When is the last time the rangers, Yankees, Knicks, or giants blew it up and started over? It doesn't happen. Not in this city. Dream on.
- mjh609

Uhhh...

You don't remember when guys like Leetch , Kovalev, and all were delt before the first lockout about 10 years ago? MSG had the New York Strangers playing on the ice for a month that year.

Just be thankful we're all in the powerhouse Metro division where 85 pts may just get someone a playoff berth!

Alex Ovechkin scored four goals last night.

He now has 26 goals in 29 games.

Man the Rangers could use some of that.
- TrueBlue9182

Rangers have 70 goals all season. Ovie has almost half that by himself. Guy's a monster.

Just be thankful we're all in the powerhouse Metro division where 85 pts may just get someone a playoff berth!
- BiggE

that depends on how you look at it.

The appeal of possibly finishing 2nd or 3rd in the Metro and get some home playoff dates in April will be enough of an incentive to stop the Garden from doing what needs to be done with this team

Torts daughter is right. If my dad was fired from a company and the company went downhill, I'd be much more obnoxious than she was in her tweet.
- jimbro83

Agreed. Tort's daughter has every reason and right to mock.

Torts knew the team and adapted to a system that worked. Sure, they didn't score a ton of goals, but they at least played the game. He knew they players weren't going to score a ton so he adapted his system to it. Remember when he first got here? He wanted that "safe is death" upbeat style of game. Unfortunately, it showed really fast that it wasn't going to work with this bunch of players and he changed his system. His downfall, in my opinion, was allowing Sully to take over the Powerplay. If there was a PP threat on the team a few years ago, the Rangers would have beaten the Devils and possibly won the Cup and would have been more successful the season after, too. PP goals do wonders for a team and keeps the opponent honest.

Where to place blame? Sather? Sure. Torts? Sure. Now AV? Sure.

Sather - allowing guys like Prust and Gaborik go and not putting his cigar down and realizing the game is passing him by. Let Gordon take over already.
Torts - Sather got him another guy to score in Nash, but he kept his current defensive style in tact and thus lead to the trade of Gaborik and later his firing. I still think he was a great coach for the Rangers.
AV - I think we all want his system style of play, but he can't get this group of guys to do it and he can't adapt his coaching style because of it.

the reason Gaborik was traded was because of Torts and I still don't regret trading Gaborik because I think he is damaged goods and I don't see how the cap would have worked with him still here anyway. If people want to debate what we got in return for Gaborik that's fine, but I don't look back at that trade, Gaborik can't stay healthy with Columbus either and they won't re-sign him.

the reason Gaborik was traded was because of Torts and I still don't regret trading Gaborik because I think he is damaged goods and I don't see how the cap would have worked with him still here anyway. If people want to debate what we got in return for Gaborik that's fine, but I don't look back at that trade, Gaborik can't stay healthy with Columbus either and they won't re-sign him.
- jimbro83

If Gaborik stayed, Richards would have been ABO'd. Gabby for half a season is better than this Brad Richards for a full one.

I got the idea that the Rangers and Flyers are in the same situation. Just a bubble candidate for the playoffs, just got a new coach and are struggling mightily.

Too bad.
- Bearintheforest

no they are not flyers at least have guys with huge talent(giroux) and potential (schenn, couturier) if they were just smart enough to trade one of their offensive players for a sound defensive one they could be really good

I think the worst thing that the Rangers can do this year is trade their first round pick, or any significant picks for that matter, for immediate help. Even assuming that they can find themselves and get better (which is a possibility although it may be unlikely), the Rangers have some significant long term concerns with the lineup, which I think will bear upon the free agent decisions they make this summer.

First, Staal can no longer be depended upon. I like the player, but with his eye injury, and yet another concussion, there are significant questions about his short and long term NHL prospects. Unfortunately, he is snake bitten, and as a result, I think the Rangers would be foolish to make any plans that depend upon Staal being a key cog on the backline. So, what does that mean? I think it means like someone like Girardi, despite his shortcomings this year, probably needs to remain a Ranger. I think that is true, because if Staal doesn't return, and the organization has diminishing faith in Del Zotto (and maybe even Moore), who are they going to play on defense (short of overpaying for some UFA defensemen that may come with similar question marks to Girardi)? I will admit that this isn't ideal, but its just the way I see it.

Second, it's getting to the point where you simply can't pay Callahan $5.5-6 million a year to stay. The team has significant scoring problems, and paying a guy like Callahan for his intangibles, which appear to be diminishing with age and injury concerns has significant potential to come back in bite the team. Depending on how the team looks at the deadline, they may want to consider trading him, if the return is right. Again, I hate to say it, but he spends way too much time on the shelf. What they need is for JT Miller to become a younger, less expensive version of Callahan.

Third, they obviously need to clear alot of brush. While I don't depend on the fourth line to score many goals, you can at least hope that they pitch in a little. Too many guys aren't producing at all (Pyatt, Boyle, Moore, Pouilot, et.), and that isn't good for a team that can really use some different guys pitching in.

Finally, I think the decision on Richards will be a key one. Does he get paid too much? Of course, all UFAs do. But, with the cap going up significantly, I'm not sure that I want to buyout one of the Rangers key offensive contributors, because he is overpaid by a couple of million dollars. Who is going to replace him? Nobody likes Brassard, and Stepan is beginning to have his critics, so how to the Rangers fill that hole, with an option that is not equally as risky? Not to mention, keeping Richards at least gives the team the option of using Stepan (who is the one of the Rangers with the most substantial value in a trade that can alter the makeup of the team).

In the end, I think that the Rangers need to look at which positions are the easier to fill if they let a player go. I think that Callahan's position is easier to fill than either Richards or Girardi.

Ho Ho Ho!!! Merry Christmas !! Just returning the North pole to find the New York Rangers wish list for Christmas. I hope they have all been good boys, ok let's see what we have here:

Del Zotto A ticket to ride
Girardi Torts
Stralman A contract
Miller Amtrak rewards points
Dorsett A few more inches in height
Brassard No Scott Arniel
J. Moore Confidence
Staal Good health
Kreider A Calder trophy
Stepan Skating lessons
Boyle Boxing lessons, or Brandon Prust
Callahan Respect on Hockeybuzz
McDonagh A Norris trophy
D. Moore Well, we all know what he would want.
Pyatt A plane ticket to Vancouver
Zuccs A shorter name
Lundqvist Nothing he has 59.5 mil gifts, ok some goals for.
Talbot A reintroduction to AV
Nash A continued clear head
Hagelin Hands
Asham A chance

Ho Ho Ho I'd better get started before the season passes them by!!

In the end, I think that the Rangers need to look at which positions are the easier to fill if they let a player go. I think that Callahan's position is easier to fill than either Richards or Girardi.


great point

if the rangers could get a pulse on acquiring someone like Steve ott either via trade (sign and trade?), or free agency, then they should let callahan go

steve ott or someone of the like can get you the same brand of player, likely cheaper, because i agree, a 5.5 - 6 per contract to cally looks awfully scary based on intangibles. nobody wants to see Drury 2.0

In the end, I think that the Rangers need to look at which positions are the easier to fill if they let a player go. I think that Callahan's position is easier to fill than either Richards or Girardi.


great point

if the rangers could get a pulse on acquiring someone like Steve ott either via trade (sign and trade?), or free agency, then they should let callahan go

steve ott or someone of the like can get you the same brand of player, likely cheaper, because i agree, a 5.5 - 6 per contract to cally looks awfully scary based on intangibles. nobody wants to see Drury 2.0
- FourFeathers773

There is no question that I'd keep Capt. Cally. I realize his injury history, but he is the bread and butter of this team. I will additionally say that this latest injury did cost him some $$$ in his new contract (which is a good thing for the Rangers).

I would have given him a 4-year deal for $22M, but now, I'd go three for $15M.

It's real easy to figure out where this went wrong, it starts and ends with Sather, he spent 3 years molding a roster to fit Torts then changes coaches and philosophy , he's set this organization back at least 4 or 5 years and that's if they do it right and collect high picks and tank themselves, guys like Boyle, Pyatt, Pouliot and Moore provide no added value, the bottom 6 keeps being made over and continue's to be ineffective

Now onto movable parts, starting with Callahan and Girardi, 2 of our core pieces we need to say goodbye to, Callahan can not be paid $5 million a year, he is far too fragile, he's been a great Captain and an inspiration but unless he signs for less than what he was expecting we can't afford to take the chance, by the time we can remold the roster to fit AV Girardi will have declined even more so get what we can from a team in need of defense at the deadline, amazing what can happen in the matter of a week, Hank's deal is looking like a waste for the Rangers and for himself, he has no shot at winning anytime soon and it's a shame.

no they are not flyers at least have guys with huge talent(giroux) and potential (schenn, couturier) if they were just smart enough to trade one of their offensive players for a sound defensive one they could be really good
- webleedblue

I watched last night's game and post game with Al, Anson Carter, and Marty. Carter put the Rangers current situation probably better than coach AV has. He stated he sees each Ranger player trying to do too much as individuals and not doing what they are "supposed" to do to work as a team. Too much trying to help someone else and taking yourself out of position is killing the team. Do what you're supposed to do and the "team" part will take over and have better results.

There is no question that I'd keep Capt. Cally. I realize his injury history, but he is the bread and butter of this team. I will additionally say that this latest injury did cost him some $$$ in his new contract (which is a good thing for the Rangers).

I would have given him a 4-year deal for $22M, but now, I'd go three for $15M.
- mames11

Not sure anyway he and his agent take a short term deal especially given his injury history. This is where he looks for his long term security blanket and his last big contract of his career
I also can't recall too many captains in their late 20s only getting three or four year deals

I can only see two outcomes here:
1. A six or seven year deal at 5 per or more
2. Cally ends up somewhere else

And I give option 2 about a 3% chance of happening with sather

Not sure anyway he and his agent take a short term deal especially given his injury history. This is where he looks for his long term security blanket and his last big contract of his career
I also can't recall too many captains in their late 20s only getting three or four year deals

I can only see two outcomes here:
1. A six or seven year deal at 5 per or more
2. Cally ends up somewhere else

And I give option 2 about a 3% chance of happening with sather
- FourFeathers773

Mah...Cally is not getting a seven year deal. He just came off offseason shoulder injury, a broken thumb, and now MCL sprain. Three significant injuries that affect checking, shooting, and skating in less than a year.

I just don't see a contract longer than 3 to four years.

Mah...Cally is not getting a seven year deal. He just came off offseason shoulder injury, a broken thumb, and now MCL sprain. Three significant injuries that affect checking, shooting, and skating in less than a year.

I just don't see a contract longer than 3 to four years.
- mames11

Unrestricted Free Agency is nuts. Look at the contract a damaged Clowe got last year, and what Clarkson got. There is no ryme or reasons to it. I have no doubt in my mind that some team, that is looking to acquire leadership and grit, will pay Cally a ton of money over a 5+ year term. Not saying its wise, but I have no doubt that it will happen if the Rangers don't.

Unrestricted Free Agency is nuts. Look at the contract a damaged Clowe got last year, and what Clarkson got. There is no ryme or reasons to it. I have no doubt in my mind that some team, that is looking to acquire leadership and grit, will pay Cally a ton of money over a 5+ year term. Not saying its wise, but I have no doubt that it will happen if the Rangers don't.
- Pete V

Desperate Devils after Lilly Kovalchuk quit.

Desperate Devils after Lilly Kovalchuk quit.
- mames11

With the cap rising, do you really think that some team won't pay Callahan $25 million over 5 years, at a minimum?

I don't buy this talent level not there crap. If that were the case, there is no way we score 4-5 goals in multiple games this year. We have some of the most creative individual effort guys out there in Nash, Richards, Brassard, Zuccarello. Team creativity is an issue. We have a lack of natural finishers thats for certain, but I've been screaming about the team's lack of creativity for a long time. The best shifts are when the above players I name are on the ice together. Like Brassard to Richards to Nash for example. When they aren't out there, the other uncreative players are just offensively positionally useless. I blame the coach for not addressing practice drills that breed more creativity. These players, this team is way too use to coasting into the offensive zone in straight lines. They move the puck in straight lines. Opposing teams know how to defend against us. The puck either comes straight down a wing or travels around the boards. If you notice the Preds and countless other teams, when they carry the puck into our zone, they don't all coast in in straight lines. Immediately, someone will drop to the high slot, or the wingers will criss cross. There's always a triangular formation so they have multiple passing options. It makes the defense move and creates gaps in the zone. The Rangers just love to come in side by side where all you need is 1 defenseman standing in the right spot and he covers all 3 players. THATS why we are horrible at odd man rushes, they aren't positionally creative. The only time we make passes that open the gaps are when we pass to the point, and then our pointmen aren't offensively talented enough to do anything with that space.

The one goal we scored last night was because Brassard went out of the box and made a short little backpass to Richards. Thats was the KEY pass. It made every Predator on the ice have to adjust to the high man which opened the gap and made them all look away from Nash. That gave Richards the easy pass down the middle of the zone to an open Nash. This is the type of creative play other teams make in our zone ALL day long, they cut through our players with passing through wide open gaps. Brassard has taken a lot of criticism for his lack of point production, but he is one of the only guys (Zuccarello too) that has made those rare passes to the players you didn't expect to hit. He likes making the diagonal pass back to the wide open guy in the opposite circle. And when he makes those passes, it becomes a dangerous scoring opportunity everytime, if not a goal.

Its mind boggling, but like I said, the coach should be creating different types of rushes. Zig Zaggin plays, have the wingers criss cross more often. Don't wait until the puck hits the endboards to have 1 forward high. Our Offense is terrible because its ridiculously predictable. AV kept talking about how Detroit is so good with the puck and they aren't a physical team at all. Its because they are creative. They don't skate in straight lines. They provide more than 1 passing option to the puck carrier. They are difficult to predict. Im so Pissed.

Rangers scored 1 goal at home vs Carter Hutton last night who played with the Toledo Walleye 2 years ago.

What the hell is a Walleye?


nevermind, looked it up, this is a Walleye

With the cap rising, do you really think that some team won't pay Callahan $25 million over 5 years, at a minimum?
- Pete V

If overly desperate...yes...I expect Buffalo or the Icelanders to do so.

At $25/for five years, I'd think about that myself. $5M is about as high as I'd go, but wouldn't want to lose Cally over half a mill per (or something around that). I'd still try to talk him down a year or two.

Agreed. Tort's daughter has every reason and right to mock.

Torts knew the team and adapted to a system that worked. Sure, they didn't score a ton of goals, but they at least played the game. He knew they players weren't going to score a ton so he adapted his system to it. Remember when he first got here? He wanted that "safe is death" upbeat style of game. Unfortunately, it showed really fast that it wasn't going to work with this bunch of players and he changed his system. His downfall, in my opinion, was allowing Sully to take over the Powerplay. If there was a PP threat on the team a few years ago, the Rangers would have beaten the Devils and possibly won the Cup and would have been more successful the season after, too. PP goals do wonders for a team and keeps the opponent honest.

Where to place blame? Sather? Sure. Torts? Sure. Now AV? Sure.

Sather - allowing guys like Prust and Gaborik go and not putting his cigar down and realizing the game is passing him by. Let Gordon take over already.
Torts - Sather got him another guy to score in Nash, but he kept his current defensive style in tact and thus lead to the trade of Gaborik and later his firing. I still think he was a great coach for the Rangers.
AV - I think we all want his system style of play, but he can't get this group of guys to do it and he can't adapt his coaching style because of it.
- mames11

Yes but what has AV done with the same talent...

If overly desperate...yes...I expect Buffalo or the Icelanders to do so.

At $25/for five years, I'd think about that myself. $5M is about as high as I'd go, but wouldn't want to lose Cally over half a mill per (or something around that). I'd still try to talk him down a year or two.
- mames11

overly desperate?! um, WUT?

cally taking a five year, 25 mil contact on the open market would be a sweetheart deal, and at those numbers, half the teams in the league would be after him

no offense, but i don't think you're up on the pulse of his comparable market value, especially with the cap skyrocketing

callahan sees 5-6 years, 5.5 per MINIMUM on the open market. him and his agent will use those clarkson, clowe, and Dustin brown contracts as a benchmark allll day long.

Uhhh...

You don't remember when guys like Leetch , Kovalev, and all were delt before the first lockout about 10 years ago? MSG had the New York Strangers playing on the ice for a month that year.
- mames11

When was the last time all of those teams missed the playoffs in the same year?? Probably about as often as rebuilds have taken place and to be fair, this current Rangers team is a rebuild, about as much as a team can rebuild w/o any high end lottery picks...