The NHL's supplemental discipline office really is a disgrace. Might as well just spin a wheel to determine suspensions.
- Pete V

Unbelievable. Its again the NHL punishing for results, not intent. No Sen was seriously injured so no suspensions.
- B2B76

What Hagelin did last playoffs to Alfie was unintentional and he got 3 games, total failure by the NHL

No, not intending to stir the pot. The good thing about the Rangers' position is that they are alive. Being alive gives everyone, coaches and players, the opportunity to change the perception of this year's team and coaching. But, they are on life support, and hopefully, if they really care about the their own job security and the position of the coach, they'll come out guns a blazing tonight. Or, do they require Sean Avery to tweet something to wake them up?
- Pete V

How about this for a reference point in terms of coaches surviving...Claude Julien survived being up 3-0 in a series and lost to the 7 seed. The next year he won the cup with pretty much the same team and avenged that collapse. So, to answer your question, off of a truncated season and significant roster turnover (yes I know the other teams had the same set of circumstances, but different coaches, different teams, training camp philosophies, etc) he gets at least until right before the New Year. If they get swept and embarassed here at home, it would be hard for the GM and coach to at the very least come to a clear understanding for next season should Slats retain him. Just trying to be realistic here b/c there is a big part of Sather IMO that really agrees with and entrusts Tortorella with the club's talent and has played a big role in the decision making. Whether we like it or not...

What Hagelin did last playoffs to Alfie was unintentional and he got 3 games, total failure by the NHL
- HankdaTank

Hit em with you're purse Meee-chele.

On to tonight, I know all of you know Staal was the first d-man off the ice and ducked the media. Could tonight be the first time all season long in which the Rangers at least on paper will field its strongest and most talented lineup? Granted, if Staal does play, can we expect hime to be his true self. Or is 80% of his true self still an upgrade over Eminger?

How about this for a referece point in terms of coaches surviving...Claude Julien survived being up 3-0 in a series and lost to the 7 seed. The next year he won the cup with pretty much the same team and avenged that collapse. So, to answer your question, off of a truncated season and significant roster turnover (yes I know the other teams had the same set of circumstances, but different coaches, different teams, training camp philosophies, etc) he gets at least until right before the New Year. If they get swept and embarassed here at home, it would be hard for the GM and coach to at the very least come to a clear understanding for next season should Slats retain him. Just trying to be realistic here b/c there is a big part of Sather IMO that really agrees with and entrusts Tortorella with the club's talent and has played a big role in the decision making. Whether we like it or not...
- Blueshirts4ever

Its funny, because Claude Julien can serve as a reference point for either side given what Kim Jong Lameriello did to him.

But, if he loses in five this year, here will be his record with the Rangers:

1st year: Lost in 7 to the Capitals in 1st round (after being up 3-1 and doing some curious things)
Second Year: Missed playoffs
Third Year: Lost in 5 to Capitals in 1st round.
Fourth Year: Lost in 7 to Devils in Semi-Finals.
Fifth Year: Lost in 5 to the Capitals in 1st round.

I bet you Tom Renney wishes he were living under those standards, because he didn't even get a complete season after making the playoffs three consecutive years, winning two rounds in the two years prior to his firing, and losing Jaromir Jagr in the year of his firing.

I think John Tortorella is a great coach, that will be successful at his next stop. I just think if this team loses in 5 games, the organization will need a breath of fresh air. That is why good coaches get fire all the time, because eventually things just become stale with a particular club.

Its funny, because Claude Julien can serve as a reference point for either side given what Kim Jong Lameriello did to him.

But, if he loses in five this year, here will be his record with the Rangers:

1st year: Lost in 7 to the Capitals in 1st round (after being up 3-1 and doing some curious things)
Second Year: Missed playoffs
Third Year: Lost in 5 to Capitals in 1st round.
Fourth Year: Lost in 7 to Devils in Semi-Finals.
Fifth Year: Lost in 5 to the Capits in 1st round.

I bet you Tom Renney wishes he were living under those standards, because he didn't even get a complete season after making the playoffs three consecutive years, winning two rounds in the two years prior to his filing, and losing Jaromir Jagr in the year of his firing.

I think John Tortorella is a great coach, that will be successful at his next stop. I just think if this team loses in 5 games, the organization will need a breath of fresh air. That is why good coaches get fire all the time, because eventually things just become stale with a particular club.
- Pete V

Good point, how much does Tortorella's cup run with Tampa and his track record with the development of those young stars keep him around? I agree, if they falme out here, his playoff record isn't so hot. Does this also tell you that maybe, coaching is slightly overrated?? Slightly now, I'm not saying its not important by a long stretch but we have seen some seemingly dumb coaches win cups and some geniuses fail....

very inexact and i don't know that there is an answer....

Without reading the article or responses; just replying to the title here...

...what needs to happen in game 3? How about a PP goal!

Good point, how much does Tortorella's cup run with Tampa and his track record with the development of those young stars keep him around? I agree, if they falme out here, his playoff record isn't so hot. Does this also tell you that maybe, coaching is slightly overrated?? Slightly now, I'm not saying its not important by a long stretch but we have seen some seemingly dumb coaches win cups and some geniuses fail....

very inexact and i don't know that there is an answer....
- Blueshirts4ever

I think players win hockey games for the most part, but unfortunately, when a team does not succeed, you can't fire all of the players and the coach takes the fall. Something is not right with this team. It has been the case all year long, and before they make anymore huge roster changes, they need to figure out whether a different coach can get more out of them.

It very well maybe the case that its not the Coach, but there is a reason why good coaches are re-cycled in this league, because it easier to change the coach than an entire roster.

Without reading the article or responses; just replying to the title here...

...what needs to happen in game 3? How about a PP goal!
- mames11

Any goal(s) that results in the Rangers scoring more than the Caps....it doesn't get any simpler than that...

Really doesn't matter what anyone thinks. That is not a penalty. Like how stubborn can you people be? You did not get wronged. You're grasping here and its pretty silly.

He had one (frank)ing hand on his stick and a BOUNCING puck got DEFLECTED over the glass.

Get over it. You would have done NOTHING on the PP anyway. You're going to need to look at different areas of your game to come back and win this series so dry up the "(frank) the refs" tears and get to work.
- blondinwrx

Exactly why I am not even remotely mad about it nor have not brought that up to anyone. Who cares about that play. It may be a interesting point to bring up (forgettign jersey colors) as it is interesting as to whether that should or shouldnt be a penalty but to me who care in terms of a Rangers outcome.

I had Rags in 6, and really, the series could easily be split if not 2-0 Rags. That said, the arrogance displayed by some of the longer time posters here before puck drop was a bit funny.

I actually had a Rags/Duck final. Hey, it could still happen...

Any goal(s) that results in the Rangers scoring more than the Caps....it doesn't get any simpler than that...
- Blueshirts4ever

True...I'd even take a shot on goal as something positive. What did tha Rangers have last game? 5 total in the last 28+ minutes (including OT)?

I agree with your logic...most difficult not to, but I feel that getting a PP goal (or two...or three) makes your opponent play more cautious and softer; allowing your team to take control. If your PP doesn't scare anybody, they can play you any way they want. This results in more physical play, runs at your goalie, and taking away scoring chances when being out-played 5-on-5.

What do you guys think about the scenario posed by the Canes blogger?

I think players win hockey games for the most part, but unfortunately, when a team does not succeed, you can't fire all of the players and the coach takes the fall. Something is not right with this team. It has been the case all year long, and before they make anymore huge roster changes, they need to figure out whether a different coach can get more out of them.

It very well maybe the case that its not the Coach, but there is a reason why good coaches are re-cycled in this league, because it easier to change the coach than an entire roster.
- Pete V

You're right, its easier to change the coach. I really think the organization dropped the ball when it came to underestimating who left the club. When Torts realizes early that he can only play 6-8 players/night he probably figured he was screwed. So he spent the entire year incorporating new faces in a system that he doesn't even know if they fit in. How abou this for a question, with upgraded skill (potentially) from this year's team, will Torts adopt a style that is more similar to Tampa when he coached there? Its not like he hasn't coached highly skilled teams in the past. The other side that Jan brings up is, maybe we have all overrated the overall talent on this team and the only one who isn't is in fact the coach. I'm just throwing this stuff out there bc you're right something isn't right, it may be the coach, it may be the level of talent (or lack thereof) or both...

What do you guys think about the scenario posed by the Canes blogger?
- Pete V

I don't know, I know Skinner is a former Calder Trophy winner. I'd like to think Staal is worth more than that. The problem is he has the leverage bc Carolina knows Marc wants to be with his brothers. If Staal wants to go to Carolina then the Rangers owe it to themselves to get the best return. So if that means trading him to another team so Staal can later go to Carolina as a UFA then so be it. Or am I overrating Staal?

I don't know, I know Skinner is a former Calder Trophy winner. I'd like to think Staal is worth more than that. The problem is he has the leverage bc Carolina knows Marc wants to be with his brothers. If Staal wants to go to Carolina then the Rangers owe it to themselves to get the best return. So if that means trading him to another team so Staal can later go to Carolina as a UFA then so be it. Or am I overrating Staal?
- Blueshirts4ever

In my humble opinion, Staal is your best defenseman, and with him, this series could look entirely different... I love Skinner though. He's a really good skater, and that is really important in today's NHL.
If I was building a team and had to choose between the two, I'm going Staal...

In my humble opinion, Staal is your best defenseman, and with him, this series could look entirely different...

I love Skinner though. He's a really good skater, and that is really important in today's NHL.
- Blackstrom2

And, Staal may genuinely want to play with his family on a team that is pretty talented already at least offensively. Staal was playing at an all-star level just before his injury. If we are using that as the standard I think he is worth more than Skinner. Although I get what you're saying. Skinner and give the Rangers their first pick in this year's draft...mmmaybe......

In my humble opinion, Staal is your best defenseman, and with him, this series could look entirely different... I love Skinner though. He's a really good skater, and that is really important in today's NHL.
If I was building a team and had to choose between the two, I'm going Staal...
- Blackstrom2

you may see Staal tonight, I don't know if you've heard, I don't know what we can expect

In my humble opinion, Staal is your best defenseman, and with him, this series could look entirely different... I love Skinner though. He's a really good skater, and that is really important in today's NHL.
If I was building a team and had to choose between the two, I'm going Staal...
- Blackstrom2

The Staal for Skinner question would only come into play if the Rangers take his temperature, and aren't getting the warm and fuzzies about him coming not wanting to join his brothers as a UFA in two years.

Personally, I would want Skinner plus for Staal. But, there are many on that blog that feel it should be Staal plus for Skinner. I would rather have the shut-down D than the skiller smaller forward in a deal, but that's just me. Not bad value for the Rangers, however, if they have to move Staal.

Edit: Staal and Kreider for Skinner and Ryan Murphy?

you may see Staal tonight, I don't know if you've heard, I don't know what we can expect
- Blueshirts4ever

Staal generally shuts down Ovi better than most even strength.

You know, GMGM was going to draft him, but you guys took him and left us with Sasha Pokuluk..oof. He was a little mad about it, if I remember correctly.

What do you guys think about the scenario posed by the Canes blogger?
- Pete V

Its interesting.. Funny cause forgetting stats Skinner from 11-12 Im like hell yea! But he seems to be a bit of a little female dog now and that really turned me off. Same with that contract.

I only do that trade if Richards is imemdiately bought out making it clear cut Step-Skinner-Miller Down the middle. If you do not intend to do that it doesnt make much sense IMO.

My friend indirectly said what the blogger is saying when after the game I said I hope we get Staal back. And he's like why? How would he of helped us win this game? Which is true if we are only looking playoffs.

Ad for your coach comment I have always been on the fence.. but if they show the same pop-gun offense next 2-3 games he just has to go. Watching other teams they just play a faster, better style. And this isnt the NY Jets and Rex Ryan exactly. Its as if Rex Ryan ran his system with the Packers roster. Fire "Rex" change the system but no need to change the roster to fit a better system. It is already in place...

Plus, with the Dmen and Goalie we have we dont need this strict Defensive system. We have the defensive talent. Just let their talent shine and not lean on the system and this would help the forwards too...

Sorry for the rant, just fustrated.

The Staal for Skinner question would only come into play if the Rangers take his temperature, and aren't getting the warm and fuzzies about him coming not wanting to join his brothers as a UFA in two years.

Personally, I would want Skinner plus for Staal. But, there are many on that blog that feel it should be Staal plus for Skinner. I would rather have the shut-down D than the skiller smaller forward in a deal, but that's just me. Not bad value for the Rangers, however, if they have to move Staal.

Edit: Staal and Kreider for Skinner and Ryan Murphy?
- Pete V

Maybe it's just me, but I think Staal is severely underrated.

While Girardi? Severely overrated.

In my humble opinion, Staal is your best defenseman, and with him, this series could look entirely different... I love Skinner though. He's a really good skater, and that is really important in today's NHL.
If I was building a team and had to choose between the two, I'm going Staal...
- Blackstrom2

Maybe in Game 1. But how was he helping us game 2? Our D looked really good obviously. We need goals.

Maybe in Game 1. But how was he helping us game 2? Our D looked really good obviously. We need goals.
- mrhattrick27

His presence. It will change the overall complexion of the game. Not have other guys fill those minutes. They get tired quicker. Etc Small things...little nuances.

I just think Staal is one of the best d-men in the league, there's only a few I'd take over him....