Rick Nash needs to be better tonight.

Rick Nash needs to be better tonight.

Well, it’s another ‘biggest game of the season’. The Rangers need to win today in my humble opinion because the Devils would like nothing more than to play the role of spoiler on the weekend, so the Rangers don’t want to go into that game having to win. Anyway, on to the musings

I absolutely loved Kevin’s article about Chris Kreider the other day.  It’s the wart on the face of the Rangers this year, for sure. I think Kreider absolutely has the ability to turn it around but at the same time I don’t think he’s untouchable any more – there’s just too much disappointment and doubt around his long term future. If the Rangers could add a major piece in a trade and Kreider had to be included I think they’d consider it now, whereas as recently as pre-season he was untouchable.

John Moore I: I’ve liked him as a prospect, was pleased he was grabbed from Columbus and he’s justified my excitement since being a Ranger. There’s so much to like about his game. While it’s early I think a full training camp and a lot of teaching and he could play up to his draft status. Columbus will regret this one.

Moore II: I think Moore’s play will also have had a huge influence on the Rangers draft day thinking. I think they may have looked to a defenseman first (and still might) but his play may allow the Rangers to go for a skilled forward or a physically imposing player instead of a blueliner.

Just a thought: If the Rangers win out to get in, has Brian Boyle played his last game as a Ranger?

Dealing from a position of strength; could the Rangers move Zuccarello, Boyle and Stralman this summer to make significant upgrades? None of them have key roles locked up and yet all of them have value, particularly Zuke and Stralman who have been impressive as role players this year.

What’s the thing that’s holding back Carl Hagelin from being a bonafide top six winger? Consistency. He had a five goal in four game stretch earlier in the year, and has really scored his points in bunches. While he contributes in other areas – speed and forecheck force teams to respect his presence on the ice – he really needs to develop some level of offensive consistency.

If the Rangers get into the playoffs I’ll be intrigued whether Derek Dorsett goes straight into the line-up when healthy or whether the Rangers will go for players with the right conditioning who are familiar with the team.

Everyone seems to like the Rangers depth right now, but when Dorsett and Marc Staal return, whether this season or next, the Rangers looked stacked. Maybe not with elite skill throughout the line-up but players that can make a difference and be difficult to play against on every line or pair. You have to like the Rangers’ composition long term.

Question Time:

  • Has Brad Richards’ recent play been enough to stave off buy out talk?
  • Zuccarello; trade while value is high or keep (and if so at what cost)?
  • How worried are you about the impact of Chris Kreider’s season?
  • If it was a straight choice, who would you keep long term; Girardi or Staal?
  • What is the Rangers’ biggest need heading into the off season?

Tonight is a pivotal game yet we can’t trust this Rangers team. Just win form and confidence are high they throw out a clunker at Florida. It’s hard to gauge what Rangers team are going to show up. Here’s hoping it’s the version that took the ice against the Devils.  

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