that's that right handed shot thing. AV forced Fast into playing top 6 minutes because he is desperate for a righty shot up front and will probably keep doing it considering they haven't remotely addressed it
- jimbro83

It was odd though, the year before when Fast got some top 6 time he played really well. Granted it was only a few games, but I really thought he would excel a bit more in that top 6 role. After last year though I think he showed he could be a decent 3rd/4th liner.

I agree with that. Maybe not necessarily the Top 6, but one more solid top 9 forward that you can move up and down the lineup. If you put Brass, Step, Nash, Zucc, Miller and Kreider in the top 6, a third line of Hayes, Buch and whoever, has some question marks (Does Hayes bounce back, does Buchnevich adjust quick enough, who plays that third spot, i.e.).

Also, worry a little about the fourth line center position.
- Pete V

I don't know a lot about him, but Brandon Pirri had a season recently where he had 22 goals and 2 assists. If that doesn't scream shoot first mentality I'm not sure what does haha

It was odd though, the year before when Fast got some top 6 time he played really well. Granted it was only a few games, but I really thought he would excel a bit more in that top 6 role. After last year though I think he showed he could be a decent 3rd/4th liner.
- mdw7413

Is JVR a Ranger yet?

I don't know a lot about him, but Brandon Pirri had a season recently where he had 22 goals and 2 assists. If that doesn't scream shoot first mentality I'm not sure what does haha
- Slimtj100

He sucks at everything else though...but the dude has a good shot

I think Fast is just one of those real solid fourth line players that can bring some energy, is real responsible defensively, and is a great PKer. That is really all that I expect out of him.

I know there are different points of view on this, but I think there are still some guys on the market that can help the Rangers if they can be had on the cheap. Wouldn't mind either a guy that can play the fourth line center role or a third line winger (move up and down the lineup type guy).

Hudler and Cullen are two guys I would definitely be interested in, although it seems Cullen wants to go back to Pitt.

The upside of getting players like this on the cheap is that it gives you depth, and actually provides an asset that you can trade at the deadline if your young kids are playing well (which only comes at a money price).

Assuming that vets on one year deals wouldn't scare away Vessey, which let's be honest, if they did, says something about the kid.
- Pete V

I wouldn't mind Hudler on the cheap at all.

Is JVR a Ranger yet?
- TPC

It was odd though, the year before when Fast got some top 6 time he played really well. Granted it was only a few games, but I really thought he would excel a bit more in that top 6 role. After last year though I think he showed he could be a decent 3rd/4th liner.
- mdw7413

I like Fast, but, the guy scored 4 goals in his last 49 games, we gotta have more talented guys playing on the top 6

If Hayes friendship with Vessey helps steer him here, I will never make fun of him again
- TPC

what's Vesey's first name? someone link his wikipedia page

I wouldn't mind Hudler on the cheap at all.
- mdw7413

Hudler is one year removed from having 32 Goals and 76 points. That is top shelf production. He came back to Earth last year, but man, if you can get that guy for one of those bargain one year contracts, just do it.

I like Fast, but, the guy scored 4 goals in his last 49 games, we gotta have more talented guys playing on the top 6
- jimbro83

Absolutely. Hoping for a big year from Miller.

dont snooze on Malte Stromwall fellas

he's the real reason they aren't doing anything else

dont snooze on Malte Stromwall fellas

he's the real reason they aren't doing anything else
- jimbro83

Is he like Stralman's cousin? Baby Jesus?

Absolutely. Hoping for a big year from Miller.
- mdw7413

In short, if you look at the Rangers on paper, they have actually taken a step back. That's not to say they can't actually be a better team, but doing so will require some of the young guys to take steps forward. Miller needs to hold the level or get better. Kreider probably is what he is, but if he gets a little more consistent and creeps into the high 20 goal range, that would be a plus. Buchnevich? Who knows. But, him adjusting fast would help. And then you need bounce back years from the dmen that we have discussed at nauseum.

Still wouldn't mind some additional depth, however. I am not saying the current lineup is ideal. They should try to get better.

Is he like Stralman's cousin? Baby Jesus?
- TPC

he was a man, he had a beard

Been in exile, but have been lurking. The doom n gloom is a bit out of control everywhere. If you think about it pretty much everyone had a down year, wether injury, lack of production, young guys hitting a wall, etc...even Hank wasn't his best last year. And they still made the playoffs had 101 pts and played the best team since the Soviet red army in rd 1 basically. A full off season could go a long way for them.

I like the addition of Grabner, if only for doing some of the things we had with Hagelin. Skjei as a full time player over Boyle is a humongous big upgrade. Girardi gets the benefit of the doubt with me that's for sure, I refuse to write him off after one bad year. Hopefully Buchnevich becomes someone they can count on, but it's important not to much to much pressure on him. He is kinda being viewed as a savior in some ways, which is risky to do. Happy with Buek coming in behind the bench also. Nash isn't going anywhere and it is what it is, I understand the business part where no team is willing to take him on, hopefully at the deadline maybe they can unload him.

Hopefully all your summers are going well!
- Slimtj100

Good subtle moves to improve the PK which had been a staple of this team for a long time, Hank averaged 26 PP goals against over the previous 5 years, last year it went up to 46, clear indication that it needed to be fixed

I wonder how many people thought the Pens were Cup contenders when they called up Conner Sheary and Tommy Kuhnackel

dont snooze on Malte Stromwall fellas

he's the real reason they aren't doing anything else
- jimbro83

I am excited about him, but a jump from the Swedish B league to the NHL is a pretty big jump. Kid probably needs to play in Hartford, no?

Good subtle moves to improve the PK which had been a staple of this team for a long time, Hank averaged 26 PP goals against over the previous 5 years, last year it went up to 46, clear indication that it needed to be fixed

I wonder how many people thought the Pens were Cup contenders when they called up Conner Sheary and Tommy Kuhnackel
- KreiderBomb

Honestly, I thought the Pens were possible Cup contenders just by having that stable of talent, if they could stay healthy and get decent play on the blueline. Any team with Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Letang is a cup contender.

But, I get your point, they weren't viewed particularly favorably coming into the season. Things can change.

In short, if you look at the Rangers on paper, they have actually taken a step back. That's not to say they can't actually be a better team, but doing so will require some of the young guys to take steps forward. Miller needs to hold the level or get better. Kreider probably is what he is, but if he gets a little more consistent and creeps into the high 20 goal range, that would be a plus. Buchnevich? Who knows. But, him adjusting fast would help. And then you need bounce back years from the dmen that we have discussed at nauseum.

Still wouldn't mind some additional depth, however. I am not saying the current lineup is ideal. They should try to get better.
- Pete V

True, but you also expect Miller, Hayes and Kreids to be a bit better. Zuccarello I think will be even more comfortable. Nash & Girardi will be much better healthy. I actually think the team right now is slightly better going into this year, but I also do agree with you Pete that there is room to improve, and if the right deal is out there they should make it.

dont snooze on Malte Stromwall fellas

he's the real reason they aren't doing anything else
- jimbro83

No clue who this is

Good subtle moves to improve the PK which had been a staple of this team for a long time, Hank averaged 26 PP goals against over the previous 5 years, last year it went up to 46, clear indication that it needed to be fixed

I wonder how many people thought the Pens were Cup contenders when they called up Conner Sheary and Tommy Kuhnackel
- KreiderBomb

I was saying last year when the got Kessel I had a fear they could find their way. Also noticed how difficult a time we had in the playoffs that year. We beat them, but it was like pulling teeth. With that said, this year we really had no chance for a number of reasons and some of which could change. Rangers need that hunger again, I think that was the biggest factor this season. They are a humbled group and that alone should provide some serious motivation next season.

No clue who this is
- mdw7413

soon you will be aware

what's Vesey's first name? someone link his wikipedia page


- evitageN

That is one handsome mofo

dont snooze on Malte Stromwall fellas

he's the real reason they aren't doing anything else
- jimbro83

Isn't Jensen a possible top 9 guy also? He did pretty good in that pee wee tourney recently didn't he? Whatever that tourney was haha

No clue who this is
- mdw7413

Wasn't' he like a 7th round pick this year? People think he will make the big club?

Isn't Jensen a possible top 9 guy also? He did pretty good in that pee wee tourney recently didn't he? Whatever that tourney was haha
- Slimtj100

I think both Jensen and Hrivik lock down permanent spots this year. Hrivik was actually really good the 4 games he played last year. Don't know why they gave up on him