He didn't play a game in the 11-12 reg season, his first NHL game was in the Ottowa series, so no way he could have been considered a rookie that yr, last yr was lockout & he was up & down 20 times. I know you know this, don't know why I chose to quote you.

So, how ya doin?
- B2B76

IMO, the two primary keys to the Rangers success this year are: (1) Chris Kreider developing into another goal scoring threat for the Rangers -- approx. 25 goals; and (2) Brad Richards turning things around, and showing that last year was an abberation. I am actually fairly confident that both will occur, at least to a certain extent (i.e., if Richards posts between 60-65 points, I would be happy with that).

- jimbro83

All you need is Love.

IMO, the two primary keys to the Rangers success this year are: (1) Chris Kreider developing into another goal scoring threat for the Rangers -- approx. 25 goals; and (2) Brad Richards turning things around, and showing that last year was an abberation. I am actually fairly confident that both will occur, at least to a certain extent (i.e., if Richards posts between 60-65 points, I would be happy with that).
- Pete V

I am actually starting to think he might be ok this season, certainly more like 2 years ago than last yr. The fact that people are expecting less of him may make his #s respectable.

I am actually starting to think he might be ok this season, certainly more like 2 years ago than last yr. The fact that people are expecting less of him may make his #s respectable.
- B2B76

I am certaintly not arguing that Brad Richards shouldn't have been bought out given the new CBA, but I also don't think that it is highly unusual that players can have crap years, and bounce back. I think things snowballed for Richards last year. The lock-out hurt his preparation (his fault), he got off to a bad start, he started gripping his stick a little to tight, and turned out to be a hot mess. Couple that with the fact that he, in large stretches last year, looked like he was having about as much fun as he would getting a root canal, and that is the recipe for a bad year.

He said last week that he thinks the new coach will help him, because a more offensive game suits him. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that that could be the case, but not he has to step up and prove it.

I am certaintly not arguing that Brad Richards shouldn't have been bought out given the new CBA, but I also don't think that it is highly unusual that players can have crap years, and bounce back. I think things snowballed for Richards last year. The lock-out hurt his preparation (his fault), he got off to a bad start, he started gripping his stick a little to tight, and turned out to be a hot mess. Couple that with the fact that he, in large stretches last year, looked like he was having about as much fun as he would getting a root canal, and that is the recipe for a bad year.

He said last week that he thinks the new coach will help him, because a more offensive game suits him. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that that could be the case, but not he has to step up and prove it.
- Pete V

Spot on Peter.

I am certaintly not arguing that Brad Richards shouldn't have been bought out given the new CBA, but I also don't think that it is highly unusual that players can have crap years, and bounce back. I think things snowballed for Richards last year. The lock-out hurt his preparation (his fault), he got off to a bad start, he started gripping his stick a little too tight, and turned out to be a hot mess. Couple that with the fact that he, in large stretches last year, looked like he was having about as much fun as he would getting a root canal, and that is the recipe for a bad year.

He said last week that he thinks the new coach will help him, because a more offensive game suits him. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that that could be the case, but not he has to step up and prove it.
- Pete V

that's what she said

that's what she said
- jimbro83

Just got my tix for the game at Yankee stadium. Any of you guys going?

I viewed bust out as the positive not negative connotation of the word, meaning explode on the scene not fizzle out.
- airjan23

That is not the way I read it, based on the tone of the preceding sentences but you could be right.

stop trying to sound not stupid
- Crimsoninja

yo mama's stupit

Its just good to see cheater back round here.
- B2B76

Can't keep track of which accounts were banned for 3 months or 3 years...

Just got my tix for the game at Yankee stadium. Any of you guys going?
- Vukota

I don't know what those tickets are running, but one word of caution to those who have never been to an outdoor hockey game at a stadium venue -- it kind of sucks. You freeze your *ss off, and you generally can't see sh*t because, hockey wasn't meant to be viewed that way. But, I guess its like going to Times Square on New Years Eve -- something you do once, check the box, and then never do it again.

Mcilrath not on the traverse city roster? Shame.

And those prospect rankings seem like a joke. Pretty ridiculous how different each web sites prospect rankings really are. Goes to show how little each knows.

I don't know what those tickets are running, but one word of caution to those who have never been to an outdoor hockey game at a stadium venue -- it kind of sucks. You freeze your *ss off, and you generally can't see sh*t because, hockey wasn't meant to be viewed that way. But, I guess its like going to Times Square on New Years Eve -- something you do once, check the box, and then never do it again.
- Pete V

Yeah, I'm sure its going to be tough to watch live but I'm going for the atmosphere and all day tailgating. Like you said its one and done for me

Bob McKenzie: Tough sledding for NYR/RFA Derek Stepan. Player seeks McDonagh $ (6 x $4.7M) but no arb rights, NYR holding firm on Subban level bridge deal - wonder if stalemate like with Subban forthcoming despite Stepan saying he will be in camp.

Bob McKenzie: Tough sledding for NYR/RFA Derek Stepan. Player seeks McDonagh $ (6 x $4.7M) but no arb rights, NYR holding firm on Subban level bridge deal - wonder if stalemate like with Subban forthcoming despite Stepan saying he will be in camp.
- airjan23

Two days before camp he'll probably sign a two year/$7 million deal. Hopefully.

Bob McKenzie: Tough sledding for NYR/RFA Derek Stepan. Player seeks McDonagh $ (6 x $4.7M) but no arb rights, NYR holding firm on Subban level bridge deal - wonder if stalemate like with Subban forthcoming despite Stepan saying he will be in camp.
- airjan23

I think Stepan deserves a similar deal, but we just don't have that cap. Yea it's an overpayment early but it becomes one less thing to worry about down the line, it'll be a bargain year in the last 4 years. We can probably squeeze it in but you want to have some flexibility too going into the season in case of trades, or maybe signing a last minute veteran if the need arises.

I am certaintly not arguing that Brad Richards shouldn't have been bought out given the new CBA, but I also don't think that it is highly unusual that players can have crap years, and bounce back. I think things snowballed for Richards last year. The lock-out hurt his preparation (his fault), he got off to a bad start, he started gripping his stick a little to tight, and turned out to be a hot mess. Couple that with the fact that he, in large stretches last year, looked like he was having about as much fun as he would getting a root canal, and that is the recipe for a bad year.

He said last week that he thinks the new coach will help him, because a more offensive game suits him. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that that could be the case, but not he has to step up and prove it.
- Pete V

Not to mention Olivia Munn dropped him like a two foot putt. I think we sometimes forget these guys are by in large just young guys and human.

Not to mention Olivia Munn dropped him like a two foot putt. I think we sometimes forget these guys are by in large just young guys and human.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I saw the movie Magic Mike, and she was mean to Magic Mike too, cold broad

munn used to bang richards?

christ

my Mom used to bang richards?

christ
- Crimsoninja

Just got my tix for the game at Yankee stadium. Any of you guys going?
- Vukota

I have an Uncle who works for one of the sponsors, not saying no more, there's a CHANCE i'm going & for peanuts too. Shhhhh.

30 years ago, this passage was in the Sports Illustrated hockey preview:

BEST MOVE, TEAM

The New York Rangers outsmarted the Detroit Red Wings and at the same time shed their Smurf image by trading for the league's biggest player, 6'5" Defenseman Willy Huber, and a pair of young 6-foot wingers—Mark Osborne, 22, and Mike Blaisdell, 23. In return, the Rangers gave up (read: got rid of) Wing Ron Duguay and also tossed in Wing Eddie Johnstone and Goalie Ed Mio. Duguay was a problem child for Ranger Coach Herb Brooks; he enraged Brooks with his habitual lateness to practices, and the almost daily sight of Duguay's mug in the gossip columns drove Brooks batty. Duguay didn't help matters by slumping 32 points from his 1981-82 total of 76.

WORST MOVE, TEAM
Oo-la-la, Detroit!
There is no reason to believe that Duguay will get along any better with Red Wing Coach Nick Polano, a disciplinarian, than he did with Brooks. And wait until the Blue Jeans Kid learns that last call in the Motor City is 2 a.m., not 4 as in New York, and that there is only one East Side.

I have an Uncle who works for one of the sponsors, not saying no more, there's a CHANCE i'm going & for peanuts too. Shhhhh.
- B2B76

I have a friend that works for the Yankees, so double-shhhh

I have a friend that works for the Yankees, so double-shhhh
- airjan23

I really enjoyed that draft last night, I thought the auction was the coolest thing