The New York Rangers finally got their collective acts together last night, and it resulted in a strong 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. It was, for the most part, a strong team effort. They had some gaffes, but Cam Talbot made some strong saves and the Rangers capitalized on their chances. But the team we saw on the ice likely won’t be the team on the ice for the playoffs.
With deadline day approaching, there has been a lot of discussion about who the Rangers can trade in a deal. The Rangers have been linked to the Arizona Coyotes, likely for Antoine Vermette. Mike Santorelli has been thrown around in discussions, as has Andrej Sekera. But we’ve covered that a lot, I want to talk about some of the kids.
- How good has Jesper Fast been? He’s one of the team’s best PKers, and still hasn’t been on the ice for a PPG against. His last healthy scratch was on 12/29 against Dallas (they lost, if you remember), and he has played 15 games since. None with Tanner Glass, and he’s driven possession to a 55.3% clip. If you’re worried about dealing Hagelin, Fast is your replacement, easy.
- J.T. Miller’s trade away from New York is inevitable at this point. It doesn’t matter if he’s a better player than Glass at this point. He’s in Alain Vigneault’s dog house, and he’s not getting out. The two got off to a poor start, and the relationship hasn’t improved. The only thing we can hope for at this point is that he’s dealt for someone worth while, meaning not Vermette. If there’s a realistic trade target from Arizona, Martin Hanzal is that guy. Emphasis on realistic here.
- Elliotte Friedman noted that Arizona GM Don Maloney is interested in a defenseman that makes it hard to get to the net. Since it looks like Maloney wants a young kid and not a vet like Kevin Klein or Dan Girardi, it makes you wonder if he wants Dylan McIlrath. McIlrath is blocked for at least next year by Klein, Girardi, and Dan Boyle, but the organization seems high on him.
- What a disaster it would be for the Rangers to trade McIlrath and Miller in this trade deadline season. They will have traded 2010 (McIlrath) and 2011 (Miller) first round picks, in addition to the 2013 first rounder (for Nash), and the 2014/2015 first rounders (for Martin St. Louis).
- I have no problem with this, if the Rangers make 1) the right trades, and 2) dress the best roster possible. Yes, this means benching Glass. If the coach isn’t willing to do that, then there is no point in these trades because you’re shooting yourself in the foot and pretending it’s a bruise.
- Of course this team is all in for the Cup, and there are guys like Skjei, Anthony Duclair, Pavel Buchnevich, and others on their way. It softens the blow of losing two first round picks that don’t have a place on this team under this coach. My main takeaway is that they can’t give a half-effort here. Make the trades to upgrade the roster, but dress the best roster you can. Both or neither. One or the other doesn’t get it done.
- If/When the Rangers trade Miller, and hoping they realize Glass isn’t the answer, my best guess is that Oscar Lindberg would be the guy called up if the Rangers don’t acquire a forward with him. It appears that he’s ready for a cuppa.
- Closing this with some administrative stuff: There have been some subtle changes made over the past few days. The most noticeable is that the number of comments appears in the slider now. That was a request made a month ago, but it took a while for me to figure out how to do. Comment tags show up now as well.
- Questions:
- Who are your ideal trade targets around the league for the deadline?
- Who do you want the Rangers to avoid at all costs?
- Are you worried about potentially dealing 5 out of 6 first round picks, if Miller/McIlrath are traded?
- Are you worried about the final 30 games of the season?
- Is there anything you want to see us add to the design or content of the site?
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