Musings day – Rangers trophy talk

It’s a musings day and what a week this has been (already) for the Rangers. Boston who? Yeah I said it. It’s a week of upheaval here at Blue Seat Blogs. Dave has had the audacity to go on holiday leaving yours truly, the Suit and the rookie (aka Justin) to do the heavy lifting; which would be easier if my laptop hadn’t died on me, but I digress. To the musings…

Callahan Can Do More – Seriously

It’s all been said about Cally before but there is one thing; his offensive upside. Barring a dramatic dip in form or injury, Callahan will likely get his first 30 goal season this year. He’s a great captain and a physical player, but previously he seemed limited in regards to his finishing ability. No longer. As this team gets better, older and deeper I see the potential for a 40 goal season for Callahan. I never thought I’d say that. He is a critical element on this team in every scenario and he could legitimately knock in 40 if he avoids injury. What a player he has become.

And the Hart Trophy Goes to…

At this stage, given the ridiculous pace he has been setting, the only person that should be a threat to Lundqvist for the Hart should be Evgeni Malkin. Both players are critical to their teams, but for me – personal adoration aside -Lundqvist deserves it because his regular season is potentially a historical one statistically. He could break the all-time GAA record for starters. The Swede is borderline unbeatable right now and care not about Mr Lin of the Knickerbockers, Henrik is the King of New York right now.

And the Vezina Trophy Goes to…

Barring major loss of form or serious injury in the next week or two, Lundqvist should have this trophy in his cabinet already. He’s been that good.

More than ‘Just’ a Scorer

Some players are one dimensional. Some players are accused of being one dimensional. Marian Gaborik isn’t one dimensional. Yes, he’s a goal scorer (and an elite one) first and foremost, but he’s displayed an exceptional level of passing ability recently and if you’ve followed him closely this year, you should be beginning to appreciate his defensive ability too. Not many so called elite, finesse players try as hard as Gaborik does defensively, nor do they buy into the team concept as Gaborik does. He’s having a great season.

Mike Who?

I guarantee some fans have forgotten about Mike Sauer. That is not a slight on Sauer or his place on this roster, but is testament to the way the club is playing without their physical blueliner. This club doesn’t need to add a defenseman at the deadline if Sauer returns soon. What depth the Rangers boast if (when) he does in fact return.

Powerplay dilemma

I mentioned this on twitter this week. Look at the new found confidence (and success) on the power play. The crisp passing, the movement off the puck, the guys (Callahan) parked in front waiting to convert. Right now, the power play looks rejuvenated which poses a dilemma; should the Rangers even bother looking to make a change right now? Do you believe the unit can carry this form on (based on skill level it should be able to be a quality unit) or do you risk moving assets/roster parts/picks to pick up some help just in case? The improved power play has thrown up as many new questions as it has answered old ones.

Question Time:

• Does Gaborik break 50 goals?

• Does Lundqvist get 40 wins?

• If you could make one addition come deadline day, would it be an offensive or defensive addition?

• Does Wolski score a goal this season or have we seen the last of the skilled Pole?

• Who’s Sean Avery?