MDZ: time to be a difference maker
One game does not a season make. That is why the Rangers enter tonight’s game with plenty of reason for optimism. On the flip side, your boys got some making up to do.
I want to see Michael Del Zotto start to impose himself on games more. He has the talent to be a top pair defenseman and is more talented than a guy like Dan Girardi but does he have the decision making and will to be more consistent? I’ve said it before but this is such a pivotal year for MDZ.
Speaking of Dan Girardi – not many Rangers (your King included) have yet to distinguish themselves this season but Girardi has had a particularly sloppy start. Several turnovers and he’s been caught out of position often. The Rangers need more from Girardi.
Keeping on the defensive theme – when you concede 14 goals in your first three games there are multiple issues to solve but Marc Staal is arguably the only defenseman so far that has been solid at either end of the rink. On paper the Rangers have good depth. On the ice, it hasn’t translated as it should. Is that all down to the new system being implemented?
Ryan McDonagh has been solid, nothing more nothing less; but his measuring stick is different now he has a fat new deal to live up to.
Biggest surprise so far: Has to be Brad Richards even if it’s a small sample size. Goals breed confidence.
Derek Stepan. He’s getting up to speed quickly. Still needs more ice time under his belt but coming along quickly.
Biggest disappointment so far: Not a single new addition to the roster has contributed positively or consistently yet.
I have liked Brian Boyle’s game so far. He’s winning key faceoffs, putting the puck on net and chipping in offensively. Almost every player has a lot of room for improvement – as has Boyle – but it’s a solid start for a guy that was arguably on very shaky ground entering the season.
The Rangers have two games coming up where they need to be physical and be tight defensively. The Ducks and Blues will bully the Rangers if they play like they did against the Sharks. Guys like Dorsett and Asham have to leave their mark.
Food for thought: If the Sharks – regularly considered a contender – deem Tomas Hertl is ready for an opportunity why don’t the Rangers give the same opportunities to their kids…. or do they?
Question Time:
- At 1-2 I’ll ask again – what record will you accept after the season opening road trip?
- Who should be next in line for a call up (considering all factors such as ice time)?
- On a scale of 1-10 how concerned are you with the time taken to adapt to AV’s system?
- How concerned are you with the lack of puck possession shown so far from the Rangers?
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