I'd Rather go with Step as the #1 and Brassard #2, either will be more effective, Miller should be the 3rd line center and find a 4th line face off guy, unless we finish in the bottom 5 which most likely isn't going to happen we're never going to have that franchise center
- Philly_is_trash

yeah, that's fine if they can solidify other areas.

Brian Boyle should be a 4th line center and nothing more. He can be good sometimes. If he is on the 4th line, you have the makings of a solid 4th line like the Bruins employ. Brian Boyle playing almost 20 minutes and being looked to for offense is a recipe for losing.

I'd Rather go with Step as the #1 and Brassard #2, either will be more effective, Miller should be the 3rd line center and find a 4th line face off guy, unless we finish in the bottom 5 which most likely isn't going to happen we're never going to have that franchise center
- Philly_is_trash

Brassard is only 25 and was sixth overall pick and mayday playing for bad Blue Jackets teams to start his career he didn't reach potential. Another idea would be to go after Paul Stastny or Ryan Kesler and have three number 2's.

Brassard is only 25 and was sixth overall pick and mayday playing for bad Blue Jackets teams to start his career he didn't reach potential. Another idea would be to go after Paul Stastny or Ryan Kesler and have three number 2's.
- Chris Erwin

Too much money for each of those guys, I'm done with fishing for a center, unless we could land Malkin by some miracle in 2 years we need to address the gap created by Sauer and possibly Staal inuries, we were on our way to having a very solid 6 man unit until lady luck awoke from her slumber, now we're left with a solid 2 and after that is up for debate

If they don't get an infusion of size and meanness at forward and on defense in here were fked. We can have Scotty bowman as coach for crying out loud and it wouldn't matter. We have way to many small and unimposing players. We have to be the least intimidating team in the leauge. Our biggest hitter is Callahan and he's barely 6ft 200 lbs. Boston is treating them like a peewee team it's ridiculous

Too much money for each of those guys, I'm done with fishing for a center, unless we could land Malkin by some miracle in 2 years we need to address the gap created by Sauer and possibly Staal inuries, we were on our way to having a very solid 6 man unit until lady luck awoke from her slumber, now we're left with a solid 2 and after that is up for debate
- Philly_is_trash

I agree. They were taking about Malkin on XM yesterday, and the general consensus is that he will leave Pittsburgh as a UFA. He wants to be the go-to guy, and that can't happen as long as the crying one (87) is there.

Now if Malkin comes here, chokes and doesn't put up numbers, then we know we're cursed.

Brassard is only 25 and was sixth overall pick and mayday playing for bad Blue Jackets teams to start his career he didn't reach potential. Another idea would be to go after Paul Stastny or Ryan Kesler and have three number 2's.
- Chris Erwin

You also need Kreider to step up and start filling the role of the speedy power forward he was projected to be. Nash will be Nash and with a full camp we should all expect at at or near point/game production. Miller needs to make the team out of training camp and Fast/Lindberg have to really force the coaches to make a decision on their status for next season. It all begins with BR's buyout, they just need to be as flexible as possible financially and that includes the flexibility to make a move in season.

I agree. They were taking about Malkin on XM yesterday, and the general consensus is that he will leave Pittsburgh as a UFA. He wants to be the go-to guy, and that can't happen as long as the crying one (87) is there.

Now if Malkin comes here, chokes and doesn't put up numbers, then we know we're cursed.
- TheMessiah94

I think you prep your cap to make a run at him. Lets face it, the only way we can get a true elite guy is to pay through the nose on the open market. He is arguably the world's #2 guy who has a chance to come here in his prime.

They need add players like souray and Penner. Not saying those 2 specific guys, but guys, when playoff time comes, take no shyt from anyone and know how to win mean and nasty hockey games

I'm so tired of being pushed around. Teams take liberties with them all game. Hagelin kept getting hacked and slashed, pushed around after every whistle. Nash too. The intimidation factor really was evident this series

They can't get the forecheck going because they have no size for it to be consistent or effective for long periods. These teams, like last year too, wear us down shift by shift. Last year we were able to fend it off longer because we had more size ands toughness.

They need add players like souray and Penner. Not saying those 2 specific guys, but guys, when playoff time comes, take no shyt from anyone and know how to win mean and nasty hockey games

I'm so tired of being pushed around. Terms take liberties with them all game. Hagelin kept getting hacked and slashed, pushed around after every whistle. Nash too. The intimidation factor really was evident this series

They can't get the forecheck going because they have no size for it to be consistent or effective for long periods. These teams, like last year too, wear us down shift by shift. Last year we were able to fend it off longer because we had more size ands toughness.
- jambodelta99

They need a balanced line up, the Bruins show you don't need flash to win. They need 20 players committed to playing straight ahead but with depth, speed and size to wear opponents down. You can see the attrition wearing the Rangers down.

They need add players like souray and Penner. Not saying those 2 specific guys, but guys, when playoff time comes, take no shyt from anyone and know how to win mean and nasty hockey games

I'm so tired of being pushed around. Teams take liberties with them all game. Hagelin kept getting hacked and slashed, pushed around after every whistle. Nash too. The intimidation factor really was evident this series

They can't get the forecheck going because they have no size for it to be consistent or effective for long periods. These teams, like last year too, wear us down shift by shift. Last year we were able to fend it off longer because we had more size ands toughness.
- jambodelta99

I agree, the Rangers need some toughness, and they also need some guys that play on the edge. When the Rangers bring in toughness, they usually bring in the type of guys that play 5 minutes a night. By way of example, what good is Arron Asham's toughness doing anyone if he is on the ice for 4 minutes. I've said this all year, but the team needs couple of mean SOBs to shake up that room a little. Too many nice guys.

With all the above said, I also think that Boston is whipping the Rangers, because they're skilled guys are playing much better. Boston is not just a bunch of bullies, they also have guys that are supremely skilled. They are playing well at the right time, and as a result, I think they have a shot at the Pens.

and now you've got this dumb playoff format for next season. I don't know why they just can't take the two division winners, seed them 1 and 2 and then take the next 6 best records.

I agree, the Rangers need some toughness, and they also need some guys that play on the edge. When the Rangers bring in toughness, they usually bring in the type of guys that play 5 minutes a night. By way of example, what good is Arron Asham's toughness doing anyone if he is on the ice for 4 minutes. I've said this all year, but the team needs couple of mean SOBs to shake up that room a little. Too many nice guys.

With all the above said, I also think that Boston is whipping the Rangers, because they're skilled guys are playing much better. Boston is not just a bunch of bullies, they also have guys that are supremely skilled. They are playing well at the right time, and as a result, I think they have a shot at the Pens.
- Pete V

Without Clowe in the lineup they re-verted to being gentlemen. I'm shocked the Garden didn't employ an usher to open and close the Bruins bench door....my god! Not that Clowe would have made a difference but there is a difference in the temperment of the team when he is in there

I agree, the Rangers need some toughness, and they also need some guys that play on the edge. When the Rangers bring in toughness, they usually bring in the type of guys that play 5 minutes a night. By way of example, what good is Arron Asham's toughness doing anyone if he is on the ice for 4 minutes. I've said this all year, but the team needs couple of mean SOBs to shake up that room a little. Too many nice guys.

With all the above said, I also think that Boston is whipping the Rangers, because they're skilled guys are playing much better. Boston is not just a bunch of bullies, they also have guys that are supremely skilled. They are playing well at the right time, and as a result, I think they have a shot at the Senators.
- Pete V

Fixed.

and now you've got this dumb playoff format for next season. I don't know why they just can't take the two division winners, seed them 1 and 2 and then take the next 6 best records.
- Blueshirts4ever

It's 3 teams from each division, and the best two remaining records from either division, right?

They need a balanced line up, the Bruins show you don't need flash to win. They need 20 players committed to playing straight ahead but with depth, speed and size to wear opponents down. You can see the attrition wearing the Rangers down.
- Blueshirts4ever

Yes that's why I don't think they need Malkin.

We have plenty of skill guys. The bottom 6 forwards killed this team during the reg season and it put more pressure on the top 6 game to game. If we rolled 4 lines the top 2, with the skill guys, would have more energy to do more damage in the scoreboard. They just couldnt do that this year like they'd hoped. Even keeping pyatt and Boyle isn't terrible because they are big and do work the walls effectively. But they still need a player or 2 that's gets his nose dirty for the bottom 6

Does anyone think Callahan is better suited for 3rd line minutes? I mean is so small and hits everything that I just wonder how much he has left by this time of year. He takes a beating out there

It's 3 teams from each division, and the best two remaining records from either division, right?
- Pete V

correct. The Devils, Isles, Flyers, Pens, Canes, Jackets and the Caps....top 3 is going to be extremely difficult. Add Detroit coming East with the Habs, B's and Sens in the other division.

Wait, thats one too many teams, the Canes probably not in...

2nd edit...I was right the first time, there are 16 teams in the east.

correct. The Devils, Isles, Flyers, Pens, Canes, Jackets and the Caps....top 3 is going to be extremely difficult. Add Detroit coming East with the Habs, B's and Sens in the other division.

Wait, thats one too many teams, the Canes probably not in...

2nd edit...I was right the first time, there are 16 teams in the east.
- Blueshirts4ever

I really don't think this current roster can make the playoffs next year

Yes that's why I don't think they need Malkin.

We have plenty of skill guys. The bottom 6 forwards killed this team during the reg season and it put more pressure on the top 6 game to game. If we rolled 4 lines the top 2, with the skill guys, would have more energy to do more damage in the scoreboard. They just couldnt do that this year like they'd hoped. Even keeping pyatt and Boyle isn't terrible because they are big and do work the walls effectively. But they still need a player or 2 that's gets his nose dirty for the bottom 6

Does anyone think Callahan is better suited for 3rd line minutes? I mean is so small and hits everything that I just wonder how much he has left by this time of year. He takes a beating out there
- jambodelta99

The Rangers are going to need to become more skilled to compete in the East. Malkin is without question one of the Top 3 players in the world, and he also plays with some piss and vinegar. If he is available, the Rangers have to do anything they can to sign him. There isn't even a debate in my mind about pursuing that guy. He is a can't miss guy, and there wouldn't be single player on the Rangers' roster (outside of the goalie) that I would prioritize if Malkin really was available.

And on Callahan, I think he is the perfect second liner, that can score between 20-30 goals a year.

I agree, the Rangers need some toughness, and they also need some guys that play on the edge. When the Rangers bring in toughness, they usually bring in the type of guys that play 5 minutes a night. By way of example, what good is Arron Asham's toughness doing anyone if he is on the ice for 4 minutes. I've said this all year, but the team needs couple of mean SOBs to shake up that room a little. Too many nice guys.

With all the above said, I also think that Boston is whipping the Rangers, because they're skilled guys are playing much better. Boston is not just a bunch of bullies, they also have guys that are supremely skilled. They are playing well at the right time, and as a result, I think they have a shot at the Pens.
- Pete V

Lucic and Marchand are highly skilled and very mean spirited. Bergeron is as skilled as they come along with great defensive play. Krecji has super offensive instincts. All that and seguin has done squat so far. A defense with 3 guys out that is to die for. and, Oh they had both goals from a 4th line last night

Lucic and Marchand are highly skilled and very mean spirited. Bergeron is as skilled as they come along with great defensive play. Krecji has super offensive instincts. All that and seguin has done squat so far. A defense with 3 guys out that is to die for. and, Oh they had both goals from a 4th line last night
- jambodelta99

most underrated 1-2 punch in the league....

I'd Rather go with Step as the #1 and Brassard #2, either will be more effective, Miller should be the 3rd line center and find a 4th line face off guy, unless we finish in the bottom 5 which most likely isn't going to happen we're never going to have that franchise center
- Philly_is_trash

Franchise center get drafted or traded for. Rarely, if ever, are they acquired through free agency.

Rangers blew the few times they had, to actually draft one, and they usually don't have the assets to deal in order to acquire one.

Rangers have good prospects but no real expendable Grade A blue chips.

Franchise center get drafted or traded for. Rarely, if ever, are they acquired through free agency.

Rangers blew the few times they had, to actually draft one, and they usually don't have the assets to deal in order to acquire one.

Rangers have good prospects but no real expendable Grade A blue chips.
- MidnightMarauder

Malkin is the one guy that could be there though.

The Rangers are going to need to become more skilled to compete in the East. Malkin is without question one of the Top 3 players in the world, and he also plays with some piss and vinegar. If he is available, the Rangers have to do anything they can to sign him. There isn't even a debate in my mind about pursuing that guy. He is a can't miss guy, and there wouldn't be single player on the Rangers' roster (outside of the goalie) that I would prioritize if Malkin really was available.

And on Callahan, I think he is the perfect second liner, that can score between 20-30 goals a year.
- Pete V

Malkin's not coming here, get that fantasy out of your head. He will get re-signed or dealt to a Western Conference team, like Detroit for example, if the Pens can't come up with the scratch to bring him back.

Malkin's not coming here, get that fantasy out of your head. He will get re-signed or dealt to a Western Conference team, like Detroit for example, if the Pens can't come up with the scratch to bring him back.
- MidnightMarauder

Detroit is coming east tho

Malkin is the one guy that could be there though.
- Blueshirts4ever

As much as he would obviously be a welcomed addition, to any team, the odds are minute at best that he makes his way to NY in 2014. Only way he does is via trade and that would gut this franchise of it's immediate and future depth.

Think king's ransom when thinking about what it would take to acquire Malkin.