Jan Levine: Game 20: NYR 5 MTL 0, Total Team Victory Rangers have second straight dominant effort

Two holiday certainties, Thanksgiving in Tampa and New Year's in Miami

Two holiday certainties, Thanksgiving in Tampa and New Year's in Miami
- HankdaTank

That's where I'll be on New Years

So MSL seems like he'll likely end up close to a PPG player this year. The 1st rounder that Tampa got from us was traded to the Islanders (who drafted Ho-Sang) for two 2nd rounders. Tampa selected 2 defensemen with those picks that project to be borderline 3rd pairing defensive defensemen. I'd say this deal is working out nicely so far, especially if Cally's production comes back down to earth.

So MSL seems like he'll likely end up close to a PPG player this year. The 1st rounder that Tampa got from us was traded to the Islanders (who drafted Ho-Sang) for two 2nd rounders. Tampa selected 2 defensemen with those picks that project to be borderline 3rd pairing defensive defensemen. I'd say this deal is working out nicely so far, especially if Cally's production comes back down to earth.
- rangerdanger94

The run to the SCF made the trade worth it already. Everything now is just gravy

So MSL seems like he'll likely end up close to a PPG player this year. The 1st rounder that Tampa got from us was traded to the Islanders (who drafted Ho-Sang) for two 2nd rounders. Tampa selected 2 defensemen with those picks that project to be borderline 3rd pairing defensive defensemen. I'd say this deal is working out nicely so far, especially if Cally's production comes back down to earth.
- rangerdanger94

Especially since the Rangers almost won the cup with St. Louis, St. Louis likely being effective for at least another few seasons and the fact that not every first round pick turns out to be anything.

Yes Tampa has drafted well lately but they have a recent first round pick, Connolly, currently toiling in the minors. Bottom line is give me a player that can help the team compete for a cup while here over a surplus of first round picks that could very easily turn into nothing.

Think of Kevin Hayes as our first

The run to the SCF made the trade worth it already. Everything now is just gravy
- TPC

I don't know about you but I want a Stanley Cup while St. Louis is here. Want one in general but he has been a favorite of mine for a very long time and I love what he has done since he got dealt to NY.

The man is 39 years old and could very easily score 30 goals this season and average damn near a point per game.

let's not forget that ryan callahan has a NTC for the next four years.

Think of Kevin Hayes as our first
- nyrangers9479

That kid is going to be a great player. The Rangers have a good pool of young talent despite some missteps in the draft and not having any first round selections as of late.

That kid is going to be a great player. The Rangers have a good pool of young talent despite some missteps in the draft and not having any first round selections as of late.
- MidnightMarauder

That is the key for the Rangers. Just don't draft 1st round picks. Trade for other teams first rounders.

Well said Jan. I agree with your post 100%. Now if they can get to playing at this level for 60 minutes more often, this team will become a threat again as being a strong 4-line team with a solid defense and solid goaltending. The key word is consistency. That will decide how the Rangers move in the standings. Best game of the season last night so far.

I don't know about you but I want a Stanley Cup while St. Louis is here. Want one in general but he has been a favorite of mine for a very long time and I love what he has done since he got dealt to NY.

The man is 39 years old and could very easily score 30 goals this season and average damn near a point per game.
- MidnightMarauder

Yea of course, I hope they get one with him on board.

pff

pff
- Not_Yan

You guys were tired.

Soooooooo what do we do about our boy Lee? Where does he fit when he comes back? The 4th line appears to be the only spot, but do you want to break up a line that has finally started to click after being invisible for weeks?

Soooooooo what do we do about our boy Lee? Where does he fit when he comes back? The 4th line appears to be the only spot, but do you want to break up a line that has finally started to click after being invisible for weeks?
- NashtyLight

Let it be for now. He did nothing to solidify his spot. Hopefully when he gets another chance he will have a little more jump in his game. Not saying he was bad, but there was no urgency in his play.

You guys were tired.
- mdw7413

Perhaps, but I never bought in that concept. Maybe mentally. Your offensive depth killed ours. And aside of their amazing W-L situation, the Habs struggle a lot to get a lot of pucks on the net this season.

The Rangers will have until December 19th to release Duclair to play for Canada at WJC

Soooooooo what do we do about our boy Lee? Where does he fit when he comes back? The 4th line appears to be the only spot, but do you want to break up a line that has finally started to click after being invisible for weeks?
- NashtyLight

Meh I'm not satisfied with the 4th line, they finally clicked but I'd rather have Stemp on that RW and Miller on the LW, I think that line could produce and provide energy

The Rangers will have until December 19th to release Duclair to play for Canada at WJC
- jimbro83

He was electric again last night, as long as he's consistent I say no, he'll I say no either way, no giving Canada weapons of mass production

Perhaps, but I never bought in that concept. Maybe mentally. Your offensive depth killed ours. And aside of their amazing W-L situation, the Habs struggle a lot to get a lot of pucks on the net this season.
- Not_Yan

Yeah I was half joking. Saw some of the comments in Engels blog. Some of your losses have been horrific, but cant argue with the results so far. If the Hab's can keep it up, who honestly cares how bad the losses are.

He was electric again last night, as long as he's consistent I say no, he'll I say no either way, no giving Canada weapons of mass production
- HankdaTank

I can't even fathom making our team weaker to help Team Canada. Hell no.

Let it be for now. He did nothing to solidify his spot. Hopefully when he gets another chance he will have a little more jump in his game. Not saying he was bad, but there was no urgency in his play.
- nyrangers9479

4 goals, 4 assists, +4 in 18 games.

To put that in perspective, that is on pace for 18 goals and 36 points over 82 games. Great production for a third liner, and he should at least be in the lineup every night, be it 3rd or 4th line.

I can't even fathom making our team weaker to help Team Canada. Hell no.
- jimbro83

I don't think Vigneault is concerned about Canada's chances at the World Juniors. Duclair has looked more confident lately and that pass he made, to Hagelin, was downright hilarious skill on display.

Both he and Hayes are getting their pro legs now and they will only get better as the season move forward. No sense in sending Duclair down; he doesn't look out of place at this level.