Is Gaborik League’s Best?

Marian Gaborik is on course for 50 goals this season. How impressive is it? Well in the entire history of the Rangers organisation you can count on one hand the amount of players that have reached that milestone as a Blueshirt. If he gets there it will be a hell of a feat.

Pointing out that potential milestone is just one way of acknowledging the tremendous year the Slovakian winger is having. Gaborik’s goal scoring exploits and overall form this season this may also a question as to his status among the game’s best. Is the Rangers winger the best right wing in the game this season?

Gaborik is doing so many things right this season. First of all he’s playing a better defensive game and showing a much better (and more consistent) effort to get the puck back. In the offensive zone he’s putting the puck on net as much as possible while he’s very effective on the power play (on course for 13 powerplay goals, which would be his second best return).

Above all, Gaborik is going to the high traffic areas to score a lot of his goals. How many have you seen come from rebounds and right in front of the net? A lot. He’s effective too as his 17% success rate suggests. In short, there isn’t anything Gaborik is doing wrong right now and he deserves to be acknowledged among the best.

When people think of the best right wings in the game people usually think Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Martin St Louis, Jerome Iginla and Corey Perry. Gaborik stands eye to eye with all of them. Perry sports an ugly -11 and isn’t leading the Ducks to any kind of success this season. St Louis is having a solid but unspectacular season in Tampa, while Iginla isn’t the same force he was in recent seasons. Only Kane and Hossa of the aforementioned few are having excellent years offensively. Which brings us to another point in the argument for Gaborik as the league’s best right winger.

Gaborik is doing everything so successfully this season with two kids as line mates. While Derek Stepan is absolutely on his way to forging a fine career and Artem Anisimov is improving every season, Gaborik doesn’t have the benefit of a Jonathan Toews, Steven Stamkos or Ryan Getzlaf as an elite center as Brad Richards is doing just nicely on the second line. Gaborik doesn’t have a Bobby Ryan or Patrick Sharp on his opposite wing. Yes, Gaborik is part of a line blessed with chemistry and has two very talented youngsters to assist him but he certainly hasn’t the same calibre of line mates (yet) to feed off.

As Gaborik potentially works towards career highs in total shots, power play goals, game winning goals and most importantly total goals the Slovakian star deserves to be – at the very least – in the discussion as the league’s best right winger. He deserves an all star nod and hopefully when he pots number 50 later this season he’ll be deserving of a huge ovation from the Garden faithful.

Guest Post: Derek Stepan Appreciation

This weekend’s guest post comes courtesy of Jordan Ozer (poster: JordanO), who put together a nice Derek Stepan appreciation post. Thanks for the contribution Jordan, great job.  As a reminder, if you want to have your own guest post, feel free to email us and let us know. We run these on Sunday’s.

Derek Stepan Appreciation Post

- Jordan Ozer

I am prejudiced to like Derek Stepan. As a student at the University of Wisconsin, I watched from the student section as he put together two very successful seasons at the collegiate level. In 2009-10 he recorded 54 points, which led the NCAA runners-up squad that included eventual NHL’ers in Craig Smith, Blake Geoffrion, Jake Gardiner, and Brendan Smith. Even in college he was more of a distributer than a scorer, tallying 66 assists against 21 goals in 81 collegiate games. After two strong seasons in Wisconsin, he jumped to the pros and made the Rangers out of training camp.

So while my expectations were high going into last season, even the biggest of Stepan optimists could not have predicted that he would burst onto the scene the way he did, beating Ryan Miller three times en route to becoming the fourth player in NHL history to score a hat trick in their debut. Stepan displayed a remarkable maturity that enabled him to successfully make the jump from the NCAA level to the NHL and becoming a budding start in New York City at just 20 years old. One of just four Rangers to play in all 82 games, he finished fourth on the Rangers in goals (21) and points (45).

The remarkable strides in Stepan’s game have come this season. Rather than fall prone to a sophomore slump, Derek has in fact elevated his game, recording 20 points (7 goals and 13 assists) in his first 29 games. Stepan’s play has been improving in all phases this season. He has established a spot on the point for the power play, helping a unit that has moved the puck well and created good chances as of late. He has also contributed on the penalty kill, recently evidenced by his play in the 6-1 win over Buffalo where he took the puck on an end-to-end rush to kill the penalty and finished with a highlight reel goal.

Where last season his ability to be a twenty-goal scorer in the NHL was noteworthy, this season his passing and vision have stood out. His skills as a passer and playmaker have helped him earn a spot on the first line, developing instant chemistry with Artem Anisimov and Marion Gaborik. Stepan’s talents have meshed especially well with Gaborik. The Slovakian winger has been streaky at times with the Rangers, but Stepan has helped him light the lamp with consistency this season. If Stepan continues to play this well, he is likely to be a fixture on the first line for the remainder of the season.

The Rangers have been off to a fast start in 2011, racking up wins with a youthful core. It’s clear that a big part of the future is the 21-year old kid from Hastings, Minnesota: Derek Stepan.

Tangible Progress – Part One

I feel pretty qualified (even from afar) to be able to pass judgement on how the Rangers have progressed over the first, now almost third, of the season.  Why? Simple really. We all watch the games but I was there for games one and two in Sweden and I was there for arguably there two stiffest challenges to date against the Flyers and Penguins. In between there has been a lot of development if you ask me. So, without further delay let’s talk Rangers, but in stages. Today, we’ll discuss the kids on this team and how they have done.

What concerned me most prior to – and following – the two losses in Sweden was the depth in the defensive department and whether the lines – and personnel – could mesh in time after a completely disjointed preseason. Its one thing to beat middling European clubs (no disrespect) but it’s quite another to be ready for NHL play with a makeshift preparation.

I also had concerns about some of the young talent (legitimate talent) and whether they were ready or able to grab responsibility. Could this team get more scoring? Could this team compete with the more skilled teams in the league? Could this team progress to the next level?

To all the above concerns, they are concerns no more. I think we can all say with both hysteria and realism, that the Rangers have gone to a next level in their development, regardless of last night’s pretty ugly loss. The best part of it all is the results have been obvious on the eye. They have, as the title of this post suggests being tangible. So, what about the kids?

Read more »

Stepan Not At Practice: No Need To Be Concerned

When Derek Stepan blocked that shot last night, and needed help getting off the ice, Ranger-nation held their collective breath. Luckily, Stepan didn’t miss a beat, and was out for his next shift. Clearly there was no damage done to the ankle, or else he would not have come back into the game.

However, that doesn’t mean that the Rangers won’t rest their prized young center when something like this happens; and that is exactly what they did. Stepan was not on ice at practice, as he was resting his ankle. It is likely that Stepan has a contusion or a bruise on his ankle, and nothing more. I would be shocked if he misses a game.

So again, back away from the cliff (specifically you prukachu). It’s hockey, stuff like this happens.

What The Rangers Really Have In Derek Stepan

Apparently Derek Stepan is part of the Rangers young core. Well, the sun goes down at night if you didn’t already know. Most people that took notice of the 2^nd year Rangers’ rookie year will know what kind of a player the Rangers might have on their hands. Anyone that followed his career prior to landing in New York knows that Stepan can handle big games too. The World Junior Championships being exhibit A.

At this stage of his career however, there may be a better question to consider. Instead of whether Stepan is part of the Ranger core (he is – duh); what is his upside both statistically and in terms of roster spot? Has it changed since he burst on to the scene with a hat trick last season?

What is perhaps most impressive with Stepan is a key ingredient required for sustained success in the New York sports world: temperament. Stepan had a poor start to this season – at least offensively speaking. How often did you see him vent his frustration or how often did you see him smash a stick against the boards? Never. Stepan is a grounded individual with vision and a huge dose of skill. I’ll bet you that his approach to the game played a big part in the recent turnaround in his play (and production).

His pass for Marian Gaborik’s first goal against the Jets was a great display of accuracy, patience (allowing the play to develop) and awareness. He knew very well that he had one of the best shooters in the game in perfect position to his right. Derek Stepan makes good decisions. At this stage Rangers fans will be enthused by the depth at center if Stepan and Anisimov continue to grow their game. For the record: given the prospects en route to the big club (Kreider, Thomas, Hagelin, Miller) do not think Anisimov’s future lies on the wing unless he blows the roof off of the renovated MSG offensively.

Derek Stepan could round out as a very nice, high end second line center; a compliment to Brad Richards. For those fans that think that’s not a good place to be or even an insult check out some of the other teams in the league who have had recent success. Having a good one-two punch down the middle is a great recipe for success. Look at the Penguins, the Wings, the Sharks, Canucks – they all have impressive center depth.

Back to the question at hand; what is Stepan’s potential upside? Rangers’ fans should (would?) gladly accept a 50-60 point playmaker with an impressive hockey IQ and defensive conscience any day of the week. That Stepan’s offensive production may be capped because of Richards being ahead of him in the depth chart should be immaterial. Having a great 1-2 punch is what matters most and the way Stepan is going recently, the Rangers appear to be on their way to having a lethal combo on their hands.

Artie or Stepan…. Or Both?

This post is pretty inflammatory as I’m fully aware there is currently room for both players on the roster but depending on how the season goes for both young players (and for some prospects as well) there may be an interesting decision looming for the Rangers in the relatively near future.

Artem Anisimov has developed steadily, if perhaps a little slowly. However, if his pre-season is anything to go by he seems primed for a really impressive season. He is of course in possession of a new contract; confidence from your employers does wonders for your own confidence, in any walk of life. Then there is Derek Stepan, who was at times a revelation as a rookie and seems more mature than his age should allow. Stepan too has had a solid pre-season but his place on the roster (not security, but rather location) seems more in-flux than Anisimov’s.

There is a danger that one of these players could severely out play the other this season, although competition is a good thing. It’s healthy. However, when you consider the spots up for grabs beyond this season maybe the two players are auditioning – to an extent. Captain Ryan Callahan is here to stay, the team have committed long term to Brad Richards, Brandon Dubinsky and (barring a disastrous year) Marian Gaborik. There aren’t many top six spots to give out after this year especially with the Dubinsky – Anisimov – Callahan line looking like a keeper, although with John Tortorella that’s never a certainty.

Now, throw into the mix the much anticipated arrival next year of the likes of Chris Kreider, Christian Thomas, maybe a Ryan Bourque or Carl Hagelin and given his impressive first camp, JT Miller. Just to name a few. Is it therefore possible that one of Stepan (who really needs to improve his face off skills) or Anisimov (who still needs to add muscle) could become moveable? Could they be rendered unnecessary?

Naturally this is hypothetical at this stage and as discussed, depth and competition for places is a nice problem to have. It’s also the product of good drafting. However it is worth considering that two very, very popular young, home-grown Rangers are playing for their futures, against each other – alongside each other this season. Room for both long-term? Maybe.  It’s just another little sub-plot to consider during the season.

So Where Does Stepan Start the Season?

Amid all the publicity Brad Richards has received and the analysis he has caused on the internet, the Rangers possess quite a collection of quality young centres behind him. That’s no secret. However, even with multiple (quality) years of Richards to look forward to, it is obviously in the Rangers’ long term interest to develop Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov as much as possible.

It seems natural to expect the Rangers to begin the year keeping the effective, home grown trio of Dubinsky – Anisimov – Callahan together to form an exciting second line; even though Dubinsky at this stage is very much a candidate for the top line left wing spot. That being said, if the trio does stay together it means Derek Stepan either slots on to the left (where some see his future anyway) or if his face off skills develop, Stepan becomes the third line centre. This is where some concern should lie. Is a talent like Stepan being wasted with third line duty? If he received the bulk of his playing time there, he may be the prime candidate for Dave’s previous discussion of potential sophomore slumps.

I don’t think it is ideal to have such a young player, an intelligent player, being bumped down on to the third line. Stepan is ready for a bigger role, in my opinion, and the fact that the Rangers have such quality down the middle is obviously a good problem to have. That said I’d rather see Stepan play out of his natural position and try and play left wing on the top line. Forget your Wolski’s and the like. Has Wolski got a long term future with the Rangers? Barring a spectacular season, no he hasn’t. The pending arrivals of Kreider, Thomas and the like will see to that. However Stepan very much has a future with the organisation.

It’s in the Rangers interest to give Step a key role and let him develop in it. Seriously, how much harm can the young (mature) centre cause alongside Richards and Gaborik anyway? Couldn’t Gaborik in particular, benefit from having not one but two impressive playmakers on his line? Of course he could. Stepan’s role at this stage of the preseason is in flux. There are a lot of potential landing spots for him but in terms of long term development (as an asset as much as, as an individual) Stepan should be a priority this coming season.

PS: I hope everyone was safe over in the US this past weekend. My thoughts were with you all. We don’t get things like Irene in dull, old UK. 

Potential Sophomore Slumps

Last year, the Rangers had several rookies playing key roles in the organization.  Derek Stepan was fifth on the team in goals (21) and fourth in points (45), while Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer were counted on as a second pairing, eating up big minutes against tough opponents.  These three, especially Sauer and McDonagh, are going to be expected to improve  –or at least be on par with last year.  Sophomore slumps could really hurt the Rangers.

Don’t think a sophomore slump is possible?  Look at Michael Del Zotto.  He was impressive offensively in his rookie year (defensively he needed help), but his numbers fell off a cliff in his second season.  Regression for Stepan, Sauer, and McDonagh is a definite possibility, and something that could potentially cripple the Rangers this year.

Stepan’s offense falling off a cliff is unlikely, but it is also equally unlikely to affect the Rangers drastically with the addition of Brad Richards.  In fact, you can argue that a sophomore slump from Stepan is almost impossible because Richards and Marian Gaborik will be the focal points for opposing teams.  This allows Stepan to float under the radar a bit as a third line center.

As for Sauer and McDonagh, their ability to shut down offenses and eat big minutes is no longer a secret, and you can be sure that coaching staffs are reviewing video to see if there’s a weakness.  The fear is that as teams adjust, that Sauer and McDonagh might try to do too much, like the way Del Zotto tried to do too much last year.

The saving grave for this pairing is that they are generally defensive defensemen, although McDonagh certainly has the ability to add offense to his game.  If they just focus on making the small adjustments, and not worry about adding an element to their games that they don’t have, then they should be fine.  I don’t expect a Del Zotto-esque collapse, but it is possible that they regress a little bit.

From a Weakness to a Strength

Hoards of experts, fans and hockey people looked at the Rangers roster last season and decided that the Rangers were weak down the middle. In all honesty that wasn’t the case whatsoever, but with the addition of Brad Richards what was considered a weakness is now very much a genuine (and widely acknowledged) strength. The difference last year was that the Rangers didn’t have a game breaker at center, they were absent from having an established, elite presence. What the Rangers did have however was depth, youth and upside; three appealing qualities.

The Rangers should be able to count on a few things this season that should allow them to stand eye to eye with almost every club regarding the center position. They should be able to count on an elite presence in Richards; a guy that can handle the tough assignments, they should be able to count on further development from the young centers (Stepan and Anisimov) and they should be able to take advantage of their depth by creating mismatches against other teams’ lesser lines.

However what makes the Rangers’ depth at center the envy of many organisations is the likelihood of more to come in the coming seasons. The Rangers may well be set for many years at the NHL level thanks to Richards/Stepan/Anisimov but the next wave looks promising too. Listed as centers, the Rangers can boast top pick JT Miller, Steven Fogarty, Oscar Lindberg, Andrew Yogan, Ryan Bourque, Mike St Croix and Max Campbell in the pipeline. Naturally not every one of these prospects will make it and not all of them will end up at center but many of these kids have tasted significant success in their young careers already.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect for the Rangers is the staggered development/timeline among their array of centers. With many jobs at the minor pro level up for grabs (and very few veterans blocking the paths of the kids) there are legitimate chances for centers to make their way up the system and motivation is a great aid to development. With some prospects about to begin their pro careers (such as Bourque) and others such as Miller or Fogarty just at the beginning of their careers the Rangers have the talent spread out.

Throw in to the mix the presence of a guy like Lindberg in Sweden and you have players at different stages of their development, not to mention differing contractual obligations to the Rangers. With players based in college, junior and Europe the Rangers shouldn’t have to make too many contractual decisions in any one summer. Having such a spread will allow the Rangers time to assess what they have in each player while hopefully enjoying continued development from the likes of Stepan and Anisimov at the NHL level.

The Rangers have centers right throughout the system. They have a nice young, skilled mix at the NHL level and should boast a similar blend at the AHL level this season. While it all starts with the marquee acquisition in Brad Richards there is a huge amount of talent making its way through the organisation behind him so there’s no reason that the Blueshirts new found strength should be anything but that for a few years.

Whether it’s in the big league, the minor league or at the amateur level the Rangers have depth and skill at center. It just takes one or two of the Rangers stack of centers to develop well and the Rangers could be the envy of the league, and all this without a lottery pick. Now, let’s just hope Brad Richards is more Messier than Gomez, hey?

Musings Day

It’s Musings day and it’s truly the middle of the hockey low season. Little bits of Rangers’ related news comes out – on occasion – but not exactly over flowing with news. We’ll try our best though. Let’s get in to it.

JT Miller made the US evaluation camp then. There’s a camp to get to a camp to get to the team? Leave no stone unturned I guess. Good for him though. He’s clearly a good prospect who is positionally flexible. His flexibility may see him in NY sooner rather than later.

Partners in Crime: My friend who came to NY with me in January has paid up and decided to join me in Sweden for the Rangers weekend. That mean’s two things: We’re guaranteed horrible hangovers and the two of us are truly trying to conquer the world. It’ll be our fourth different continent together.

Brendan Bell, eh? He has some offensive upside and can score at both the AHL and NHL level and is a solid depth addition that cannot hurt the club. Almost certainly one for the AHL, but he could help the power play down there. I guess someone on the blue line may well start the year in the ECHL?

I think Brandon Prust breaks the 30 point barrier next season. Why? Because special teams will be better and I think the PK will be even more lethal. He’s also looking for a pay day.

End of an Era: When Alexi Kovalev finally signed on in the KHL, the last active Rangers cup winner left the NHL. Time for a new set yeah?

(Another) draft Bust: Even though he was only just inside the first round, when ex Islander Rob Schremp signed for MODO this week it was another huge talent that failed to make an NHL impact. Kid had unreal skill and is another in the line of draft disappointments like Patrick O’Sullivan.

NFL rant: I’m a Giants fan. After this pre-season I’m seriously considering switching allegiances. (No, not to the Jets, Becky…) Seriously, could the Giants have a worse off season? Did Sather use up all the management skill in NY this summer? Didn’t think the Giants were penny pinchers. Apparently they are. Urgh

Sean Avery I am disappointed in you. That is all.

Having recently read that Wojtek Wolski is ‘working hard’ this summer, does it mean that he has read the memo that he needs to give a consistent effort to crack the line up? If Wolski can match his skill level with desire then he can still be a huge asset to the Rangers. Yes, huge.

Mikhail Pashnin. If I’m the Russian defenseman I’d also stay in Russia, for the time being. Though I’d have only signed a one year deal. He needs to remain as contractually flexible as he can until his NHL chance either comes or finally goes.

I read that the Rangers window to win is now open? No. It is opening. 2012-13 it’ll hopefully be wide open for a few years, but we’re still one year away from legitimate playoff expectation. Some more patience folks…

Me: I’ve had a bizarre 7 days. I’ve been invited to a wedding in California the week of my 30^th. Seems too good to be true! I’ve also had 3 job offers in 4 days, one of them in Germany. Needless to say I’ve had a lot to think about this week!

Marian Gaborik CAN score 100 points next season. I’m being deadly serious when I say that. A good Rangers’ power play, sustained health and instant chemistry with Mr Richards and it could happen. Emphasis on could.

Insta poll: Who will be the Rangers highest scoring defenseman next season?

• Marc Staal
• Dan Girardi
• Mike Del Zotto
• Tim Erixon
• A.N. Other

My answer: Del Zotto.

Current Ranger that won’t be a Ranger on October 7^th: Erik Christensen.

I’m surprised Bryan McCabe is still homeless. He didn’t fit well in NY, but is likely cheap and can help as a depth guy. There’s certainly a lot worse under contract in the league.

Final poser: Who will score more points this season; Derek Stepan or Artem Anisimov?

Happy Thursday peeps. GO RANGERS (no go Giants. Urgh.)