Knew you would like that.
- MidnightMarauder

That's my boy

If he franks with stepan though, Kreider will throw him through the bench again
- TPC

That's what I don't get, Kreider can be that guy for the Rangers that strikes fear on the fore check. He is a beast but he coasts way too much.

I have always been against trying to become a cheap imitation of whatever team is successful at the time -- i.e., the Bruins are the best, so we have to go sign Bickell and Penner to try to be like them. With that said, I think the fourth line can use a player that brings a little toughness and maybe serves as a bit of a deterrent effect. That doesn't change the overall nature of the team. It doesn't mean that the Rangers aren't a speed team. It means: (1) that on nights when the Rangers just don't have it, you have somebody that can stir things up; (2) you have a guy that can create some energy; and (3) you have a guy that is going to deter teams from taking liberties.

Such a guy should cost that much. They got Carcillo last year for a 7th round pick. The Canucks got Dorsett of us for a 3rd rounder (which probably should have kept him). But the fourth line now is non descript. I don't think you need scoring depth on the fourth line, although its nice, but you need a line that is going to provide you with another dimension. The fourth lined doesn't really add anything like they did last year. It is just there.

That's what I don't get, Kreider can be that guy for the Rangers that strikes fear on the fore check. He is a beast but he coasts way too much.
- MidnightMarauder

He can definitely be a beast, but you'd rather have him on the ice where he belongs and not the penalty box.

I have always been against trying to become a cheap imitation of whatever team is successful at the time -- i.e., the Bruins are the best, so we have to go sign Bickell and Penner to try to be like them. With that said, I think the fourth line can use a player that brings a little toughness and maybe serves as a bit of a deterrent effect. That doesn't change the overall nature of the team. It doesn't mean that the Rangers aren't a speed team. It means: (1) that on nights when the Rangers just don't have it, you have somebody that can stir things up; (2) you have a guy that can create some energy; and (3) you have a guy that is going to deter teams from taking liberties.

Such a guy should cost that much. They got Carcillo last year for a 7th round pick. The Canucks got Dorsett of us for a 3rd rounder (which probably should have kept him). But the fourth line now is non descript. I don't think you need scoring depth on the fourth line, although its nice, but you need a line that is going to provide you with another dimension. The fourth lined doesn't really add anything like they did last year. It is just there.
- Pete V

I see you guys getting Neil from Ottawa

I see you guys getting Neil from Ottawa
- Vukota

We still have Malone too.

We still have Malone too.
- rangerdanger94

I see you guys getting Neil from Ottawa
- Vukota

I can see that happening as well, and said as much last night. The hit is a little steep next year, but perhaps Ottawa could retain a few K of the hit (nothing earth shattering for them).

I have always been against trying to become a cheap imitation of whatever team is successful at the time -- i.e., the Bruins are the best, so we have to go sign Bickell and Penner to try to be like them. With that said, I think the fourth line can use a player that brings a little toughness and maybe serves as a bit of a deterrent effect. That doesn't change the overall nature of the team. It doesn't mean that the Rangers aren't a speed team. It means: (1) that on nights when the Rangers just don't have it, you have somebody that can stir things up; (2) you have a guy that can create some energy; and (3) you have a guy that is going to deter teams from taking liberties.

Such a guy should cost that much. They got Carcillo last year for a 7th round pick. The Canucks got Dorsett of us for a 3rd rounder (which probably should have kept him). But the fourth line now is non descript. I don't think you need scoring depth on the fourth line, although its nice, but you need a line that is going to provide you with another dimension. The fourth lined doesn't really add anything like they did last year. It is just there.
- Pete V

Agreed, it would be foolish to panic because they fail to physically match up against the Islanders. The bigger problem against them is they can't match up forward depth. Islanders can roll four solid lines while the Rangers can barely throw out three. The fourth line, with Glass on it, really doesn't provide much. The Rangers need to address the depth a bit but no need to try and "beef up" because the Islanders fourth line played well against them in the last two contests.

I can see that happening as well, and said as much last night. The hit is a little steep next year, but perhaps Ottawa could retain a few K of the hit (nothing earth shattering for them).
- Pete V

Take a pass on Neil; guy can barely skate anymore.

- mdw7413

Guy showed earlier this year he can still play and he's a monster in terms of size and physicality. Wouldn't be surprised if he's up here before the end of the year.

Guy showed earlier this year he can still play and he's a monster in terms of size and physicality. Wouldn't be surprised if he's up here before the end of the year.
- rangerdanger94

Well he showed he can play pre-season, really fell off once the season started. I agree about the size and physicality. Problem is he needs a 10 second head start before the rest of his line to get to the offensive zone.

Agreed, it would be foolish to panic because they fail to physically match up against the Islanders. The bigger problem against them is they can't match up forward depth. Islanders can roll four solid lines while the Rangers can barely throw out three. The fourth line, with Glass on it, really doesn't provide much. The Rangers need to address the depth a bit but no need to try and "beef up" because the Islanders fourth line played well against them in the last two contests.
- MidnightMarauder

The third and fourth lines have become a repository of parts that really don't make much sense together -- i.e., a collection point for the coach because he doesn't have any better options.

I don't think it is a matter of depth, I think it's more of a matter of the players in the bottom six really not fitting together that well.

Now, let me make this clear. This is a not a major problem. The Rangers are real solid in net, the backline and the Top 6, but the bottom six could use some tinkering. Again, I also wouldn't mind seeing Zucc and Hagelin switch spots, and see whether that can spark some things. Hayes and Hagelin have played together for a good amount of time, and I just don't see it with them. The Rangers need to find a third and fourth line that makes sense.

Well he showed he can play pre-season, really fell off once the season started. I agree about the size and physicality. Problem is he needs a 10 second head start before the rest of his line to get to the offensive zone.
- mdw7413

I don't think he was really given a fair shot once the season started. I think AV kind of wanted to go a different direction.

The third and fourth lines have become a repository of parts that really don't make much sense together -- i.e., a collection point for the coach because he doesn't have any better options.

I don't think it is a matter of depth, I think it's more of a matter of the players in the bottom six really not fitting together that well.

Now, let me make this clear. This is a not a major problem. The Rangers are real solid in net, the backline and the Top 6, but the bottom six could use some tinkering. Again, I also wouldn't mind seeing Zucc and Hagelin switch spots, and see whether that can spark some things. Hayes and Hagelin have played together for a good amount of time, and I just don't see it with them. The Rangers need to find a third and fourth line that makes sense.
- Pete V

Vigneault hasn't done a good job managing the bottom six rotation at all. I think it is time to end the Zuccarello experiment on the top line. I am perfectly ok with Hagelin getting that spot because he skates great and does go to the net at least. Zuccarello really wastes too many open looks to make that cute pass, which this year, has not found the mark.

I would even like to see Miller get a chance on the top line, with Nash and Brassard. The second line is fine to me as is but I think the lines need tinkering for sure, and for the love of god, do whatever it takes to keep Glass out of the lineup. Even if they have to go with seven defensemen, and one less forward, enough with him in there. The fourth line is completely useless when he is out there.

Vigneault hasn't done a good job managing the bottom six rotation at all. I think it is time to end the Zuccarello experiment on the top line. I am perfectly ok with Hagelin getting that spot because he skates great and does go to the net at least. Zuccarello really wastes too many open looks to make that cute pass, which this year, has not found the mark.

I would even like to see Miller get a chance on the top line, with Nash and Brassard. The second line is fine to me as is but I think the lines need tinkering for sure, and for the love of god, do whatever it takes to keep Glass out of the lineup. Even if they have to go with seven defensemen, and one less forward, enough with him in there. The fourth line is completely useless when he is out there.
- MidnightMarauder

I realize that Hags is not your prototypical first liner, but remember when he played with Stepan and Nash? He can go dig out pucks and create chances for Nash and Brassard.

That being said, would Zucc be a good fit with Hayes? I don't know. I like Hayes, and think he is going to be a very good NHLer, but I haven't seen the third line humming pretty much all season with him centering it.

At the end of the day, I think one of three rookies in the Rangers lineup, won't be a regular come year's end. I think one of them will fall victim to some veteran help.

I realize that Hags is not your prototypical first liner, but remember when he played with Stepan and Nash? He can go dig out pucks and create chances for Nash and Brassard.

That being said, would Zucc be a good fit with Hayes? I don't know. I like Hayes, and think he is going to be a very good NHLer, but I haven't seen the third line humming pretty much all season with him centering it.

At the end of the day, I think one of three rookies in the Rangers lineup, won't be a regular come year's end. I think one of them will fall victim to some veteran help.
- Pete V

Agreed. I think the 3rd line lacks a bit of an identity.

Agreed. I think the 3rd line lacks a bit of an identity.
- rangerdanger94

Looks like AV is trying to find a different mix. Although a fourth line of Hayes, Fast and Glass is just really non-descript.


12:44PM: The lines at practice today are:
-Rick Nash Nash, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello
-Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Marty St. Louis
-Carl Hagelin, Dominic Moore, Lee Stempniak
-Tanner Glass, Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast

JT Miller is skating as an extra.

Looks like AV is trying to find a different mix. Although a fourth line of Hayes, Fast and Glass is just really non-descript.


12:44PM: The lines at practice today are:
-Rick Nash Nash, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello
-Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Marty St. Louis
-Carl Hagelin, Dominic Moore, Lee Stempniak
-Tanner Glass, Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast

JT Miller is skating as an extra.
- Pete V

I thought JT Miller was hitting everything he could last night

Looks like AV is trying to find a different mix. Although a fourth line of Hayes, Fast and Glass is just really non-descript.


12:44PM: The lines at practice today are:
-Rick Nash Nash, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello
-Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Marty St. Louis
-Carl Hagelin, Dominic Moore, Lee Stempniak
-Tanner Glass, Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast

JT Miller is skating as an extra.
- Pete V

Taking Miller out and leaving Glass in is just ridiculous. He is just horrible.

When they went on that streak and won 13 out of 14 it was because Glass had the mumps

I thought JT Miller was hitting everything he could last night
- jimbro83

He was a lot bigger then I thought as well

He was a lot bigger then I thought as well
- Vukota

taking out one of the forwards actually playing a bit gritty right now is not what I would do.

taking out one of the forwards actually playing a bit gritty right now is not what I would do.
- jimbro83

Hayes, Fast and Glass? That is just a weird line.

I realize that Hags is not your prototypical first liner, but remember when he played with Stepan and Nash? He can go dig out pucks and create chances for Nash and Brassard.

That being said, would Zucc be a good fit with Hayes? I don't know. I like Hayes, and think he is going to be a very good NHLer, but I haven't seen the third line humming pretty much all season with him centering it.

At the end of the day, I think one of three rookies in the Rangers lineup, won't be a regular come year's end. I think one of them will fall victim to some veteran help.
- Pete V

Miller needs to stay no matter what. He has given the coaches no reason to be scratched or buried on the fourth line.

I thought JT Miller was hitting everything he could last night
- jimbro83

I don't f*cking get it, I really don't understand why he is always the fall guy when the team is fully healthy.