During the Ranger game, I had this exchange on twitter:
@scottyhockey Im really starting to think this was a horrible signing. put the rangers in win-now mode a few years too earlyWhile I'm not willing to make a final condemnation of the signing at this point - I gave it three years, I'm sticking with three years - but Eric's point about win-now seems correct.
— Eric Solomon (@EricSolomon28) March 19, 2013
It is not a coincidence that the top players in the Rangers 2-1 win over Carolina on Monday night (and on most nights this season) are home grown. The shootout victory was keyed not by big money mercenaries like Richard$, Nash and Gaborik but by Ranger draft picks Lundqvist, Callahan, Stepan, Del Zaster and Miller. Mercenaries should supplement draft picks, not vice versa.
Monday's win was an ugly win, but it was a win. And this team needs wins. These are the Rangers, we are Ranger fans. We don't need flash, we need substance. We need another Cup.
Late Hits:
*Good to see Marc Staal was at the game. Wish Mike Sauer was there too.
*Something has to happen with this defense, Hamrlik is not capable and cracks are showing in the wall that has been Girardi and McDonagh. McD giving Staal so much room to shoot on the first goal was uncharacteristic.
*Yes, credit was given to Del Zaster above. Sure he telegraphed several passes and had them picked off and sure he isn't competent in his own end but he didn't relent.
*Hit. The. Net.
*Also, hit anyone who hits Hank.
*Is it really so hard to drop a puck and get out the way? Did the linesmen think this game was about them?
*The top line had no confidence and no chemistry. That being said, if Torts breaks up Step-Cally-Hagelin to get those overpaid underperformers going it will be a mistake.
*Blow a power play, give up a goal. It happened on the first one and woulda happened on the second had Jamie McBain not blown a gimmie of a goal.
*Richard$ power play ice time total this season: 92:24. Richard$ power play point total this season: 2.
*Much like the St. Louis Blues, Taylor Pyatt was so very much better at the beginning of the season than now.
*Quiet crowd.
3-Derek Stepan - one goal.
2-Michael Del Zotto - no points.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 29 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Alex Semin - Sure Ovie's old running buddy is the stereotypical enigmatic European but on this night he was a consistent threat.
2-Cally - Good things happen when you go to the net.
1-Hank - I'm willing to bet Charlise has started sleeping better.
4 comments:
feel stupid about Del Zotto yet? When he plays well, can you at least call the 22 year old kid by his real name?
Nash-ty is a wonder with the puck... He got a couple hard shots off and seems to be able to make something from nothing in ANY 1 on 1 situation (or even 1 on 2).
Love watching Miller too- you can tell he's got a great hockey mind. He's seeing angles / plays most others aren't seeing and typically is able to execute pretty well.. Still making some mistakes like most young players.
Hamrlik really does seem a step and a half behind everyone else out there. Like he's in my Mens' League instead of the NHL.
Gabby seemed to be trying harder- it was noticeable- but still not able to put the biscuit in the basket. You wonder if he thinks he's being floated as trade bait.
I still believe what Scotty said when the Rangers drafted JT Miller. This kid will never play a game in the NHL.
What I wrote when Miller was drafted: http://scottyhockey.blogspot.com/2011/06/quick-2011-ranger-draft-recap.html
Fully admit to being surprised by his skill.
Post a Comment