever but plays as a bit of a pacer rather than his streaky self. Due to his lack of desire to park himself in front of the net on the PP he loses his minutes to Kreider and Hayes, and experiences a dip in scoring thanks to more EV and PK time. 33-30-63
Stepan- D-Step is Bergeron without the faceoff wins the oh so sexy advanced stat metrics. He realizes that he needs to become better on draws and improves there, but still doesn't break 50%. Since he spends the most of his time next to Nash on the PK or Kreider on the PP and EV he racks up the assists and leads the team in scoring. 18-47-65
Brassard- Ain't no more Jekyll and Hyde play out of Brassard and more prime PP time helps his offensive numbers grow. With 3 centers in the line up that can take d-zone assignements in Stoll, Lindberg, and Moore on a given night, Brassard gets more offensive chances and is always put in an offensive role. 16-40-56
Zuccarello- Not having to play behind MSL in offensive situations Zucc gets more PP time and offensive zone time. The Rangers end up with more of a traditional top 6 and bottom 6 set up this season and Zucc reaps the offensive looks. 15-40-55
Miller- Having discovered his game last season, this year he discovers his role. No he doesn't break out offensively, but becomes a power winger that gives a solid top 9 effort. His minutes are limited to EV since he doesn't establish himself as a PK guy, and doesn't produce on the PP. 15-12-27
Stalberg- Quietly becomes the team's replacement for Hagelin, counted on defensively, and a guy that drives the net hard. Slowly but surely he becomes a favorite of Hank and AV as a key PK guy and a guy that transports the puck from the d-zone for an offensive zone faceoff. 12-12-24
Moore- Does what he does. 8-10-18
Stoll- The legs keep him from becoming more than a 4th liner, but he finally gives the Rangers a guy that can win draws from the right circle in the d-zone. Becomes a key PKer and faceoff guy that AV puts out there to protect leads. Also becomes a guy that establishes zone time with some dump and chase hockey giving the Rangers a different look. 5-5-10
Fast- Rangers other breakout winger, albeit not offensively. He realizes the need to get more pucks to the net, and develops a shoot first mentality. His speed, and defensive IQ sees to it that he gets his fair share of ice time, but just doesn't see power play duty until the end of the year when Arniel finally puts him out there for a RH shot. Surprises fans with goalscoring out put, but becomes a favorite of AV. 18-15-33
Etem- Gets the Miller treatment since doesn't fill a role and is a part time player for the bulk of the 1st half. Rangers coaches try to coach him up but realize he is the new age tweener. Not skilled enough for the top 6, not smart enough for the bottom 6. He becomes the guy that's first in on injuries or moves up the line up if one of Miller-Kreider-Stalberg don't bring it. Becomes trade bait at the deadline 8-8-16
Lindberg- A perfect utility player for AV he becomes a guy that they trust with leads and serves as a player that the coaches use to switch looks. Primary plays in defensive roles in the manner that Kruger gets used by CHI his offensive numbers aren't high, but he becomes a key cog in the line up playing both center and wing before becoming an everyday center. 9-14-23
Glass- Actually plays in the NHL until November before providing partial cap relief and veteran leadership down in HFD. Traded at the deadline for Joe Vitale 0-0-0
McD- He's back but not in a prime offensive role. Loses PP time to Yandle and Boyle but is still a prime defenseman. With less pressure of the captaincy, he feels more comfortable and skates like he can every game. Coaching philosophy changes a bit and he's given more of a green light to go and dominates at even strength while shutting down top players. Some on HFNYR pray every night that he doesn't play with Girardi while posting chart after chart during the day. 10-25-35 with a monster +/-
Girardi- does what he does, goes up against top players, shuts them down, blocks shots, doesn't make mistakes and is heavily criticized on these forums on an hourly basis. Still ends up playing top pair minutes on a winning team that gives up the 2nd or 3rd fewest goals in all of hockey. Comes into camp a few pounds lighter after going Paleo in order become more mobile. 4-17-21
Staal- Coaches give him tougher assignments when they see he's going. Feels more rejuvenated this season at being able to man handle lower competition and gets to a point where he and McD alternate between the tough match-ups freeing up McD for more offensive situations at EV. Gets green light to carry puck up like he used to, possession metrics improve, but is still whipped for his cap hit. 3-18-21
Yandle- Gets a full 2 min on the PP, and sheltered d-zone starts and flat out molests lower tier competition. Serves as the teams x-factor in matchups and by mid-season gets an unconditional green light from the coaches. Debate on whether to trade him or not subsides due to the Rangers not getting secondary and tertiary offense from depth forwards. 6-50-56
Boyle- Still plays with a chip on his shoulder and is healthy this season. Gets PP time and plenty of offensive zone looks. Develops chemistry with forwards and has more of the set plays he used to in SJ for tips and screened shots. Since he doesn't have to get used to a new system this year he plays with a lot more consistency. 12-32-44
Klein- Quietly becomes a better offensive player like he showed signs of last year because he's better able to take advantage of match ups. The speed on the Rangers bottom 6 establish zone time and he's not faced with going up against top 6 competition while lining up with Yandle. 7-20-27
McIlrath- Forces team to decide whether or not to sneak him through waivers or play him during injuries and spot duty. Finally decides to not try and prove his toughness with staged fights, and starts wrecking guys. Sees time on a limited basis when Rangers dress 7 D like Tampa and fills in for injuries.
Diaz- Teammates and coaches like him, but he doesn't do much to push the top 6. Question becomes as to who serves as the cheerleader, him or McIlrath. The latter's skillset and willingness to punish other players becomes the winning factor after both show competent play during pre-season. Ends up back in Switzerland by Christmas and enjoys a very long career there.
Hank
Raanta- Turns out to be a very emotional player that cares about winning. Initial start is good but then loses a couple of games for the team and Hank gets mad. Raanta channels his inner rage into becoming a tougher practice goalie, and pushes guys in practice. Ends up winning some games, consistently beating the NJ devils but doesn't play like he can steal games.
Team wins Metro, finishes 2nd in the East behind Tampa. Makes a couple of moves at the Deadline to add scoring and veteran depth.
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