Jan Levine: Rangers start training camp, Gallant presser provides some initial answers Hockey is back!!!

I really hope announcing those top 2 lines was only to motivate Laf and Kakko through camp. I get that “The Kid Line” was great (at times) in the post-season, but I would be really disappointed if they don’t get top 6 minutes plus PP time (especially Laf). What other team would keep 1st and 2nd overall picks on the 3rd line through years 3 and 4? Just doesn’t make sense to me.

I really hope announcing those top 2 lines was only to motivate Laf and Kakko through camp. I get that “The Kid Line” was great (at times) in the post-season, but I would be really disappointed if they don’t get top 6 minutes plus PP time (especially Laf). What other team would keep 1st and 2nd overall picks on the 3rd line through years 3 and 4? Just doesn’t make sense to me.
- TC88

They play well, they get their chance..draft positions, unless a generational talent, which they are not , is a different story

They play well, they get their chance..draft positions, unless a generational talent, which they are not , is a different story
- rrentz

Yes, blais played so well

Yes, blais played so well
- picklerick

I don’t even think we got a chance to get to know Blais. I do know he hits a lot and plays a feisty game.

All I care about is winning. The only time I personally start getting annoyed with line combos is if we aren’t winning.

Either way though, it’s a guarantee this season the lines will get shuffled around. Many times.

Just dont see the logic in Gallants line combos that have now exploded in all our heads! Blais on the top? Come on man, it needs to be either Kaako or Lafreniere, then you csn put Kravtsov and Blais with Chytil. Def want to see the big guy Rydhal in 4 slot next to Reeves and Goodrow, that line will dole out the punishment! Come Gerard, get your head out of your arse!
- rangerbluelou

You lost me at Reaves!!

You lost me at Reaves!!
- Brukie

He lost me at "get your head out of your arse!!"
It amazes me how we have one of the most complete rosters in the league, perhaps the brightest short-term future given our youth, talent and prospect pool, yet still think we know better than the coach who spends all day with these guys on and off the ice.
I can pretty well guarantee 2 things. One, Gallant's focus is on a WINNING line up, not worrying about how much playing time is owed to specific players based on draft position and fan speculation. And two, we will see well over a dozen different line combinations by Christmas. If it's more important to you to cheer for a player over the team, try tennis!
Not a single one of us know more than the coach, so we should stop acting like it and offer support instead of acrimony!!

Yes, blais played so well
- picklerick

You referred to "kids". Kid line played well together in playoffs. Not surprised the are together to start. Also....not much difference, ice time wise, playing on lines 1-3. Plus, the kids get better matchups. BIggest thing is that they don't get any real PP time, but.....1st unit is pretty solid.

He lost me at "get your head out of your arse!!"
It amazes me how we have one of the most complete rosters in the league, perhaps the brightest short-term future given our youth, talent and prospect pool, yet still think we know better than the coach who spends all day with these guys on and off the ice.
I can pretty well guarantee 2 things. One, Gallant's focus is on a WINNING line up, not worrying about how much playing time is owed to specific players based on draft position and fan speculation. And two, we will see well over a dozen different line combinations by Christmas. If it's more important to you to cheer for a player over the team, try tennis!
Not a single one of us know more than the coach, so we should stop acting like it and offer support instead of acrimony!!
- Tonybere

it really is crazy that people have lost their minds over announced line combinations for early training camp scrimmages LMAO

I don’t even think we got a chance to get to know Blais. I do know he hits a lot and plays a feisty game.

All I care about is winning. The only time I personally start getting annoyed with line combos is if we aren’t winning.

Either way though, it’s a guarantee this season the lines will get shuffled around. Many times.
- jimbro83

All everyone wants is them to win. The key to their success is the young kids developing to their ceiling. The kid line is great but not at 13 minutes per night. They need the ice time. If they get 16 plus min then it works. If not you’re playing two top picks bottom 6 minutes. That’s a failure by the org

All everyone wants is them to win. The key to their success is the young kids developing to their ceiling. The kid line is great but not at 13 minutes per night. They need the ice time. If they get 16 plus min then it works. If not you’re playing two top picks bottom 6 minutes. That’s a failure by the org
- nyrangers2

Kakko's been granted every opportunity, he's had regular 2nd line time with Panarin, his finishing ability is very questionable, I don't mind at all Kravtsov getting the chance if that's what happens

He lost me at "get your head out of your arse!!"
It amazes me how we have one of the most complete rosters in the league, perhaps the brightest short-term future given our youth, talent and prospect pool, yet still think we know better than the coach who spends all day with these guys on and off the ice.
I can pretty well guarantee 2 things. One, Gallant's focus is on a WINNING line up, not worrying about how much playing time is owed to specific players based on draft position and fan speculation. And two, we will see well over a dozen different line combinations by Christmas. If it's more important to you to cheer for a player over the team, try tennis!
Not a single one of us know more than the coach, so we should stop acting like it and offer support instead of acrimony!!
- Tonybere

The issue here that their success is heavily relied by their young players taking the next step. They need to play more in order to do so. If Laf and kakko put up 30 points this year it’s going be really hard for them to make the playoffs. This current team is slightly worse than the deadline team unless those players progress

it really is crazy that people have lost their minds over announced line combinations for early training camp scrimmages LMAO

- jimbro83

It's nuts.
Honestly, if the organization really tried to push we might be able to contend for the Stanley Cup and the Calder Cup at the same time. How many clubs can boast that depth? It's a great time to be a NY Rangers fan and I for one plan to enjoy it!!
Still looking to make plans to come down and see my 1st game in MSG in the spring. Hope I'll have the chance to meet some of you.

All everyone wants is them to win. The key to their success is the young kids developing to their ceiling. The kid line is great but not at 13 minutes per night. They need the ice time. If they get 16 plus min then it works. If not you’re playing two top picks bottom 6 minutes. That’s a failure by the org
- nyrangers2

So, the answer is to push guys who are at an elite level down the line up just to give more minutes to players that MIGHT become better? I cannot agree.

The issue here that their success is heavily relied by their young players taking the next step. They need to play more in order to do so. If Laf and Lakota put up 30 points this year it’s going be really hard for them to make the playoffs. This current team is slightly worse than the deadline team unless those players progress
- nyrangers2

This is not unreasonable logic. But, if the kids' success comes as a result of diminishing the role of our highest producing players. How are we better off overall? At best we are even.

So, the answer is to push guys who are at an elite level down the line up just to give more minutes to players that MIGHT become better? I cannot agree.
- Tonybere

No that’s not the answer. The answer is to not play kravs or Blais on the top 6. They haven’t earned that yet. Laf has at this point. Kakko probably has not but you need to see if he’s here long term or not. It’s only a day one lineup but they need to know if these young kids are legit or not

So, the answer is to push guys who are at an elite level down the line up just to give more minutes to players that MIGHT become better? I cannot agree.
- Tonybere

I agree Tony. The Kids will earn more time with their own play. If they are not getting more time it is because they are not contributing enough to help the team win. Gallant's objective is to win.

This is not unreasonable logic. But, if the kids' success comes as a result of diminishing the role of our highest producing players. How are we better off overall? At best we are even.
- Tonybere

I don’t want to mitigate panarin kreider zibs minutes. It more around kravs and blais

No that’s not the answer. The answer is to not play kravs or Blais on the top 6. They haven’t earned that yet. Laf has at this point. Kakko probably has not but you need to see if he’s here long term or not. It’s only a day one lineup but they need to know if these young kids are legit or not
- nyrangers2

If Laffy played RW I would not be able to agree with you more. But, it should be rather obvious by now that switching sides and keeping your game at the NHL level is far more difficult than this forum seems to think it is. If it wasn't, he would've already been put there for a long stretch. I hope he can make the change too, as it would alleviate a lot of problems for us. But, facts are facts.

If Laffy played RW I would not be able to agree with you more. But, it should be rather obvious by now that switching sides and keeping your game at the NHL level is far more difficult than this forum seems to think it is. If it wasn't, he would've already been put there for a long stretch. I hope he can make the change too, as it would alleviate a lot of problems for us. But, facts are facts.
- Tonybere

its funny there are people on twitter who are saying Lafreniere is gonna demand a trade over this, and there is that pic of him holding up a sign that Sammy Blais is his best friend

one thing about Lafreniere, no matter what, he seems to love being a Ranger and he just does what he's asked to do

he could care less about being compared to jack Hughes

If Laffy played RW I would not be able to agree with you more. But, it should be rather obvious by now that switching sides and keeping your game at the NHL level is far more difficult than this forum seems to think it is. If it wasn't, he would've already been put there for a long stretch. I hope he can make the change too, as it would alleviate a lot of problems for us. But, facts are facts.
- Tonybere

Him playing his offside is the biggest the road block. Hope he can so he gets big minutes

its funny there are people on twitter who are saying Lafreniere is gonna demand a trade over this, and there is that pic of him holding up a sign that Sammy Blais is his best friend

one thing about Lafreniere, no matter what, he seems to love being a Ranger and he just does what he's asked to do

he could care less about being compared to jack Hughes
- jimbro83

Yea that’s definitely false

its funny there are people on twitter who are saying Lafreniere is gonna demand a trade over this, and there is that pic of him holding up a sign that Sammy Blais is his best friend

one thing about Lafreniere, no matter what, he seems to love being a Ranger and he just does what he's asked to do

he could care less about being compared to jack Hughes
- jimbro83

I'm really hoping to see Kakko and Laf show up with improved skating because I think everything else will fall into place. Kakko already has the possession piece, Laf has the shot and compete. They just need the pace.

- jimbro83

Wtf