Early, Early, Early Line Predictions
Now that Alex Frolov is in the fold, I think it’s safe to say that the Rangers are done with free agent signings. They have to re-sign Marc Staal, and I think they will. They may demote Wade Redden. They may sign an AHLer. But, for the big club. this is about it.
With training camp getting closer each day, I thought it would time to look at line combos. Yes, it’s early. A lot’s going to change. Players will find chemistry, a breakout star will emerge, someone will get hurt. So this is very preliminary. But it’s fun. And I’m all about fun. So here goes:
Frolov-Prospal-Gaborik
A very Eastern European flair there. I think you have to put Frolov with Gaborik. You can talk about “separating the scoring” but the Rangers don’t have enough scoring to do that. Give Gabby a legit winger on his other side. All Prospal has to do is feed the puck somewhere.
Dubinsky-Christensen-Callahan
I like this line. Christensen has a lot of skill. Dubi and Cally work the corners, get in the dirty areas. Could be a high scoring line. It’s an actual 2nd line. These are 2nd line players. We’re used to 3rd liners getting 2nd line minutes. No more.
Avery-Anisimov-Prust
Do I love this line? Not really, but there aren’t many other options. We know AA has a lot of skill, and so does Sean Avery. It’s a gritty line. We saw how Prust and AA fit together. Avery is another natural fit. Two rough and tumble guys, one really skilled guy. Christensen and Anisimov could switch, easily.
Boogaard-Drury-Weise
Drury is probably a fourth line center, and I know that’s hard with his contract, but he brings so much in PK and leadership that you deal with it. I think Weise is all but guaranteed to make the team. They really like him. The Boogey man is the Boogey man: He’s gonna rough some people up and stand in front of the net.
MZA, Grachev and Stepan will spend at least half a year in the AHL. I think, of the three, MZA has the best chance to make the team. He’d probably be on the third line, and Prust would move to the fourth. What do y’all think?
By Dave, July 28, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
I wouldn’t be upset with these lines. I think EC will eventually find his way to the third line, with AA moving up. I also think the Prospal Dubi Gabby line will be given a shot to stay together, dumping Frolov down to the second line.
For the first time in a while, there will actually be competition on the top six.
By jurgenno88, July 28, 2010 @ 6:07 pm
im like Dave. i like the competition and i think AA makes the 2nd line, if not immediately then before seasons end. He’s the future so should be given every chance to make the 2nd center spot his own.
I like the idea of Frolov and Gaborik on seperate lines but i’m more than happy with stacking the top line too. Think i prefer Prospal as a wing though.
I also think Weise is a lock to make ti – barring a very bad camp. Torts previous comments suggest he’s got the inside track.
RangerSmurf Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Frolov on the first line is a bad idea, while talented, he’s not good enough to handle tough opponents. He’ll get enough time with Gaborik on the PP. Give him 2nd line opponents and let him destroy them. Basically..swap him and Dubinsky.
jurgenno88 Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
and move Prospal back to wing in that scenario.
By Dave, July 28, 2010 @ 6:34 pm
By putting Frolov on 2nd line and 1st PP, you load up and get a lethal PP and spread out the offense at even strength. Frolov’s qualcomp was tops on LA, and with the Rangers, it will go down because of Gaborik. That will lead to better production.
By anthony, July 28, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
what about mats zuccarello aasen , im most interested in seeing how this kid can play and if he can put up points in the nhl
By Jeremy, July 28, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
In regards to Frolov on the first line, I’ve always believed in stacking lines. I think Malkin and Crosby should play together. To me, it make sense. It’s not a great comparison, but the Miami Heat aren’t going to bench Wade so their bench is better. Call me crazy. But, I think Frolov and Gabby on the same line could be dynamic. Also, I think AA has a great shot to be the 2nd line center. Probably the favorite. Just has to prove it in camp and in preseason games.
Dave Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Frolov and Gabby would be lethal, but the rest of the lineup would be the status quo. That’s my reasoning Rhine separating them. It’s going to be a fu preseason though watching everyone fight it out.
jerry Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
every body knows im betting on mza making the team and being a second line wing.and anisimov i think will get second line time.
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:30 am
If he does, it makes the team that much deeper, as Cally slides into the 3rd line RW and bumps someone, probably Boogaard or Weise, from the lineup.
It really is amazing how much depth Frolov adds, and the potential of MZA.
RangerSmurf Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 10:00 am
The NBA isn’t a comparison..but I’ll run with it anyway. You would almost guarantee that at all times either Wade or LeBron will be on the court..you want a legitimate threat out there as often as you can so that the opposing defense can’t relax.
Similarly..Crosby and Malkin being split up makes it a nightmare to try and matchup. Who do you put Staal/Girardi against? As talented as those two are, when they’re together..your only mission is to shut that line down and take your chances with Staal/Kennedy/et al.
With our team..I don’t want Pronger/Timmonen or whatever #1 pair you want to name to have one line to shut down.
And that ignores that the one year Frolov led the Kings in Quality of Competition was his worst output at even strength in his career. (And if he plays with Gaborik, he’s getting high competition levels)
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 10:15 am
It’s interesting that Frolov matched up against the toughest competition in LA, considering Kopitar and Brown et al.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Frolov on a top line with Gabby, but I would prefer spreading it out and have Frolov with AA, I think there would be chemistry there.
By jerry, July 28, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
and my suggestion, even though ive been saying make a trade for a first line center, im gonna go back on my words and say dont make anymore moves till after training camp and some preseason to see if anybody steps up or surprises us.we can always jump on a trade after that.thats when well know if anybody can be let go.
By brian, July 29, 2010 @ 12:54 am
Drury where cally is slotted, cally where prust is slotted, prust where drury is slotted (meaning 4th line, not necessarily center)
By Bloomer, July 29, 2010 @ 1:30 am
I think EC has the talent and desire to center gabby and frogman. I like Dubi at center with vinny to his left flank and workhorse Callihan to the right. The big Ruskie centers prust and avery and drury centering the boogyman and I agree give Wiese the first shot or byers.Drury can fill in anywhere as needed.
By KEVIN60, July 29, 2010 @ 8:55 am
I have to say that looking at the projected line
combinations the only one that scares me is the
Gaborik line. I’m afraid that the Rangers will fall into the same trap as last year. Every opposing team will run their best defenseman out against Gaborik. The mind set will be “if we can
stop Gaborik we stop the Rangers.” That’s why I
favor putting Frolov on the second line because
frankly, looking at the rest of the lineup, nothing scares me if I’m an opposing team.
By patrick, July 29, 2010 @ 8:56 am
The midget will make the team. Prust will never play on the 3rd line. Grachev will make the team and start on the 4th line!
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:32 am
I don’t see them putting Grachev on the team if he’s not going to play top-nine minutes. If he’s on the 4th line, they will just send him to Hartford.
jerry Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:48 am
no way gravchev plays on fourth line i agree dave.
patrick Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Anisimov played most of last year on the 4th line. Grachev will start there and will get more time as he gets acclimated to the NHL. They want him on the team next but will not start him in a top 9 role. You heard it here first!
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
AA only played in the NHL after an 80 point year in Hartford. Grachev only had 28 last year in the AHL.
Patrick Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Not sure what one has to do with the other. Lines are based on ability and play in camp not last season’s totals in the minors. If you listen to Tort’s comments, he wants this kid here and assuming he does well in camp- he’ll be here. If he doesn’t it’s hartford but if he makes the club they’ll bring him along slow like AA last year..
Grachev has more upside than AA and they all know it.
By Josh, July 29, 2010 @ 9:13 am
Dubi – Prospal- Gabby
Frolov- AA – Cally(I wanna say grachev so badly)
Avery- Christenson- Prust
Boogie- Drury – (Boyle or fill in shot given to minor leaguer here..)
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:34 am
This is mostly what my lines would look like, but dropping Prust to the 4th line and inserting Weise as 3rd line RW. That leaves Boyle as a scratch, or a replacement when the Boogyman winds up in the doghouse.
By Mike, July 29, 2010 @ 10:16 am
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Frolov-Anisimov-MZA
Prospal-Drury-Callahan
Boogaard-Avery-Prust
By Section 121, July 29, 2010 @ 11:26 am
How’s this?
Drury-Dubi-Gabby
Frolov-Christensen-Prospal
Avery-Anisimov-Cally
Boogie-Boyle-Prust
Give drury responsibility for offense again; no more preoccupation with defense
Not a bad 2nd line with enough skill to score against other 2nd tier players matching up
Avery-Anisimov-Cally is a high pressure energy line that will get goals off of turnovers
1st PP Frolov-Dubi-Gabby with MDZ, Rozy
2nd PP Prospal-Anisimov-Cally with Drury, Gilroy
Insert christensen on 2nd unit if necessary
By jerry, July 29, 2010 @ 11:46 am
121-no offense you juggle your lines worse then torts does (lol).drury on first line left wing and prospal on second line right.and if boyles on this team at all ill be shocked, hes a non factor at this point.
Section 121 Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Well, we’re having fun right?
I know that Dru brings a lot of leadership and PK but I still can’t live with our captain in the bottom six
Prospal is Mr. versatile so he can play goalie as far as I’m concerned
Also, with boyle, I’m just lining up whose current under contract with team with NHL experience (no AHLers)
Dave Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Drury may be bottom six at even strength, but will be on the 2nd PP and top PK lines. He will still get his 15 mins a game.