What do you guys think about the Rangers chances next year? They're obviously in trouble cap wise right now, but they fell below expectations in the playoffs this year. Do they still have a shot or is their roster too depleted/old?
- NorthNuck

I read some of the things on the Rangers board and can tell you they're not a happy bunch. It seems they would love to move Girardi (which I think would be a mistake - he didn't have a great year last year but is still a fairly solid defenseman) as well as Staal. They feel both have stagnated significantly. The other issue is what to do with Nash - he also didn't have the best year offensively last year; however, you would think he should bounce back. They are also fairly short on team depth, not to mention their all world goaltender is another year older. All in all, not the most positive outlook. That said, it's not like they had a terrible season last year, losing to the eventual cup champions.

so take him off the follow list
- SMBDragon

Retool/Rebuild whatever you want to call it I don't like those word to describe the changes in this organization. I think they don't describe what is actually happening.

Right now the team is going through a phase of actually change. It is being changed in the image of what new management sees for the future. Something that was lost in the Gillis era who obviously got their info from easports. I want to add Nonis in here as well but imo he only failed in the 2007 draft. 05 and 06 he did excellent. Both were handed an already very good team. Gillis added some very nice pieces to take the team over the top. They almost did it but ultimately they neglected the future and left a gap. Now that gap needs to be filled as well as building for the future.

It is a big job ahead and I don't think tearing down and just accumulating draft picks is the right way. The team has to grow and change to find new chemistry and just selling does not help anything. Right now a lot of catch up is happening. 2 years is too short of a span to start jumping ship.

More moves have been made by Benning than any other GM in the league as far as I can tell. He is being proactive to make this team better.
- thundachunk

I agree it is going through change and Benning is proactive in trying to make the team better, which is great, it was obvious that this team needed to change and we are seeing lots of change. Until I see improvement though its all hopes and wishes.

It isn't a confusing strategy/concept, and it might end up being a very effective one.
- belcherbd

yes, it may turn out to be a brilliant strategy if they can make the playoffs while drafting and developing a future star core....or they may be mired in mediocrity for awhile until the Sedin's retire and we can load up on some high picks.

Given the fact the Sedin's are still here and our flakey fanbase I don't think they have much of an option on strategy.

It seem McDonagh has never been the same since that concussion and Staal since his eye. They have the personnel if they can put it together. Just seem so inconsistent with guys like Nash. I really like Hayes, Krieder and Miller though. I think they are still very relevant in the East if healthy.
- neem55

Rangers are in deep doo doo

This is going to be a big year for Benning. For his sake I hope the team makes the playoffs and wins a round.

If they are a bottom 10 team again it's going to be quite difficult selling "the plan" to ownership and the fans.
- golfingsince

It's ownership's plan.

Canucks management should stop doing interviews with 1040 and deny them access to the teams facilities and players. It's hard to put on a sports talk show without sports figures.
- A_SteamingLombardi

That would be hilarious. A few of the idiots would be fired

I agree it is going through change and Benning is proactive in trying to make the team better, which is great, it was obvious that this team needed to change and we are seeing lots of change. Until I see improvement though its all hopes and wishes.
- belcherbd

Hopes and Wishes

Sure, you clearly have faith in the potential of the change that has been made and that's fair.
- belcherbd

Its not about faith its about support. If a bunch of bonehead moves have been made for the sake of change then yeah the support ends. When people see moves like Gudbransen for McCann and all they see is a bad move I think they are idiots. People got hung up on stupid draft picks being given away to focus on what actually happened. We got a 6'4" top 4 defence man for a few prospects. Yeah Benning is an idiot. Chirreli trade Hall for Larrsen and the spin is now they are a better team without Hall. That imo is horse $hit and my support is lost.

It's ownership's plan.
- A_SteamingLombardi

I think ownership demands the playoffs.

I agree it is going through change and Benning is proactive in trying to make the team better, which is great, it was obvious that this team needed to change and we are seeing lots of change. Until I see improvement though its all hopes and wishes.
- belcherbd

I think you need a magic lamp for what you want.

Changes have been made and in most cases for the better. The players that were drafted and Canucks decided to keep are now developing . We also picked up some extra first round draft picks through trades.

Rangers are in deep doo doo
- VANTEL

They do have a pretty young team though, especially with forwards.
Other than Nash and Glass (both 32) no one is over 28.

Like the Canucks though I don't see any elite talent.

On D they are a bit older but McDonough is still only 27 and Staal 29 even if they have had some down seasons. Skjei and McIlrath both look like they will be there soon as well full time.

I think ownership demands the playoffs.
- golfingsince

So they should. I respect that if the intensions are to win. Winning is winning and anything can happen in the playoffs. Getting there is good for the younger group to show them what it takes to be winners. Its about culture. Build success. It should be a goal every year.

"Its not realistic" F@ck yes it is.

http://vancouverisland.ct...travel-magazine-1.2979267

Its not about faith its about support. If a bunch of bonehead moves have been made for the sake of change then yeah the support ends. When people see moves like Gudbransen for McCann and all they see is a bad move I think they are idiots. People got hung up on stupid draft picks being given away to focus on what actually happened. We got a 6'4" top 4 defence man for a few prospects. Yeah Benning is an idiot. Chirreli trade Hall for Larrsen and the spin is now they are a better team without Hall. That imo is horse $hit and my support is lost.
- thundachunk

I think if you asked anyone on here for a brief description of the 30 selected second roundplayers in this years draft , the most popular answer would be Tyler Benson was injured and he played for the Giants. This years draft fielded a list of nobody's . I agree with you sometimes people just like to complain

I think if you asked anyone on here for a brief description of the 30 selected players in this years draft , the most popular answer would be Tyler Benson was injured and he played for the Giants.nthis years draft fielded a list of nobody's . I agree with you sometimes people just like to complain
- VANTEL

C'mon now Vantel.

There was an amazing Dman playing in London eligible to be drafted this year.

(frank)ing nobody's?

C'mon now Vantel.

There was an amazing Dman playing in London eligible to be drafted this year.

(frank)ing nobody's?
- walshyleafsfan

Aside from him I meant

C'mon now Vantel.

There was an amazing Dman playing in London eligible to be drafted this year.

(frank)ing nobody's?
- walshyleafsfan

C'mon walshy give us a break for one (frank)ing day.

Lets talk about winners.

Lindens challenge to the rookies. At his age he expects the prospects to beat his time on the grouse grind.(usually around 45 minutes)

Henrik and Daniel are rarely beaten and I think they still do under 30 minutes. While this is not hockey its still challenging players to be the best.

Be a winner. Work hard.

Its not about faith its about support. If a bunch of bonehead moves have been made for the sake of change then yeah the support ends. When people see moves like Gudbransen for McCann and all they see is a bad move I think they are idiots. People got hung up on stupid draft picks being given away to focus on what actually happened. We got a 6'4" top 4 defence man for a few prospects. Yeah Benning is an idiot. Chirreli trade Hall for Larrsen and the spin is now they are a better team without Hall. That imo is horse $hit and my support is lost.
- thundachunk

If the team improves and is competitive than I think people will support the team and mgmt's vision. I love the idea that this team will be competitive and believe that players develop best when they have the opportunity to compete for playoffs and the cup. I'm just not willing to pat mgmt's back for a job well done until they can do it.

Aside from him I meant
- VANTEL

Gotcha.

Well then, Yes, i agree.

You lucky buggers managed to not have any draft picks for this crappy draft.

Lets talk about winners.

Lindens challenge to the rookies. At his age he expects the prospects to beat his time on the grouse grind.(usually around 45 minutes)

Henrik and Daniel are rarely beaten and I think they still do under 30 minutes. While this is not hockey its still challenging players to be the best.

Be a winner. Work hard.
- thundachunk

That is going to bring in more trolls.

http://vancouverisland.ct...travel-magazine-1.2979267
- A_SteamingLombardi

I should move there. My $hit doesn't stink either.

Canucks management should stop doing interviews with 1040 and deny them access to the teams facilities and players. It's hard to put on a sports talk show without sports figures.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Teach them a lesson for awhile and then they'll be back at their antics.

C'mon walshy give us a break for one (frank)ing day.
- A_SteamingLombardi

No can do I'm afraid.

Reciprocating Scooby's, Beatle_John's and Bloated's visits over the last 3 years.

Sorry man. I'd love to, but principles are principles.