Canadian Juniors Update

Leslie Treff, the main source for anything and everything to do with the Rangers prospects (blog here), has a very nice update on all the Rangers prospects currently playing in the Canadian Juniors. Treff does a fantastic job of getting information on the Rangers prospects. The two prospects you should be reading up on: Ethan Werek and Ryan Bourque, both from the 2009 draft. Werek is absolutely tearing through the OHL, and Bourque is on a point-per-game pace in the QMJHL.

Just a note, Treff says that Sam Klassen is a -22, when the team website has him at a +22. That’s a rather large difference.

Also worth noting, the list of Ranger prospects has Derek Stepan at #4, which is ahead of Michael Del Zotto.

Just sayin’.

Center Roullette

John Tortorella, in his never ending quest to find another center in-house, is trying Ryan Callahan in that role tonight. Moving up to the first line is Chris Higgins to play LW with Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik.

With the top-nine remaining consistent (sort of), the rest of the lineup:

Higgins-Prospal-Gaborik
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-P.A. Parenteau
Enver Lisin-Callahan-Ales Kotalik
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Aaron Voros

Looking at that gives me one thought: Wow this team has no depth.

Now What?

Since last month’s 5-2 win of Phoenix, the Rangers are a very disappointing 3-7, dropping from very good 8-3-1 to a mediocre 11-10-1. This puts them tied for LAST place in the Atlantic. Let that one sink in for a while.

Many are calling for Michal Rozsival to be sent to Hartford. That ain’t happening. Many are wondering where there is no secondary scoring. Well, with aside from Brandon Dubinsky, who was scoring enough to consider it secondary scoring, none of Chris Drury, Sean Avery, Christopher Higgins, or Ryan Callahan have performed up to their career averages this year. The defense? Well, we tackled that already.

So what is there to do? Panic and make a trade? I hope not. Freak out at Glen Sather for putting together such an abysmal team? Sure, blame him for the contracts these guys signed, but it isn’t his fault that no one is performing. Blame John Tortorella? Personally, I think it’s too soon to blame the coach, but something has to be said for the fact that he can’t get them to play a full 60 minutes. This is something Tom Renney had a problem with as well.

It’s tough to say what the Rangers really are. I’m an optimist, and would like to think that this is just a bump in the road. But a smarter part of me knows that we saw trouble signs during the seven game win streak to start the season. While the Drury and Dubinsky injuries are hurting the Rangers, it isn’t the cause of the demise.

So, I ask you, now what?

Game 22: Rangers vs Panthers

The Rangers are at it again, this time facing the Florida Panthers at the Garden. The Rangers need a couple of things: secondary scoring, protection of hit players, and, perhaps most important, a win. Good news for the Rangers: Panthers are one of the worst penalty killing teams in the league. We can score PP goals tonight. The lines for tonight are a bit different, and a bit interesting:

Kotalik-Prospal-Gaborik

Avery-Anisimov-Parenteau

Brashear-Higgins-Callahan

Lisin-Boyle-Voros

Brashear on the third line is beyond baffling. Why wouldn’t you put Lisin there? What does Brashear give you? He can work hard in the corners, but he is not a third line player. Do not like that. D pairings are the same, as always. Expect to see Lundqvist in goal for the Rangers, Tomas Vokun for the Panthers.

The Panthers are coming off two impressive wins in a row: A 6-2 drubbing of the Sabres, and a 2-1 overtime win in Detroit last night. Can the Rangers break the streak?

Use this as your open thread. Watch, discuss, have fun. Game time is at 7. Let’s do it to it, Rangers!

Kotalik On First Line

In another line change, the Rangers have moved Ales Kotalik to the first line. According to Steve Zipay, the move was made because Kotalik can control the puck better than Lisin. I like the move. Kotalik has been the third best offensive player, behind Gaborik and Prospal, and deserves a shot on the first line. These would be my guesses at the rest:

Lisin-Anisimov-Parenteau

Avery-Higgins-Callahan

Brashear-Boyle-Voros

I like the Lisin line. Lots of speed. We’ll see how the Kotalik experiment works. It can’t hurt to try.

Fixing the Defense

The defense of our beloved Rangers seems to be taking the biggest hit lately. Yes, they score, but they don’t play defense particularly well, and they definitely don’t hit anyone. The latter issue is tougher to address, as the current personnel doesn’t really have the banger type. It’s just a hole this team has, that unfortunately cannot be addressed at the moment.

The bigger problem is all these defensive lapses we are seeing. Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, and Michal Rozsival have been the biggest contributors to these lapses, as each has been prone to overall bad play and the once-a-game epic turnover. This problem, however, I think can be fixed by simply realigning the defense a bit, and addressing specific roles and responsibilities of each pairing.

The basis for this comes from when I was playing PAL Floor Hockey here on Long Island, way back when I was just seven years old. In PAL, there are two defenseman, an up-defenseman and a back-defenseman. It’s fairly clear what each kid’s role was. The up-defenseman had more responsibility, as he had to help the offense, and get back on defense. The same premise, but obviously more complicated, can be applied here.

In particular, it’s important so pair a defenseman who is expected to add offense to his game, with a defenseman who is going to be a stay-at-home guy. We saw this work with Leetch-Beukeboom and Zubov-Lowe. As of right now, the Rangers are trying to get offense from all six defensemen, and it’s creating havoc amongst the blue liners. Both defensemen pinching, one not covering for another pincher, etc. We have seen all the problems, but it’s something that can be addressed.

The Rangers, in reality, only have one offensive defenseman (Michael Del Zotto) at the current moment. Everyone else either doesn’t have skill set, or just forgot how to play offense. So you take two more defensemen that you want to generate offense (for arguments sake, let’s say Staal and Matt Gilroy), and you have them focus on adding that element to the game. You pair each of them with one of the remaining defensemen, who should be focusing on shutting down the opposition’s rush. Of course, these roles aren’t clear cut, as you have to adjust to the situation of the game and the play, but these guys are professionals, so you have to assume they at least can figure that out.

At this point, you hope that one of the defensemen, hopefully Gilroy, develops a feel for the offensive game, without missing out on his defensive responsibilities. All of a sudden, you have a one-two punch in Del Zotto and Gilroy. Pair them with some strong defensive defensemen, like Staal and, believe it or not, Wade Redden. Now you have two solid defensive pairings. With Bobby Sanguinetti and Ryan McDonagh on their way, the Rangers will have effectively built from the net out. That’s how you win championships (unless you’re the Red Wings).

Trade Rozsival? Waive Rozsival? Not Likely

Let’s preface this title by saying that Michal Rozsival has been atrocious this year. He is eating up cap space, and this signing is really hurting the Rangers. Larry Brooks has called out the Rangers to get rid of Rozsival at any cost:

Rozsival is chewing up nearly $26,000 a day on his annual $5M cap hit. Deleting him by the end of the month via trade or demotion would clear an additional $3.4M of space that increases proportionately with the season.

Moving Rozsival this month would allow the Rangers to be in the market for pretty much anyone who becomes available. Including, perhaps, a player who will look out for his teammates.

Brooks’ numbers are right on. Each day Rozsival is on the roster, he eats up precious cap space. But, to be blunt, how exactly are the Rangers supposed to move Rozsival? Who in their right mind would trade for him? Even Mike Milbury wouldn’t trade for him at this point. So that option is out.

Waive him? Dump him in Hartford? Maybe. I mean, it seems easy, right? Just bury him in the minors, and free up all that cap space. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you might think. There are a several risks involved with this maneuver.

First and foremost, remember that Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen did not impress in camp. If you waive Rozsival, and neither can handle the workload, then what? Recall Rozsival you say? Well, he has to pass through re-entry waivers. Teams may not want him at $5 million, but there’s a solid chance someone will scoop him up at half that. In this worst case scenario, you realize that neither Sanguinetti or Heikkinen can play in the NHL yet, you lose a defenseman who can at least fill a void, and you still have to pay $2.5 million for the life of the contract. Ouch.

There’s also the minor issue of pissing off the union, which will definitely happen if the Rangers waive Rozsival. It’s minor, but it could have a lasting effect if free agents don’t sign because of the fear of being waived if they don’t perform. Job security counts for something.

But hey, you have to bet big to win big, right? Maybe Sanguinetti received his wakeup call in September, and can contribute to the level that Michael Del Zotto has contributed so far this year. Personally, I don’t think Rozsival is going anywhere. MAYBE a buyout next year. Maybe.

Werek On A Tear

Ethan Werek, the Rangers 2nd round pick in 2009, is absolutely lighting it up in the OHL. In his past seven games, Werek has put up ridiculous numbers (7-4-11, +6). More and more, he is looking like the steal of the draft in 2009. Another steal so far? Ryan Bourque, who is putting those who doubted his size in their place, as he continues a point-per-game pace in the QMJHL.

In the NCAA, it also looks like Ryan McDonagh’s slow start to the season is a thing of the past. In his past four games, he is a +8, putting up a goal and two assists in the process. Teammate, and 2008 2nd round pick, Derek Stepan also appears to be waking up.

Don’t miss Roman Psurny either, who is playing at a point-per-game pace in the Czech Elite league, while playing solid two-way hockey at a +16.

Canadian Juniors:

• Ethan Werek; Kingston Frontenacs, OHL: 21 GP, 15G, 11A, 24 PIM, +7
• Chris Doyle; PEI Rocket, QMJHL: 18 GP, 8G, 10A, 27 PIM, -3
• Ryan Bourque; Quebec Remparts, QMJHL: 21 GP, 10G, 12A, 10 PIM, +3
• Roman Horak; Chilliwack Bruins, WHL: 26 GP, 8G, 13A, 14 PIM, +6
• Sam Klassen; Saskatoon Blades, WHL: 21 GP, 3G, 9A, 30 PIM, +20
• Tomas Kundratek; Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL: 20 GP, 0G, 10A, 15 PIM, -3

NCAA:

• Ryan McDonagh; Wisconsin: 10 GP, 1G, 6A, 31 PIM, +10
• Derek Stepan; Wisconsin: 10 GP, 3G, 5A, 4 PIM, Even
• Chris Kreider; Boston College: 7 GP, 1G, 3A, 2 PIM, +3
• Carl Hagelin; Michigan: 10 GP, 4G, 4A, 12 PIM, +1

International:

• Roman Psurny; HC Slovan Ustecti Lvi, CZ 1.Liga: 20 GP, 8G, 12A, 12 PIM, +16

AHL:

• Bobby Sanguinetti: 18 GP, 6G, 13A, 8 PIM, +3
• Evgeny Grachev: 18 GP, 5G, 8A, 4 PIM, -2
• Ilkka Heikkenin: 18 GP, 4G, 8A, 4 PIM, +5
• Chad Johnson: 8-4-1, 2.07 GAA, .928 SV%, 3 SO

Secondary Scoring?

It’s amazing the difference a year makes. Last year, the Rangers had some pretty decent secondary scoring, but no primary scoring. This year, it’s the polar opposite. The Rangers have plenty of primary scoring courtesy of Marian Gaborik, but the rest of the team seems to have forgotten how to score. All of our wishes in the off season were for a game changer, but yet, we should have been asking for consistency from the remaining forwards as well.

Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery, and Chris Higgins were all penciled in for 15-25 goals a piece. As of right now, Dan Girardi, yes Dan Girardi, is outscoring ALL OF THEM. Only Dubinsky has more points than Girardi. Considering Girardi only has three goals and nine points, there is only one word to describe this phenomenon: pathetic.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still optimistic about the rest of the year, they all can’t under-achieve all year, that would set some kind of record for most under achievers in a season. But the current results are alarming to say the least. Drury and Dubinsky get a pass for a while because they are injured long term. The rest of the team needs to pick up the slack though.

It starts with getting the puck on net. The only Ranger not named Gaborik with 60+ shots through 21 games is Ryan Callahan. That’s an average of just three shots per game. Three. Once you exclude Vinny Prospal and Ales Kotalik, who have been pulling their weight, no Ranger even has 50 SOG. You can’t score if you don’t put the puck on net. Gaborik has 71 SOG, and 15 goals. Sure, he’s Gaborik, but there is a correlation between SOG and goals. After all, you can’t score if you don’t shoot. (This is a lesson in life, not just hockey.)

It is also about getting the dirty goals. The rebounds, the deflections, the lucky bounces off a defenseman. That starts with the defense getting the puck to the net low and hard. This clearly creates rebounds. The second is driving to the net, getting into those dirty areas. Gaborik’s first goal last night was a dirty rebound goal because he was in front of the net. Brian Boyle scored a goal against Atlanta streaking to the net and converting a rebound on a low, hard shot taken from outside the circles.

It’s fundamentals.

Call Ups? Not Until LTIR

After last nights bad loss to the Caps, it has been made quite obvious that the Rangers are incredibly thin without Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury. P.A. Parenteau has played decently in his time with the big club, but you can tell there’s just something missing from this team. Well, in this case, there are two things missing; secondary scoring and consistent defense. Jeremy brought up an interesting point about Corey Locke, who is Hartford’s leading scorer, and Bobby Sanguinetti, who has been lighting up the league from the blue line (see stats to the right). Why not call them up?

While my personal opinion may differ –I don’t think Locke is the answer for secondary scoring– it does bring up an interesting point. The Rangers clearly do not have the personnel on the roster, at least on the defensive side of the puck, to compete in this league. It has been made painfully obvious that Michal Rozsival’s best days are behind him, and that Dan Girardi has continued his regression that started last season. Luckily for the Rangers, they have two pieces in Hartford that can attempt to fill this hole: Ilkka Heikkinen and Bobby Sanguinetti. Neither impressed in camp, but both are excelling in Hartford.

As for secondary scoring, the Rangers have the pieces on the roster, they just aren’t delivering. But I digress.

The problem with the call ups is that the Rangers have a very limited amount of cap room, and the more bodies they have up, means the less room they will have at the deadline to make a deal. Remember, for each day the Rangers have a call up on the roster, it counts towards the overall cap hit.

The solution is placing the injured Dubinsky and Drury on long term injured reserve (LTIR). When a player is placed on LTIR, the team is allowed to go over the cap by that players’ pro-rated salary. So if the Rangers LTIR Drury, they can go over the $56.8 million cap by roughly $7 million, or whatever the prorated amount of Drury’s contract would be. Same goes for Dubinsky. This allows the Rangers to make their necessary call ups without sacrificing precious cap room at the deadline.

It makes you wonder if/when the two injured centers are going to be placed on LTIR. If John Tortorella believes that the pieces are currently on the roster, they won’t be LTIR’d. With a condensed schedule coming up, six games in ten days, calling up some bodies from Hartford might be useful