Talbot has been more than fine in his first gig as a starter (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

We haven’t had a musings in a while now have we? There’s lot’s to talk about in Rangerland so let’s just jump straight in.

Let’s start with a non Ranger topic, the Evander Kane – Tyler Myers trade. I think it’s a win-win for the clubs, both with deep prospect pools albeit one club (Winnipeg) is further down its development path than the other (Buffalo). Given that the centre pieces of the deal (Kane, Myers and to an extent, Bogosian) were all either damaged goods or underperforming assets, both clubs came out of the deal in pretty good shape.

Regardless of how deep a prospect pool is, let the cautionary tale be Edmonton. Does anyone completely trust Buffalo to get things right even if they land uber prospect Connor McDavid?

Addressing Cam Talbot’s shaky stretch of play. Yes, he should have stopped Erik Cole in the Dallas game and he certainly gave up a couple soft goals against the wilting Leafs. That said, the Rangers are likely more than happy with Talbot and so should you be. You can make a strong case that without Talbot the Rangers lose both those games (no points). The team in front of him hasn’t played well enough which has without doubt affected his first ever stretch as an NHL starter.

What’s up with Ryan McDonagh? The Rangers captain is nowhere near his consistent best and his game isn’t just fluctuating from game to game but from period to period. The Rangers absolutely need him to be better than he is right now.

Derick Brassard is a mere six points away from his career high points total and we’re in mid-February. Even with the odd bad game here and there, he’s absolutely earning his new deal this season.

I mentioned this on twitter the other day; how many Rangers are currently playing consistently well? Rick Nash for sure. Depending on your view of Talbot’s debut as a starter, maybe Talbot. Before his injury Jesper Fast was really in a groove defensively. After that I would argue that no other Ranger has been consistently meeting the standards expected. Mats Zuccarello has improved and Marc Staal has been better but there are a lot of players that need to do more, which surely bodes well given the Rangers solid record.

The Kevin Hayes appreciation society. The lanky forward is really starting to develop some consistency and it’s encouraging to see that he’s also able to recognise the changes that he needed to make. He’s discussed with the beat writers the need to hang on to the puck less and put his wingers in a position to succeed. He’s really meshed well with Carl Hagelin and has helped finally give the Rangers some much needed, consistent depth behind the top six. He could comfortably break 30 points in his rookie season which, as an absolute novice 3rd line center, is more than acceptable.

Thought for the day: If Carl Hagelin is the best, (apparently) most likely trade chip the Rangers have on the roster and they’re trying to address forward depth, isn’t the best option to retain the quality, proven player they already have? Trust your own. Change for change’s sake usually ends in failure.

Dave and I briefly discussed Derek Stepan’s situation on Twitter. He may have almost point per game credentials but his #fancystats are way down this year. As we approach the summer this could be a blessing in disguise come contract negotiation time. Surely a veteran GM like Glen Sather will use every tool (including #fancystats) at his disposal to get the best price for the organisation.

Question Time:

  • How worried are you about Marty St Louis’s lack of production?
  • Whose contract scares you the most; Girardi’s or Staal’s?
  • Will JT Miller still be a Rangers after the trade deadline?
  • Looking forward, who will be the more successful Ranger; Duclair or Buchnevich?
  • Projection time: How many goals will Rick Nash finish with and will he win the Rocket Trophy?

 

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