Ben Shelley: Metro Division Comparison: Islanders/Rangers

The metro is getting spicy!

Lundqvist and Varlamov are equal because Varlamov will be better than Lundqvist if he's at his best, but Lundqvist will not be at his best because he is old. Tough logic to follow.

Great write up otherwise though.

cool blog

Lundqvist and Varlamov are equal because Varlamov will be better than Lundqvist if he's at his best, but Lundqvist will not be at his best because he is old. Tough logic to follow.

Great write up otherwise though.
- SolidGoldBricks

Thanks for reading!

To explain the logic: Last year was the only season in Lundqvist's career that he was below a .910 and there's a good chance he bounces back to the .910 range or slightly higher. That said, at this point in his career, he's not jumping back to the .920 range he was once at and we can probably predict he's ending up somewhere around the .910-.915 mark.

With Varlamov, three of his last seven seasons have been below the .910 mark (two of which are as low as .898 and .903). But three seasons have also been at least a .920.

Essentially saying Lundqvist is a safe bet to be okay while projecting Varlamov is tough to do because he could either fall below Lundqivst or be quite a bit better.

cool blog
- jimbro83

Thanks for reading!

Good stuff. Pullock is a top pairing dman? Not trolling....didn't realize that he was that good this year

Good stuff. Pullock is a top pairing dman? Not trolling....didn't realize that he was that good this year
- rrentz

Surprised me as well. I remember Islanders fans being high on him.

Good stuff. Pullock is a top pairing dman? Not trolling....didn't realize that he was that good this year


he started the year off slow but really came around in dec. playing a good solid two way game.

Good stuff. Pullock is a top pairing dman? Not trolling....didn't realize that he was that good this year


he started the year off slow but really came around in dec. playing a good solid two way game.
- nyislsbossy

Gotcha

Good read Ben, thanks. Don't disagree with your opinions but still cannot understand what the heck Lou was thinking by not re-signing Lehner and bringing in Varly? To me, that could have a serious affect on the Isles ability to make the playoffs this year

Good stuff. Pullock is a top pairing dman? Not trolling....didn't realize that he was that good this year
- rrentz

Yeah he’s pretty good. Big fan of his though everyone has their own definition of a first pairing I think he qualifies. Next year to me will be a really defining year for him.

I think the rangers have the edge here because of the the backup goalie. Lundquist is stepping down as a number 1 so expect georgiev to step up on some big games. Rangers with the slight edge here

Thanks for reading!

To explain the logic: Last year was the only season in Lundqvist's career that he was below a .910 and there's a good chance he bounces back to the .910 range or slightly higher. That said, at this point in his career, he's not jumping back to the .920 range he was once at and we can probably predict he's ending up somewhere around the .910-.915 mark.

With Varlamov, three of his last seven seasons have been below the .910 mark (two of which are as low as .898 and .903). But three seasons have also been at least a .920.

Essentially saying Lundqvist is a safe bet to be okay while projecting Varlamov is tough to do because he could either fall below Lundqivst or be quite a bit better.
- Ben Shelley

I didn't realize Varlamov has had that many strong seasons recently. East coast bias, etc.

Yeah he’s pretty good. Big fan of his though everyone has their own definition of a first pairing I think he qualifies. Next year to me will be a really defining year for him.
- Cptmjl

I’m thinking he’ll go 15-30-45 offensively. And considering the coaching and systems play, I can’t see him dropping off defensively.

So yeah. Comfortably top pairing.

Arthur Staple @StapeAthletic
53s
Very much after the fact, of course... my understanding is #Isles were in the mix for Gusev but weren't so hot on the contract ask.

Thanks Ben! I thought it was a very fair write-up. Isles need to improve the forward group no question.

Arthur Staple @StapeAthletic
53s
Very much after the fact, of course... my understanding is #Isles were in the mix for Gusev but weren't so hot on the contract ask.




- eichiefs9

Arthur Staple @StapeAthletic
53s
Very much after the fact, of course... my understanding is #Isles were in the mix for Gusev but weren't so hot on the contract ask.




- eichiefs9

That’s nuts if true. 2 years at 4.5 ain’t an outrageous ask.

Arthur Staple @StapeAthletic
53s
Very much after the fact, of course... my understanding is #Isles were in the mix for Gusev but weren't so hot on the contract ask.




- eichiefs9

Strange if true

That’s nuts if true. 2 years at 4.5 ain’t an outrageous ask.
- Wildschwein

I guess it is looking at it from where we’re sitting. I can only hope Lou has something else going on. Can’t imagine wtf that is but the guy is full of surprises😂

Good read Ben, thanks. Don't disagree with your opinions but still cannot understand what the heck Lou was thinking by not re-signing Lehner and bringing in Varly? To me, that could have a serious affect on the Isles ability to make the playoffs this year
- Crushers68

Thanks!

If it was up to me I'm bringing back Lehner and I agree it could potentially affect the Islanders playoff chances (that said, it's unknown as to whether Lehner can repeat what he accomplished last year). Varlamov will more than likely help to bring Sorokin over to New York, which is the only way giving Varlamov that deal rather than Lehner makes sense.

Thanks Ben! I thought it was a very fair write-up. Isles need to improve the forward group no question.
- ses111

Thanks for reading!

I think the rangers have the edge here because of the the backup goalie.
- Ari123

Lundquist is stepping down as a number 1 so expect georgiev to step up on some big games. Rangers with the slight edge here

Really, check the stats much?

Greiss - 39 GS / 23W / 14 L / 2 OTL / 2.28 GA / .927 Save % and 5 SO's
Georgie Boy - 30 GS / 14 W / 13 L / 4 OTL / 2.91 GA / .914 Save % / 2 SO's

Really, check the stats much?

Greiss - 39 GS / 23W / 14 L / 2 OTL / 2.28 GA / .927 Save % and 5 SO's
Georgie Boy - 30 GS / 14 W / 13 L / 4 OTL / 2.91 GA / .914 Save % / 2 SO's
- Crushers68

Not sure we determined who the back up is just yet?😉