Positive Signs
A good win last night against a bad club. The 5-1 win featured things that were more important to me than any one name hitting the score sheet.
Firstly, the depth continued to contribute. Artem Anisimov’s line continues to inspire and it’s getting to the point where there may be a public outcry if Brandon Prust doesnt get a new deal. He is the most offensively gifted ‘fighter’ we’ve had in a long time. His pass to Aaron Voros was perfectly executed and showed patience and vision. Merely a 4th line thug? maybe not.
Erik Christensen, Vinny Prospal and Michael Roszival all looked charged up and contributed significantly.
But most importantly, for me (especially given my recent comments) was that the team seemed to respond to Tortorella.
Lundqvist looked very sharp following his shaky outing (and subsequent pull) against Buffalo and Christensen, who apparently was challenged personally by Torts came out like a bat out of hell while everyone checked and pressured the puck furiously.
Yes, this all needs to be tempered by the fact this was against a poor club with nothing to play for and it was one game in isolation but it does offer hope for the Flyers ‘series’.
May as well finish on a controversial note; with Derek Spean and the prospect centers a little while away from the big club, IF (and its a mighty big if) Olli Jokinen could play like he did last night i’d offer him a 1 year incentive ladden deal.
He clearly still has the skills and size to do what he once did in Florida but something has lacked this year. However last night he shot with frequency, played with urgency and was a shark to the puck. If he can play more like the Olli Jokinen of old he can still be a very good player and fill a need. Yes i know, its a big IF….
So to summarise; the players listened to Torts, everyone contributed. Bring on Philly?!
By Dave, April 8, 2010 @ 9:48 am
Jokinen won’t accept an incentive laden deal, he will get guaranteed money from someone else. Maybe the Islanders, who need scoring and have cap space.
As for the Rangers, I believe.
By jurgenno88, April 8, 2010 @ 10:27 am
i agree he wouldnt take the deal but i’d offer it. 1 year, no more than 3m(ish) and dangle the carrot. If he doesnt take it and wants to continue to play for bad franchises then so be it. Doesnt hurt to try though. Im working on the theory that next year Jokinen’s reputation and career are in the last chance saloon. Maybe he might take a lesser deal for a better situation.
im also working on the theory that performances like last night arent increasingly rare from him. He was very good last night.
By jurgenno88, April 8, 2010 @ 10:29 am
…… and after all, unless the Rangers chase Plekanec (who himself might not make free agency)i think the center market is slim pickings this summer.
Dave Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 10:57 am
The forward market is very slim pickings, which is why I hope the Rangers avoid it all together. Plekanec is going to get big money because the market is thin. It’s him and Kovalchuk.
jurgenno88 Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
i wouldnt give Plekanec big money either. He’s a good player that will get elite player money. Kovy will get an absolute kings ransom if he makes free agency. though i have a sneaking suspicion he stays in Jersey.
Dave Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Kovy will want more than Gaborik. I would assume he goes somewhere for $7.5 million.
jurgenno88 Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
i think he gets more than 8.5. if the reports are true that he asked for 10m/12 yrs from Atlanta then he’ll not settle for less than surely. Either way he wont be a Ranger!
Dave Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
He won’t get more than Ovechkin, no way in hell. If he thinks he will get that, it will be in Russia.