Jan Levine: Game 14: NYR 2 WAS 1, Reminiscent of Last Year's Series Win Holtby turns back the clock but Rangers a bit better

Jan Levine: Game 14: NYR 2 WAS 1, Reminiscent of Last Year's Series Win
Holtby turns back the clock but Rangers a bit better
- airjan23

Strong game, from the reports that I have gathered and the highlights I caught(was coming home from a mini vacation).

Nice to see the defense and cycle game look a lot like last year's. Stepan and Hagelin have really stepped up lately.

Hope Powe isn't too injured, either.

One more funny note, found it funny that Holtby looked sharp last night, considering the fact that every other team he has faced made him out to be a shooter tutor replica.

Well done, Jan.

To touch on who is available in the minors, it seems Ferriero and Palmieri are not really mentioned. I feel that either of those players would be better suited to a bottom six role than Thomas, who is definitely not going to be a physical presence and is probably a bust altogether.

Well done, Jan.

To touch on who is available in the minors, it seems Ferriero and Palmieri are not really mentioned. I feel that either of those players would be better suited to a bottom six role than Thomas, who is definitely not going to be a physical presence and is probably a bust altogether.
- Rags2Riches

Thanks for the reminder, was thinking more of a scorer but agree. Those two might be and likely are better suited to using Kreider there. Play Kreider 17-19 minutes nightly in the AHL on a scoring line and let him grow that way, rather than third line minutes in NY. Mind if I augment the blog with this?

Jan Levine: Game 14: NYR 2 WAS 1, Reminiscent of Last Year's Series Win
Holtby turns back the clock but Rangers a bit better
- airjan23

Well done Jan.

If the Rangers are truly offering MDZ in a trade for O'Reilly, would that not leave them with a huge void on defense? Del Zotto logged big minutes last night, and Gilroy was nailed to the bench again in the 3rd. Doesn't make sense, or I'm I missing something?

Well done, Jan.

To touch on who is available in the minors, it seems Ferriero and Palmieri are not really mentioned. I feel that either of those players would be better suited to a bottom six role than Thomas, who is definitely not going to be a physical presence and is probably a bust altogether.
- Rags2Riches

I would hold off on Thomas being a bad draft pick. Let's give him a little more time. If Powe is likely out than the Rangers will likely roll with Pyatt-Halpern-Asham on the fourth line.

If Miller and Kreider can get more physically acclimated, the Rangers actually have a pretty solid lineup.

Well done Jan.

If the Rangers are truly offering MDZ in a trade for O'Reilly, would that not leave them with a huge void on defense? Del Zotto logged big minutes last night, and Gilroy was nailed to the bench again in the 3rd. Doesn't make sense, or I'm I missing something?
- OLDSCHOOL#6

It is highly doubtful the Rangers will deal for O'Reilly, too much money for him, which causes problems for the impending free agents on the team. O'Reilly wants twice what Del Zotto is making.

Well done Jan.

If the Rangers are truly offering MDZ in a trade for O'Reilly, would that not leave them with a huge void on defense? Del Zotto logged big minutes last night, and Gilroy was nailed to the bench again in the 3rd. Doesn't make sense, or I'm I missing something?
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Nope, you are not missing anything. Thats why I wrote yesterday and today that I don't think it would happen.

Jan, agree relative to Ovechkin and him just not being the same force of nature that he once was. The decline seemed to coincide with the Caps focus to a shift to a more defensive style under Boudreau (in which they were still winning games, but frankly have never really looked quite right since), but it's certainly more than that - perhaps the physical nature of his game has taken its toll (as many said when he first came into the league). Ovechkin still a threat, but it appears that the days of him dominating are a thing of the past (BTW, I agree with Oates trying to move him to the right - he is completely neutralized coming down the left, guys just pick the puck right off of his stick - he potentially has a better opportunity to use the body to shield the defender coming down the left side).

Jan, agree relative to Ovechkin and him just not being the same force of nature that he once was. The decline seemed to coincide with the Caps focus to a shift to a more defensive style under Boudreau (in which they were still winning games, but frankly have never really looked quite right since), but it's certainly more than that - perhaps the physical nature of his game has taken its toll (as many said when he first came into the league). Ovechkin still a threat, but it appears that the days of him dominating are a thing of the past (BTW, I agree with Oates trying to move him to the right - he is completely neutralized coming down the left, guys just pick the puck right off of his stick - he potentially has a better opportunity to use the body to shield the defender coming down the left side).
- MadCap2008

Thanks for the insight from a Caps fan. Every time he wound up early in the game for the slapper, I was worried. As the game, wore on, less so. Plus, he moves so much from one side to the other, that official 'position' is kind of a misnomer anyway.

Well done, Jan.

To touch on who is available in the minors, it seems Ferriero and Palmieri are not really mentioned. I feel that either of those players would be better suited to a bottom six role than Thomas, who is definitely not going to be a physical presence and is probably a bust altogether.
- Rags2Riches

from last blog:

yo i sit in 212 row 21.....its above the blue seats.....except its more expensive.

plus the soul of the building is gone. not having the 2 walkways really makes it different

Thanks for the insight from a Caps fan. Every time he wound up early in the game for the slapper, I was worried. As the game, wore on, less so. Plus, he moves so much from one side to the other, that official 'position' is kind of a misnomer anyway.
- airjan23

Hadn't really seen the Rangers much this season prior to last night but am surprised that they seem to be struggling a bit (though they clearly carried play much of the game last night). I figured with the Nash acquisition that they were a solid bet to represent the East in the SCF - is he fitting in well or still finding his way ?

from last blog:

yo i sit in 212 row 21.....its above the blue seats.....except its more expensive.

plus the soul of the building is gone. not having the 2 walkways really makes it different
- FBONES19

This makes sense as to why they are putting in those sky bridges. I always thought that was a qimmick but if they realyl eliminated the walkways "inside" then that explains the plans for those sky bridges to get from one side to another. Could be cool..

But in general, am I the onyl one that normally would have scooped up a ticket or 2 of stubhub and havent because of prices? Is it just me or are they all like $10-15 higher than expected. The cheapest ticket I saw (not counting behind the nets because I'd rather watch on TV then) was $65 before fees against TB in the last row. Kinda stinks to not be able to see a game for less then a $100 day when you include the train and everything.

Hadn't really seen the Rangers much this season prior to last night but am surprised that they seem to be struggling a bit (though they clearly carried play much of the game last night). I figured with the Nash acquisition that they were a solid bet to represent the East in the SCF - is he fitting in well or still finding his way ?
- MadCap2008

It's the opposite problem we thought we'd have. He fits in very well and looks to be a force out there but can't seem to finish the opportunities he creates. Stat sheet makes him look like its not working but really he fits like a glove here.

It's the opposite problem we thought we'd have. He fits in very well and looks to be a force out there but can't seem to finish the opportunities he creates. Stat sheet makes him look like its not working but really he fits like a glove here.
- mrhattrick27

You would think he will start finishing at some point. BTW, as a Caps fan I hate the idea of the Rangers, but I can't hate this team (really like Callahan and the general makeup of the team).

It's the opposite problem we thought we'd have. He fits in very well and looks to be a force out there but can't seem to finish the opportunities he creates. Stat sheet makes him look like its not working but really he fits like a glove here.
- mrhattrick27

Not sure if this is true or not as I also don't catch much Rangers games but from watching highlights in the mornings and what not Nash seems to be one of the best guys out there and more of Richards and Gabby not pulling there eight or maybe Nash only shos that in Glimpses as I said I only catch the highlights

Hadn't really seen the Rangers much this season prior to last night but am surprised that they seem to be struggling a bit (though they clearly carried play much of the game last night). I figured with the Nash acquisition that they were a solid bet to represent the East in the SCF - is he fitting in well or still finding his way ?
- MadCap2008

Fitting in, Rangers biggest problem has been their power play. Dead last, as of last night. Their power play has cost them several games this season.

Individually, most of the bigger players have played well.

Not sure if this is true or not as I also don't catch much Rangers games but from watching highlights in the mornings and what not Nash seems to be one of the best guys out there and more of Richards and Gabby not pulling there eight or maybe Nash only shos that in Glimpses as I said I only catch the highlights
- blizzzard

Thats what I was saying. He's the best of the 3. Just stat sheet doesnt show how well he's actually playing.

Not sure if this is true or not as I also don't catch much Rangers games but from watching highlights in the mornings and what not Nash seems to be one of the best guys out there and more of Richards and Gabby not pulling there eight or maybe Nash only shos that in Glimpses as I said I only catch the highlights
- blizzzard

Nash has been one of their better forwards, night in night out. Not getting the goals but it isn't from lack of effort. Is visible most games, without question.

Gaborik is streaky, scores in bunches and disappears in bunches. Richards has been shabby this season. It seems to me that he didn't really stay in NHL caliber condition during the lockout because he looks so sluggish out there.

Thats what I was saying. He's the best of the 3. Just stat sheet doesnt show how well he's actually playing.
- mrhattrick27

that falling down pass he had seems to me what he is all about it always seems like he could do it all on his own

that falling down pass he had seems to me what he is all about it always seems like he could do it all on his own
- blizzzard

The only criticism I have is that sometimes he tries too hard to do it alone, instead of making the simple pass, and ends up losing the puck.

Obviously, other times it ends up in highlight reel stuff.

It is highly doubtful the Rangers will deal for O'Reilly, too much money for him, which causes problems for the impending free agents on the team. O'Reilly wants twice what Del Zotto is making.
- MidnightMarauder

It's a front... Del Z is not in on this... It's Brad Richards for O'Reilly, and Brad knows this, which is why he is playing average.

It's a front... Del Z is not in on this... It's Brad Richards for O'Reilly, and Brad knows this, which is why he is playing average.
- Iamnumber27

lol I wish.

It's a front... Del Z is not in on this... It's Brad Richards for O'Reilly, and Brad knows this, which is why he is playing average.
- Iamnumber27

Oh! That's great rumor stuff, but doesn't Richards have a NMC?

Oh! That's great rumor stuff, but doesn't Richards have a NMC?
- OLDSCHOOL#6

He would... haha