Rangers Off Season: What I Expect
Posted 6:21 PM ET | Comments 6
The two biggest things the Rangers need right now are defense and secondary scoring. The big line of Jagr, Nylander, Straka/Avery/Isbister/Shanny/Hossa (anyone else?) has to have some back-up. They can not be relied on every game, as it usually depends on if Jagr decides to show up or not. The second line last season was either hit or miss, and was called upon when #1 just didnt seem to getting it together that game.
Foward Lines for Next Season, As I Imagine:
Straka - Nylander - Jagr ....Nylander will get a 3 year deal worth just over 1 mil per year. This trio has the possibility to be extremely dominating when they're hot, Renney should keep them together.
Shanahan - Avery - Callahan ....I think Shanny will be back for his final season on Broadway. Callahan reminds me of a younger Avery, without the 'i'll kill you for no reason' attitiude, and next year's camp will have him playing with the big guns.
Prucha - Gomez - Cullen ....I think we could attract Gomez with a big payday, and would work well with these two. Cullen might have a bit difficulty transitioning to wing, but could be interchangable with Gomez. Prucha's forechecking ability and work ethic will have this line putting up some big numbers in the season.
Hossa - Betts - Ortmeyer/Hollweg/Orr/Isbister ....Hossa showed some life when moved up to #1, but faded in the playoffs. Standard 4th line, maybe some scoring touch?
Defense
Rozival - Malik ....I honestly dont see Malik leaving. The fans dont like him, but they dont make the decisions last time I checked, and I think Renney and Sather see good in him
Tyutin - Girardi ....This duo will be great for years to come, and maybe Girardi will score a goal next season! They are both big solid players who play the body, something the Rangers, defense or foward, rarely do.
Mara - Staal ....Staal is no doubt ready for the big show. Playing with Mara would help the fowards with their combined playmaking ability.
Goalies
#1 - Lundqvist ....duh
#2 - Montoya/Valiquette ....Depending on the camps, #2 is open for grabs. Weekes will be to expensive to keep if Gomez becomes a Ranger.
Expectations: Win the Cup, or at least make it to the Final. I truely believe the Rangers are back on the rise, and are going to be a dominating force for years to come.
Foward Lines for Next Season, As I Imagine:
Straka - Nylander - Jagr ....Nylander will get a 3 year deal worth just over 1 mil per year. This trio has the possibility to be extremely dominating when they're hot, Renney should keep them together.
Shanahan - Avery - Callahan ....I think Shanny will be back for his final season on Broadway. Callahan reminds me of a younger Avery, without the 'i'll kill you for no reason' attitiude, and next year's camp will have him playing with the big guns.
Prucha - Gomez - Cullen ....I think we could attract Gomez with a big payday, and would work well with these two. Cullen might have a bit difficulty transitioning to wing, but could be interchangable with Gomez. Prucha's forechecking ability and work ethic will have this line putting up some big numbers in the season.
Hossa - Betts - Ortmeyer/Hollweg/Orr/Isbister ....Hossa showed some life when moved up to #1, but faded in the playoffs. Standard 4th line, maybe some scoring touch?
Defense
Rozival - Malik ....I honestly dont see Malik leaving. The fans dont like him, but they dont make the decisions last time I checked, and I think Renney and Sather see good in him
Tyutin - Girardi ....This duo will be great for years to come, and maybe Girardi will score a goal next season! They are both big solid players who play the body, something the Rangers, defense or foward, rarely do.
Mara - Staal ....Staal is no doubt ready for the big show. Playing with Mara would help the fowards with their combined playmaking ability.
Goalies
#1 - Lundqvist ....duh
#2 - Montoya/Valiquette ....Depending on the camps, #2 is open for grabs. Weekes will be to expensive to keep if Gomez becomes a Ranger.
Expectations: Win the Cup, or at least make it to the Final. I truely believe the Rangers are back on the rise, and are going to be a dominating force for years to come.
My bad. I left you a comment, but it didn't go through. I mostly agree with all of your lines, but I would move Gomez to the second line because he would make Avery and Shannahan score more goals because he is a great playmaker. Callahan played great on the third line and he belongs on that line. I would bring up Staal to play with Mara. Staal will be great like his brothers, we have to give him a chance. He is ready. I would Timonen/Malik with Rozival. We will only get Timonen if we can get rid of Malik. I expect them to get to the Eastern Conference Finals next year. They will play the Ottawa Senators and beat them. THE NEW YORK RANGERS WILL BE THE 2007-2008 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS! TAKE MY WORD, IT WILL HAPPEN!
My bad. I left you a comment, but it didn't go through. I mostly agree with all of your lines, but I would move Gomez to the second line because he would make Avery and Shannahan score more goals because he is a great playmaker. Callahan played great on the third line and he belongs on that line. I would bring up Staal to play with Mara. Staal will be great like his brothers, we have to give him a chance. He is ready. I would Timonen/Malik with Rozival. We will only get Timonen if we can get rid of Malik. I expect them to get to the Eastern Conference Finals next year. They will play the Ottawa Senators and beat them. THE NEW YORK RANGERS WILL BE THE 2007-2008 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS! TAKE MY WORD, IT WILL HAPPEN!