Thanks again to Pat Hoffman who writes more than I ever could dream of. He is the man and one of the few Ranger fans and writers that I respect this highly. This piece from RLD focuses quickly on the uncertainty that the Rangers face this season. I certainly would not want to be a Ranger fan this year but give them credit, they will stay faithful until the end. Even if that end, is no playoff trip. Here is the story from Pat’s point of view. I still say the HUGE question mark is why is it taking so long to sign Staal. Are they waiting to move Redden and someone else perhaps? Here is more…..
This past week on my blog on Kukla’s Korner, I took a look at the New York Rangers’ offensive and defensive depth.
While writing the blogs themselves and then viewing some of the reader’s comments, it would appear that several Blueshirt, as well as opposing team’s, fans believe that the Rangers could be in trouble this season.
Yes, a first line with the likes of Alexander Frolov and Marian Gaborik sounds like it has a lot of potential. However, a first-line centerman of Erik Christensen does not. While Christensen did have some chemistry with Gaborik this past season, who knows if he can have sustained chemistry/production for a whole season.
A second line of Brandon Dubinsky, Vinny Prospal and Ryan Callahan also sounds like it can do some damage offensively; but again, where is the consistency? Yes, Dubinsky scored over 20 goals last season but can he do it again? Callahan also has the potential to score at least 20 goals but will he? As for Prospal, his point totals vary season-to-season and often experience significant drops after a productive season.
The team’s third line presents a lot of uncertainty, especially when it comes to Sean Avery. In an interview with MSG.com’s Stan Fischler this week, Rangers’ head coach John Tortorella said that Avery’s playing time will depend on how engaged he gets. Not exactly words of encouragement, eh?
In the team’s fourth line, Ranger fans and pundits alike pretty much know what they are getting in Chris Drury, Brandon Prust and Derek Boogaard. However, where does this leave new acquisition Todd White?
The team’s defense is even more of an uncertainty. First off, GM Glen Sather has yet to resign RFA Marc Staal. Staal has easily been the club’s best defenseman over the past three seasons and Sather would be wise to lock him up for the next four or five years.
Secondly, Wade Redden is still on the roster. He will more than likely be waived either during or after training camp; but until then, he is still and will always be one of Sather’s biggest mistakes as the team’s GM.
I know the team hasn’t even stepped out on the ice yet, but it sure looks like the team will once again be fighting for a playoff spot come April, eh?
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