Wait, staal was the best defenseman from both teams in the series? Or game seven?

If staal was as good in that series as you say he was, then it would have never gone seven games. In reality, philly should have won that series if mason played all seven games. Emery handed the rangers half of their wins. In that case, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
- GRC1985

Can give me the lottery numbers too?

Wait, staal was the best defenseman from both teams in the series? Or game seven?
- GRC1985

best defenseman from either team in that series.

If staal was as good in that series as you say he was, then it would have never gone seven games. In reality, philly should have won that series if mason played all seven games. Emery handed the rangers half of their wins. In that case, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
- GRC1985

if the Rangers had Petry instead of Staal we would have swept

the free market decided that andrew macdonald is worth 5 million a year for 6 years, so the short answer to the question: yes.
- Why So Serious

Phillie has a terrible GM

Nah. The matchup in the Pens series was Staal vs Crosby and McDonagh vs Malkin.

AV doesn't really match lines too much though defensively. He usually just makes sure to have either McDonagh's line or Staal's line out there against the top line of the other team.

Edit: Is there a site that shows these numbers?

Edit 2: I was searching for some site that shows this but I found this article for now:
http://www.broadstreethoc...ysis-flyers-playoffs-2014
"The Rangers top two defensive units, Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi and Marc Staal-Anton Stralman, have gone up against Giroux's line almost equally and have had a lot of success in shutting Giroux and his linemates down."

Just illustrates my point that AV doesn't really match defensive lines besides having Staal or McDonagh out there against the top players.
- rangerdanger94

Staal did do an amazing job on Crosby last year. Had him completely off of his game.
I don't like the amount Staal got compared to other "existing" contracts. However, prices are inflating. This is what he is worth.

NO Absolutely NO

If staal was as good in that series as you say he was, then it would have never gone seven games. In reality, philly should have won that series if mason played all seven games. Emery handed the rangers half of their wins. In that case, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
- GRC1985

if the Rangers had Petry instead of Staal we would have swept
- jimbro83

I am not saying staal sucks, just not worth almost $6mill a season. Especially when he did not perform in the stanley cup finals, the way he "did" vs philly. He even took a crucial high sticking call that the kings scored on. Philly would not have swept nyr if petry was there. Emery would have something to say about that. Philly HAD an awful GM. Holmgren is gone .

I see you boys having been introduced to some of the stupidity I've been fighting for days, one thing left to do and just won the whhhooollleee fugging thing!!!! Then let the cry baby trolls explode

if the Rangers had Petry instead of Staal we would have swept
- jimbro83

If Staal wasn't slowing down Stralman we would have won in 3

The contract itself doesn't really bother me. It's the NTC that gets me. Especially when that was the whole reason Callahan got traded in the first place. Also the fact that it pretty much guarentees Zuc and St. Louis are gone after this year.
- GOODPLAYA20

Staal is getting paid for what he is, Callahan started by asking for 7 million which is what he's not, negotiations played out differently and think it played a part in why it turned out differently, from the moment negotiations started it seemed like they were close right away

I don't exactly consider him an offensive defenseman.
- rangerdanger94

Yeah, generally defensemen that produce over 1/2 a point per game are your stay-at-home guys. I mean, he's basically Douglas Murray right?

If Staal wasn't slowing down Stralman we would have won in 3
- HankdaTank

True, well he's no Stralman is he?

Yeah, generally defensemen that produce over 1/2 a point per game are your stay-at-home guys. I mean, he's basically Douglas Murray right?
- CaptCrankypants

He's essentially an Erik Johnson. I don't consider Erik Johnson much of an offensive defenseman either.

With how few top four defensemen are ever available and with what orpik got last year, I don't think this is a bad deal. Good luck with finding a cheaper top four as a ufa. These things don't seem to be what any of these bloggers think about. If you don't have someone in the system to replace him then you're screwed.

I'd be perfectly happy with boychuk at this term and number. I don't think these bloggers considered what a top four ufa defenseman is going to cost this year.

He's essentially an Erik Johnson. I don't consider Erik Johnson much of an offensive defenseman either.
- rangerdanger94

Historically no with his early years, but 9 goals last year, already has a 12 goals this year. His offensive side if progressing at the right time when he moves into his prime years, currently 26 years old.

Live shot of the Avs negotiating with EJ next summer

the free market decided that andrew macdonald is worth 5 million a year for 6 years, so the short answer to the question: yes.
- Why So Serious

No. Holmgren got robbed on a trade and decided to sign a sub par defenseman to a ridiculously stupid deal. He wasnt even a free agent yet. Im not knocking the Staal signing but thats a bad comparison. Like really bad.

If he's worth the money to the team then so be it, who cares if he's overpaid or not? I'm not sure if I would be that happy paying that much for him, but if the New York rangers are happy with it then....

Historically no with his early years, but 9 goals last year, already has a 12 goals this year. His offensive side if progressing at the right time when he moves into his prime years, currently 26 years old.

Live shot of the Avs negotiating with EJ next summer

- DDM-Coga

for the gif.

No. Holmgren got robbed on a trade and decided to sign a sub par defenseman to a ridiculously stupid deal. He wasnt even a free agent yet. Im not knocking the Staal signing but thats a bad comparison. Like really bad.
- Cptmjl

Staal was a UFA yet either. The Staal contract is better than AMac and Orpik, because he's younger

Staal was a UFA yet either. The Staal contract is better than AMac and Orpik, because he's younger
- tomburton99

yes, and you guys also didn't trade a 2nd and a 3rd for him, then sign him after a few games to a ridiculous contract. Philly is in a really bad place with their roster, the cap and the term on so many of their players that are not helping them at all.

I have no issue at all with this deal for staal. Rangers may have some difficulty getting everyone under contract but you have to have a solid top four to be a good team in this league.

Staal was a UFA yet either. The Staal contract is better than AMac and Orpik, because he's younger
- tomburton99

And twice the player...

yes, and you guys also didn't trade a 2nd and a 3rd for him, then sign him after a few games to a ridiculous contract. Philly is in a really bad place with their roster, the cap and the term on so many of their players that are not helping them at all.

I have no issue at all with this deal for staal. Rangers may have some difficulty getting everyone under contract but you have to have a solid top four to be a good team in this league.
- Isles_since_6

That is now not possible. Either Zuccarello or MSL have to go.

Staal was a UFA yet either. The Staal contract is better than AMac and Orpik, because he's younger
- tomburton99

Staal is also much better those two suck as we all knew bfr they were signed . Also, I know Staal wasnt a ufa I was just correcting the other poster