I think the Rangers demise is exaggerated, sure their offense has lost some luster, but I consider the defense better with Boyle in the mix, as for the offense the key will be for Brassard (he doesn't have to be Richards) to properly feed Hagglin and Zucs,the first line is set with Kreider-Stepan and Nash, also JT Miller will get his shot and I know he can play, we all saw it in the Tortella era.

Yeah but the rangers got St. Louis at deadline and didn't really give up much. That deal made Tampa ,who was a real contender, get knocked out in the 1st round and nyr, who wasn't much different than other playoff teams, become a team that blew by everyone in the east.
- joshs

I'm not sure I'd say they blew past everyone in the East. Their series went 7 games, 7 games, and 6 games. That said I don't think St. Louis was the difference in either Tampa's elimination or the Rangers successes. Did his presence/absence make a difference? Sure, but I don't think the story lines would have played out much differently had he not been traded.

Lastly they gave up a fair amount to land him. Two 1st round picks and Callahan is a pretty hefty price tag.

I dunno know about that. Iggysbf isn't delusional about the Oilers, he knows how far they are from being a top team....or are you suggesting that long time fans the game that cheer for a terrible team should not be permitted to comment? God help us if that means us poor saps have to suffer the arrogance of Hawks, Bruins, Kings and Penguins fans in silence, because those fans are in some giant way more knowledgeable because their teams 'just so happen to to great?
This attitude baffles me.
- Jeropotato

the earlier, delusional about his team....The 'Hawks were one bounce from the cup and I admit they have to improve....

Dan Boyle replaces Stralman and Brad Richards on the PP

Upgrade

JT Miller relplalces Brad Richards 5 on 5. JT is ready to play in the NHL full time
Better skater and stonger than Brad Richards. Will show everyone that he is an upgrade to Brad Richards. Richards got moved down against the Kings in the finals.

Lee Stempniak replace Benoit Pouliot. Push. Stempniak playing with Zucc and Brass will put up similar numbers to Pouliot.

Matthew Lombardi replace Brian Boyle. Boyles size and board presence will be missed but Lombardi's speed will make up for the lack of size. Push

Tanner Glass replaces Derrick Dorsett. Push. Glass will be able kill Penalties which Dorsett did not do.

Now that year two under AV, there wont be the learning curve there was in year one. Lundquist has his contract a those distractions are gone

Plus I did not like what Pitt and Philly did in the offseason.

Rangers win the Metro

Dan Boyle replaces Stralman and Brad Richards on the PP

Upgrade

JT Miller relplalces Brad Richards 5 on 5. JT is ready to play in the NHL full time
Better skater and stonger than Brad Richards. Will show everyone that he is an upgrade to Brad Richards. Richards got moved down against the Kings in the finals.

Lee Stempniak replace Benoit Pouliot. Push. Stempniak playing with Zucc and Brass will put up similar numbers to Pouliot.

Matthew Lombardi replace Brian Boyle. Boyles size and board presence will be missed but Lombardi's speed will make up for the lack of size. Push

Tanner Glass replaces Derrick Dorsett. Push. Glass will be able kill Penalties which Dorsett did not do.

Now that year two under AV, there wont be the learning curve there was in year one. Lundquist has his contract a those distractions are gone

Plus I did not like what Pitt and Philly did in the offseason.

Rangers win the Metro
- pfun1000

1- Miller really doesn't replace Richards Offensive abilities and leadership.
2- Stempniak doesn't really replace the nastyness of pouliot in a long shot AND Stempniak needs a strong playmaker (Check the stats he had with Crosby, now imagine with a downgrade)
3-Lombardi is already finished, couldn't keep up with the leafs at the end. He's gonna be a healthy scratch most of the times.

You are right about Boyle and Glass tho.