Panarin scores, but is out with mild groin strain

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Derek

In the first preseason game for the Rangers against the Devils at MSG, Artemi Panarin debuted wearing his new number 10 jersey.

While the electrifying Russian scoring forward showed excellent chemistry with Mika Zibanejad and top pick Kaapo Kakko, by scoring a power play goal on a rocket of a one-timer past both Chris Kreider and Devils goalie Cory Schneider, it wasn’t all good news for the newest big name Blueshirt.

He missed the last few shifts of the second period. Apparently, Ranger fans won’t be seeing the Bread Man for a while. He’ll likely be out the remainder of the preseason due to a mild groin strain.

Undoubtedly, not the news you want to start with in the first preseason game. However, better off now than later. It is September 16. So, there is time for Panarin to recover. The Blueshirts are banking on it. $11.6 million is quite a investment on the former Blue Jacket.

Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go for the season opener at home versus Winnipeg.

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Hughes scores in preseason debut

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Derek

Jack Hughes delighted the Devils fans who came out to see him at The Prudential Center. In his first preseason action, the top pick scored a goal.

Of course he did. The new face of the franchise is going to bring smiles to many who bleed red and black in Newark.

Here’s how it looked and sounded courtesy of the Devils website online broadcast as called by professional radio play by play man Matt Loughlin.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1173754688832978947?s=19

It was a power play goal with 2018 first round pick Ty Smith drawing the primary assist with a perfect dish across for the Hughes one-timer that tied the score against the Bruins.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1173758312350986240?s=19

While Hughes will certainly be on the roster as the likely number two center behind Nico Hischier, Smith is vying for a spot on the New Jersey blueline. He nearly made the roster last year after getting drafted. Smith has good potential as a puck moving defenseman with great offensive capability.

The Devils are also playing a split squad game up in Montreal. They were trailing the Canadiens 2-1 at last check. Will Butcher had the lone goal.

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Devils training camp preview

Posted on September 14, 2019 by hasan4978

Although it’s been a busy summer for GM Ray Shero and the Devils, it’s been a long one for us fans.  Apart from the surprise Nikita Gusev trade a few weeks back, there hasn’t been much to comment on or dissect about the team from Newark.  Last weekend’s prospect challenge involving us, the Penguins, Bruins and Sabres was good for the young players involved to get more game action than even just the seven-game presesason will allow.  I can’t say that I watched a minute of any of the games though.  Maybe I will at some point this week since the Devils graciously posted the streams online.

Sounded like our kids did okay for the most part other than the horrendous beginning to the first game that had them down 6-0 to the Sabres last Friday before a furious rally late where they came up short 6-4, then the kids lost the second game against the Penguins the next day despite outshooting them by a wide margin before concluding with a dramatic third-game OT win against the Bruins on Monday when winger Ludwig Larsson not only scored, but also won himself a camp invite after that game.  That’s pretty much the extent of what I know about last weekend, but personally I’d rather see the kids play with and against the guys they’re going to have to compete with at the NHL level, and in an actual system as opposed to just a All-Star tournament type format.

In this blog I’m only going to look at camp and the young kids looking to make their mark as opposed to a full season preview, so no comments on Taylor Hall or the extension that looks like it’s going to be a regular season decision at this point.  To start with, the Devils invited 56 players to camp – none of them vet PTO’s – and most should get an opportunity this week with five games in six nights (including a split squad outing on Monday to open up the exhibition slate).

Looking at the preseason schedule it’s actually somewhat interesting in that almost all the games this week (other than the split squad road trip to Montreal) are local before next week they conclude the preseason with games at Boston and Columbus in what seems like a mini-road trip to bond the team before the season – since by then the roster should be close to pared down to the final twenty-three players, most of whom are already locked in and will just be playing games to get in shape for the regular season.

It’s hard for me admittedly to even get into the preseason proper, although unlike the NFL at least the NHL games resemble real hockey with real players making appearances, especially in the second week after the young kids usually have the run of the first week when evaluations are made.  Not to mention instead of being cut outright, most of the camp fodder who doesn’t make the roster will at least be in the minor leagues and in theory a callup away.  This preseason should be more interesting than most, however.

Sure part of that reason is seeing the new vet acquisitions in a Devil jersey for the first time – P. K. Subban, Wayne Simmonds and Gusev chief among them, not to mention Hall playing his first minutes since last December – but that only goes so far and ultimately all you want of the vets is to stay healthy until October.  Of course that’s true year round but particularly in games that don’t count, it’s always deflating to see guys get hurt then.  Even with an improved roster there is still room for kids or role players to make an impact and that’s where this preseason has some actual meaning for the Devils.

Among the kids looking to make an impact you have to start obviously with the #1 overall pick in Jack Hughes.  Though he did play two games in the prospects challenge last weekend, most of the crowd who goes to the preseason games he plays will likely be watching him for the first time in a Devils jersey.  While he’s all but certain to make the team, it’ll still be interesting to see how he performs with and against pro players for the first time.  There might even be a Hughes-Kakko preview with the two top picks in the draft meeting up at some point during one of the two Devil-Ranger preseason games next week.  If not, we should get plenty of chances to see them match up during games that count in the years ahead.

While for many fans the preseason will be in large part about getting a first look at the golden boy, the staff and diehards will be looking as much toward other potential kids that can make an impact on the 2019-20 Devils.  Technically, Mackenzie Blackwood still counts as a rookie with only 23 games played last year but realistically everyone knows after a promising beginning to his career last year that he’ll be on the big club full-time this year, the only question is whether he or star-crossed goalie Cory Schneider will get the bulk of the starts.  Early camp speculation has it being anywhere from a 50-32 to a 55-27 split, but as of yet it’s too early to say who will head that split.

All the other goalies in camp are playing to see who’ll man the net for Binghamton with 2017 5th rounder Gilles Senn and 2016 4th rounder Evan Cormier probably dueling to be the main man in net for the baby Devils.  Senn played the last few years in Switzerland while Cormier got his feet wet in the AHL with fifteen games last season.  It’s probably too early for 2018 fifth rounder Akira Schmid to go pro but he had good numbers in the USHL last year so who knows.

While our defensive lineup seems set for the most part it’ll be interesting on a couple fronts, the main one being how much will 2018 1st rounder Ty Smith play?  Big things are expected after he narrowly missed making the team straight out of the draft last fall, then lit it up in the WHL with 69 points in 57 games for Spokane.  Our ideal lineup probably has him in it, but the teen wonder is competing for a spot with other still-young defensemen themselves in Mirco Mueller and Connor Carrick.  Carrick will certainly make the team, being signed to a two-year deal this offseason after his late-season audition at the end of last year following a trade from Dallas, but his role is a bit of a question mark at this juncture.  Mueller’s role is even murkier on a one-year deal after two seasons in New Jersey full of dissapointment and untimely injuries.

Given our top five seems to be set more or less, these three are jockeying for spots #6-8 on the roster, and with the composition of the roster and all the young forwards who can be sent down to play, it’s quite possible the team keeps eight defensemen.  It’s also near likely all eight will be needed at some point.  Although it’s unlikely anyone else makes the team on defense it’s slightly noteworthy that Colton White and Matt Tennyson got low camp numbers (2 and 7, respectively), which if you read between the lines mean they could be among Binghamton’s top defensemen and the first callups if ones are needed.  While Tennyson is a vet who’s likely just AHL depth and roster filler at this point, White was a 4th round pick in 2015, just 22 himself and coming off a season where he played well for Binghamton and even debuted with the Devils late in the season.

Up front if you count Hughes, the Devils have eleven forwards that are sure to start the season on the NHL roster barring injury.  I’m not going to list them all, anyone can look at the camp roster and do the math.  Which, if my calculations are correct leave exactly two forward spots (maybe three) to earn out of camp among a group of guys including 2016 third rounder Joey Anderson who made the team last year and played thirty-four games, despite sandwiching them around a gruesome leg injury that kept him out the majority of the time.  Also the forward hopefuls include physical, gritty John Hayden who was acquired this offseason in a trade for one time first-rounder John Quenneville.  Center Kevin Rooney could be another late bloomer in the role of Blake Coleman but with the team’s depth at center he’s likely to be a fourth-liner at most.  If you were to forecast leaders in the clubhouse for spots based on uniform numbers and/or previous time spent in the NHL, Anderson, Hayden and Rooney do have numbers 14, 15, and 16 in camp.

Not that the Devils are exclusively a low-number domain anymore.  2016 second rounder Nathan Bastian looked promising in his last-season callup with three goals in seven games, while skilled but drastically undersized Brett Seney got into 51 games last year as injuries hit in the second half.  However, perhaps the most promising non-Hughes youngster up front is 20-year old Jesper Boqvist, a 2018 second round pick who did well last year playing in Sweden’s pro league as a teenager with 13 goals and 35 points in 51 games.  If any one of the aformentioned kids can take a spot in the top nine it’s Boqvist.  Others like 2016 first-rounder Michael McLeod are also fighting for a spot but he’s still probably on the outside looking in after an unimpressive pro debut last year both in the AHL and NHL.  Playmaking Brandon Gignac debuted late last year and could also compete for a spot.  I’m sure still other forwards will make their presence known throughout camp as well.  We’ll see how it all shapes out starting Monday.

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Rangers Training Camp Questions

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Derek

On Thursday, NHL Training Camps opened up. That included the Devils and Rangers, who could be in similar situations entering the ’19-20 season. Both due to their offseason that included New Jersey adding Jack Hughes, P.K. Subban, Nikita Gusev and Wayne Simmonds while the Rangers added Kaapo Kakko, Artemi Panarin, Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox.

While this blog is about the Hudson Rivalry, which should be reenergized, today’s post is on what the questions are for Rangers training camp. Having missed the playoffs the past two years, it’s a new era of Rangers hockey in the metropolitan area. One full of potential thanks to young prospects such as Kakko, Fox, Vitali Kravtsov, Igor Shesterkin and Yegor Rykov.

Throw in Panarin along with Trouba and the Blueshirts will have a different look both up front and on the back end. They invested nearly $20 million on two very good players they hope will be worth their contracts over the long haul. You don’t spend that type of money on the Bread Man unless you’re sure the dynamic Russian scoring left wing can significantly help an offense that lacked big talent. That shouldn’t be a problem with Panarin and super talented number two pick Kakko, who demonstrated his unique skill at Traverse City.

A four point effort in an overtime win on Monday that included a beautiful pass to set up Kravtsov for a goal, showed off why fans are so excited for Kakko. As fun as it will be to watch Panarin work his magic on a projected top line with Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich, the future of the franchise lies with Kakko. The kind of young draft pick the Rangers have failed to produce. He has a power forward big man’s game.

New Team President John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton were able to get Brendan Lemieux re-signed for a year where he’ll earn $925,000. Only Tony DeAngelo remains unsigned. That situation could take a bit longer. Hopefully, the key right defenseman comes to his senses and settles to fit into the cap. He can get more money next summer.

With a roster that still features veterans Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Chris Kreider and Jesper Fast, what are the realistic expectations for one of the league’s youngest teams? Obviously, the experienced players including Panarin, Zibanejad, Brady Skjei and Trouba must perform well. However, much hinges on the younger core that includes Filip Chytil, Lias Andersson, Brett Howden, Kakko, Fox, Kravtsov, Libor Hajek, Rykov, Ryan Lindgren and key backup goalie Alexandar Georgiev.

So, what are the questions that face the Rangers as training camp continues with preseason on deck?

1.How will coach David Quinn handle the unique goalie situation between Lundqvist and Georgiev with possibly Shesterkin later on? At 37, Lundqvist isn’t getting any younger. Given how well Georgiev performed in the second half of his first year, Quinn could keep Henrik’s workload light. Unless Georgiev struggles, there’s no reason to overwork him.

2.Entering the final year of his contract with unrestricted free agency next summer, how will Kreider handle a season which could be his last on Broadway? Will he survive the year, or meet a similar fate to former teammates Derek Stepan, Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello? Nobody can predict how it will play out. For now, Kreider is expected to start on the second line with Kakko and hopefully Chytil centering it.

3.How much better can the defense be with the key addition of Trouba? Let’s face it. The right side for the Blueshirts has been a nightmare since they bought out Dan Girardi. Nothing worked. Kevin Shattenkirk was so disappointing that he was bought out. He’s now with Tampa in a much better situation. Trouba is young and strong. He can log the big minutes and really help out new partner Skjei, who struggled with consistency. I don’t want to put too much pressure on Fox. The D depends on Trouba, who’s being paid to be an elite level shutdown defenseman who can contribute offensively.

4.How long will Buchnevich last on the top line before Kakko replaces him? This isn’t a knock on Buchnevich, who made considerable strides under Quinn in the second half. It’s more about how good Kakko can be. If he can perform to expectation, it’ll probably make sense to move him up on a big line with Zibanejad and Panarin. Buchnevich has played with Kreider before and had chemistry. If he does get moved down, how will he react?

5.How much can the Bread Man improve the team at five-on-five? The past couple of years, the Rangers have struggled mightily at even strength. Constantly pinned in their end due to not having a strong puck possession roster, that can change. It’s not the power play where Panarin did most of his damage. It’s five-on-five. Of the 116 career goals he’s scored, 86 have come at even strength. He’ll also help the Blueshirts during three-on-three in overtime and shootouts. Those extra points could make a difference if they’re in playoff contention.

6.When can we see Kravtsov? The gifted Russian forward has undeniable skills that can accelerate the rebuild. While all the hoopla surrounds Panarin and Kakko, the 2018 first round pick looks like the real deal. He could play his way into the conversation. I expect him to start in Hartford. Then get the call. But it largely depends on the next two weeks.

7.How important are versatile forwards Vladislav Namestnikov, Ryan Strome and Fast? They don’t have the pizazz of Panarin, Kakko, or capability of Buchnevich and Kreider. However, the secondary veterans are solid players who can fill important roles. Namestnikov is a checking line type who can use his speed and tenacity to be effective on the forecheck and penalty kill. The do everything Fast is similar in how he will hustle to outwork opponents. Strome is versatile enough to fill in at center if needed. Quinn would prefer to play him on right wing. If he can bring the same level as last year, he’ll be an asset who could get moved. Frankly, with both Namestnikov and Fast in their final years, they also could be traded.

8.How much can Chytil, Howden and Andersson improve in Year Two? All three are former first round picks, who played their first pro seasons. Both Chytil and Howden got into more games than Andersson, who’s viewed more as a two-way center. He’ll need to take big step this year while both Chytil and Howden are expected to be more consistent. Quinn would prefer for Chytil to become the second center. A big responsibility. We’ll see how all three progress.

9.Is there any role for Brendan Smith? As much as a good soldier as he was, even playing forward on the fourth line, the veteran left defenseman seems to be the odd man out due to his contract. Paying an average of $4.35 million for both this season and next makes no sense. He’ll probably get shuttled back and forth from Hartford. It will depend on unproven kids like Hajek, Rykov and possibly Lindgren, who I like more than other fan blogs.

10.When do we see Shesterkin? Hopefully, not at all. That’s if things go well between the tandem of Lundqvist and Georgiev, who have a good relationship. Hank’s a team guy and leader. You root for him to come back and be better. Georgie has a great personality. Let Shesterkin develop and adjust to the North American rink. If he proves ready and there’s a need, fine. They don’t have to rush him. He should split duty with Adam Huska in Hartford.

That’s all for now. We’ll have more soon.

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Adam Fox shines for Rangers in Traverse City, Jack Hughes scores for Devils

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Derek

Even without top pick Kaapo Kakko, who remained out due to sickness, the Rangers had to be pleased with the play of their prospects in Traverse City. Following a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Friday, they responded well with a 7-4 win over the Stars last night.

Adam Fox led the way with five points including two goals. A strong showing for the 21-year old defenseman the Rangers traded for and signed. He’s been wearing number 23 for the team they sent to the prospect tournament that concludes next week.

I am not going to put a lot of stock in how the young kids perform. Of course, it’s always positive when a few of the key players the team is high on do well. However, we won’t really know until training camp and preseason how NHL ready they are. I’ll leave it at that.

Vitali Kravtsov scored on the power play. The 2018 first round pick seems to be a fun player on and off the ice. Something he displayed prior to the first game. At the end of the interview, when asked whose English is better, his or Kaapo, Kravtsov gave a funny answer.

Karl Henriksson was the first Ranger to get on the board to tie the score in the first period. It was a nice reply to Stars prospect Jason Robertson with Henriksson tipping in a Fox shot for his goal. He centered the first line of Kravtsov and Harvard grad Lewis Zerter-Gossage.

Russian defenseman Yegor Rykov also tallied his first of the tournament. It was a good wrist shot from the circle with Henriksson screening in front. That looks like the type of player Henriksson is. A hard working Swede who outworks opponents to get into the right spot.

The Rangers at one point had a 3-1 lead, but Dallas responded quickly with a pair to knot it up. Consecutive goals from Matthew Robertson and Fox restored a two goal lead. They earned the victory by putting it away in the third.

Sunday is an off day which is convenient for every big football fan. The real NFL season officially kicks off with the area locals both in action. The best part is both play in the afternoon. What a damn concept. The Jets host the Bills at 1 and the Giants visit the Cowboys later. Do they ever not play them in Week One?

I will also have a close eye on the men’s final at the US Open between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. So, there’s plenty to watch.

As for Igor Shesterkin, he’s still adjusting. He didn’t have a good showing in the opening game. Adam Huska got the start in the second game.

Here’s Adam Fox discussing the victory after going 2-3-5.

Updating the Devils, they lost on Friday to the Sabres 6-4. Number one pick Jack Hughes scored though. Here’s how it looked.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170134450610606080?s=19

Hughes also discussed the game afterwards. He is gonna be a delight for the Jersey side of the Rivalry.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170161594887749632?s=19

In the Prospects Challenge yesterday, the Devils lost to the Penguins 2-1. Graeme Clarke got the lone tally. Hughes sat out.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170426994305241089?s=19

That’s all for the prospects until Monday. I’ll have other NHL stuff later.

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A hint of what’s to come

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Derek

On the official first day of school for most people, the first sneak peek of what’s to come was on display at the Rangers practice facility.

Here is 2018 first round pick Vitali Kravtsov showing off the skating and skill that convinced the Rangers to select him 15 months ago. The Russian forward will be part of an exciting young core that’ll include top pick Kaapo Kakko, Adam Fox along with second-year centers Filip Chytil, Brett Howden and Lias Andersson.

Eventually, Igor Shesterkin will be joining them. That all depends on how Henrik Lundqvist performs along with sophomore Alexandar Georgiev. How much of an adjustment will pro hockey be in North America for the top Rangers goalie prospect? The good news is they don’t have to rush him. Not with Lundqvist signed through 2021. Georgiev is a good insurance policy. The goalie position will be interesting to follow.

It’s strange that they’re so close to having the first rookie prospect tournaments while such big restricted free agents as Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, Mikko Rantanen, Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Ivan Provorov and Zach Werenski still don’t have new contracts. To be blunt, it’s not good for the league. Especially when the Coyotes overpay Clayton Keller by inking their leading scorer to a big extension worth an average of $7.1 million per season kicking in for ’20-21.

The aforementioned Group II players are more established stars than Keller, who got paid. Arizona has almost $30 million committed to their defense. They also are slightly over the cap with a couple of unproven players making significant money. And you wonder why the current CBA isn’t working. The NHL is perfectly satisfied with it and won’t opt out. The players aren’t due to issues with the escrow. Something Jonathan Toews alluded to recently.

https://twitter.com/johndietzdh/status/1168517638550708224?s=19

Between that problem and the ridiculous nature of how long it’s taking for teams to get key RFA’s re-signed, there are major concerns going forward. Will the players pay back Gary Bettman and the owners by opting out of the CBA next year? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, let’s try to stay positive about the continued infusion of youth coming into the league. Kakko and Jack Hughes enter for the Rangers and Devils, adding much needed spice to what’s been a dull rivalry. Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar are two young defensemen to watch as part of an exciting rookie class.

There is a lot to like about the direction some teams are going. Youth will indeed be served. The Flyers are banking on Carter Hart to be their starter in net while looking for improvement from former number one pick Nolan Patrick. He will not have as much pressure as big addition Kevin, who’ll be asked to provide consistent offense as their number two pivot behind do everything center Sean Couturier. They have plenty of scoring led by Claude Giroux, Couturier and Jakub Voracek. Alain Vigneault has to like the new situation he’s in. On paper, the Flyers look like a playoff team.

The rebuilt Rangers and Devils are hoping they can compete for the postseason thanks to strong offseasons. P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds join up with Hughes to strengthen their chances. Plus former MVP Taylor Hall is healthy and motivated in a contract year. Jacob Trouba and Artemi Panarin are the big additions for the Blueshirts along with Kakko, Fox and possibly Kravtsov. Chris Kreider is still on the roster while Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux must decide whether to accept their qualifying offers. It would help the cap and they could get paid next summer with good seasons.

Which goalie tandem will do better? The Rangers’ duo of Lundqvist and Georgiev or Devils tandem Cory Schneider and Mackenzie Blackwood.

How much will the loss of captain Justin Williams hurt Carolina? He decided at age 37 to take some time off to be with his family. He’s well respected and a real leader who’s had a very good career. I hope it’s not the last time we see him. Congrats to former Cane Cup hero Cam Ward on a good career. He signed a one day contract and retired a Hurricane.

There will be much more to get to in the coming days. The end of the US Open and beginning of football is when you know hockey’s around the corner. Hopefully, some contracts are signed and things clear up.

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The Great Debate: Jack Hughes vs Kaapo Kakko

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Derek

Devils top pick Jack Hughes is the future of the franchise. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

As we finally approach the end of a long August that feels like an eternity, September means hockey is around the corner. After a whole lot of nothing aside from unsigned players and organizations posturing due to the dysfunctional salary cap system, we can now set our sights on the upcoming month that will include Rookie Prospect Tournaments, training camp, preseason and final rosters.

So while other teams and their pricey Group II free agents scramble to get deals done, the primary focus in the metropolitan area is one of great anticipation and excitement. The Devils will feature top pick Jack Hughes while the Hudson rival Rangers will star second pick Kaapo Kakko.

It truly is a new chapter in the Hudson Rivalry. Two franchise players who can change the dynamic for both franchises by making them relevant again. It might not happen right away. Even with the Newark and Manhattan side adding key pieces to their brand new toys, the playoffs are far from a certainty.

Believe me, P.K. Subban adds a lot of pizzazz to what’s been a bland rivalry since Martin Brodeur left New Jersey. There hasn’t been this kind of buzz since Marty battled Henrik Lundqvist in the 2012 Eastern Conference Final. One I’d rather forget. For Hasan, it was a moment the Devils and Brodeur had waited for. Even if it didn’t result in the ultimate prize, they got revenge thanks to Adam Henrique. Ironically, Doc Emrick had the call.

Even though Lundqvist won the Vezina and would later guide the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years, it didn’t have a happy ending. They suffered a similar fate to the hated Kings that the Devils did. I think ours was more cruel due to the blown leads and overtime futility at the obnoxious Staples Center. Has there ever been a more annoying arena? I don’t need to hear Cartman scream, “Go Kings Go,” a zillion times.

Fast forward five years later and 2014 feels like a lifetime ago. What’s fitting is the Kings stink and are stuck with an aging Ilya Kovalchuk. That has to bring a smile to Hasan’s face. While our teams have the next generation’s stars ready to unleash a new installment between The Rock and MSG a Path Train ride away, Los Angeles will likely be one of the NHL’s worst teams. It couldn’t happen to a nicer franchise.

So, as we move forward to what’s in store this year, let the great debate begin. As I proposed on our new Twitter account, who would you rather have to build around? If you haven’t already, please give us a follow @BattleofHudson and cast your vote. Not that I expect any objective opinions on the two young kids.

How successful will each be in their rookie season? I feel it largely depends on how quickly both Hughes and Kakko adjust to the best hockey league in the world. It also could hinge on who they play with. Here are a couple of hypotheticals.

If Hughes is the number one center for New Jersey, does he play with Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri, or will he slot in on a second line behind Nico Hischier with Nikita Gusev and Wayne Simmonds/Jesper Bratt?

Assuming Mika Zibanejad is the top center, does Kakko find himself on the right wing with Artemi Panarin on the left side, or will he start on the second line with Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil/Ryan Strome?

These are some interesting questions. What about the size difference? Kakko is approximately 6-2, 180 while Hughes is 5-10, 170. How much weight did they put on? Does Kakko’s physical strength make him more NHL ready? Or does that really matter in today’s speed oriented game geared towards creative players like Hughes?

The Rangers are excited about second pick Kaapo Kakko. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy lohoud.com.

It’s sure to be a healthy debate for years. With both on opposite sides of the spectrum in a heightened rivalry, they’ll be compared. It’s what fans and media do. Even if it is unfair, that’s what happens when two players of this magnitude go 1-2 and get thrown into the fire literally.

Don’t forget they’re teenagers. It might not come right away. Both teams had good offseasons to improve their chances in a very competitive Metropolitan Division. The Capitals, Islanders, Penguins, Hurricanes and Blue Jackets all made the playoffs last season. Only Columbus could suffer a serious drop off due to key departures. The other four teams should all be good. Factor in the expected improvement of the Flyers and it’s a tough division to call.

How much will Subban and Wayne Simmonds add to the Devils? Is Gusev another Panarin? Only time shall tell.

What about Jacob Trouba? How much impact can he have on the Rangers defensively? How good is Adam Fox and what about Vitali Kravtsov? If you go down the line and include Chytil, Brett Howden, Lias Andersson and Libor Hajek, the Blueshirts are the younger roster with more question marks.

The Devils have more proven commodities such as Blake Coleman, Travis Zajac, Andy Greene, Sami Vatanen and Damon Severson. Will Butcher already has two years under his belt too. Questions remain with key role players such as Bratt, Miles Wood, Pavel Zacha, Joey Anderson and Mike McLeod. Adding proven character vets Subban and Simmonds should solidify them.

Both clubs have similar questions in goal. For now, each should go with proven veterans. On Broadway, that’s Lundqvist. In Newark, it’s Cory Schneider, who might have to fend off a serious challenge from Mackenzie Blackwood. Lundqvist can be managed due to Alexandar Georgiev. But Georgiev must perform adequately or perhaps Igor Shesterkin plays himself into the conversation. However, it’s unrealistic to expect a guy who flourished for one of the KHL’s best teams in St. Petersburg SKA to jump right in when the situation is very different along with the game.

If you could select one player, who would it be and why? Is it the American in Hughes with the boyish looks and charm that looks like a home run as a franchise center? Or is it the power forward in the Finnish Kakko, who can dominate shifts by playing a similar style to one of the game’s greats in Jaromir Jagr?

Let the heated debates commence.

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September is almost here! So is hockey.

Posted on August 24, 2019 by Derek

It’s a wonderful Saturday morning in the land of the forgotten borough of Staten Island in the Big Apple. I drove around past Richmond Town to my favorite old bagel spot that I used to frequent some 26 years ago in high school.

Ah. The good old days of Staten Island Tech. When the autumn wind blew the beautifully colored leaves around as they crackled like Rice Krispies as I walked from the S74 bus stop a few blocks to school.

That’s the kind of day it is. Mid 60’s going up to 75 with little humidity. A classic Fall day a month early. It is the final week of what feels like the longest August in recent memory. Maybe it’s due to the long offseason. I have no idea. Or quite possibly the ridiculousness of so many big name restricted free agents still unsigned. Patrik Laine. Kyle Connor. Mikko Rantanen. Matthew Tkachuk. Mitch Marner. Zach Werenski. Charlie McAvoy. Ivan Provorov.

You get the silly idea. It’s ludicrous. That’s what the salary cap has done. Teams don’t know how to properly spend money. They are mostly irresponsible and spend recklessly. The cap hasn’t solved anything. The Rangers are banking on Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux to accept their qualifying offers for the good of the team. If they each do, both can play for better contracts next summer and become arbitration eligible.

So, what should we be looking forward to? That maybe these contract impasses will cease. I still am building in anticipation of what the Maple Leafs plan to do with Marner. Toronto is so easy to mock. They gave John Tavares all that money and still couldn’t escape the first round by falling to pieces in Game Seven at archival Boston. When are the Leafs gonna win a playoff round? There will be lots of pressure.

There hasn’t been much going on. Old buddy Derick Brassard found a new home with the Islanders after passing up the Oilers (shocker). So, Big Game Brass goes to Brooklyn and Long Island on a cheap one-year deal for $1.2 million. Can he get his career back on track? It’s a decent fit. He can slot in behind Mat Barzal and Brock Nelson as the third line center, replacing Valtteri Filppula. Brassard went from a clutch postseason performer with the Rangers to a NHL nomad. He went from Ottawa to Pittsburgh to Florida and then Colorado in record fashion. Now, it’s the Islanders for team number five over two years. Not even.

Remember when the Blueshirts gave him that five-year, $25 million contract? What happened? What about that monster Game Six when he went off in a blowout at Tampa to stave off elimination? It’s hard to believe that was only four years ago. It was a cruel ending to that team and they let Alain Vigneault have one more kick at the can. His infamous words. If only they had beaten Brassard and the Senators in 2016. Mika Zibanejad was in his first year here. Jeff Gorton’s best trade.

So, what is there to get excited about? No. I’m not going Gaga over third jerseys returning to Broadway. Even if it’s Liberty ones. Please not the cheesy white. Did anyone get a look at the awful uniforms baseball teams are wearing this weekend? The oddest color white and by far the ugliest black jersey I’ve ever seen. Complete with nicknames. Unless you’re Brett Gardner. He just wants to let the umpires know who he is. Kidding. Those are hideous.

I never cared much for alternate jerseys. Put me down as a classic home white and road blue for the Rangers. Yes. It’s time to ditch the color jersey back for the more traditional white at home. I know the Ducks are gonna have those cool Mighty Ducks logo jerseys for select games. Are the Sharks gonna rock those awesome road turquoise blue with that fancy logo? Let’s hope so. The Canucks are bringing back their best jerseys. The ultra cool 90’s with the kickass logo. Those were the best. Think Pavel Bure flying down the ice and burying one for a highlight reel goal. Go look at some of his numbers for goal breakdown on even strength and power play in different seasons. There was no one like the Russian Rocket.

It’s a real bummer about Evgeny Kuznetsov. Sure. He won’t face any discipline for testing positive for cocaine at the 2019 World Championships. However, good on the IIHF to suspend him four years from representing Russia in international play. He has sought help from the NHL Substance Abuse and Recovery program. A good step. Let’s hope for his sake, he makes a full recovery. Cocaine is dangerous. Kuzy’s production was way down last year. It didn’t make sense. Now, we might have an idea why. He denied rumors that he did coke. Now, he’s admitted it and taken responsibility. Best wishes to him in his recovery.

It’s weird for me because it takes me back to the Theo Fleury days. Those were chaotic times for the Blueshirts. He punched the Sharks mascot after getting tossed out of a game. I can still remember quite well meeting him at a book signing and reading the heavy details of his epic struggle which stemmed from being sexually abused as a preteen. It’s still disgusting and sickens me. Fleury could have been another statistic, but he didn’t pull the trigger. Instead, he turned his life around and wrote two great books, did multiple interviews and finally spoke out. He truly is someone I admire. It took tremendous courage. I’m glad he is such a great advocate for mental health.

Fleury still belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I know he will probably never get in due to how it derailed. He doesn’t need it. He’s already one in my book. And you know how political those things are anyway. Alexander Mogilny and Jeremy Roenick are still waiting. So is Curtis Joseph. So yeah.

I’m really looking forward to hockey. The excitement of prospect tournaments with both the Rangers and Devils boasting some of the game’s best young players is great. Then training camp and preseason. It’s going to be fun again for the Hudson Rivalry.

That’s all for now. Enjoy the baseball and football. Yes. Football is back tonight. I’m holding out hope for my Hurricanes that they’ll surprise me at Florida. Chop up the Gators!

God bless Michael Irvin! 😁😂

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RIP Rob Zee (LiasTheGoat)

Posted on August 17, 2019 by Derek

The Rangers community has lost another diehard fan. A few months following the passing of Stephen Curatolo (stephennyr89), another passionate fan of the Blueshirts has passed away.

Rob Zee, better known to Twitter as LiasTheGoat, is no longer with us. A good guy who wore his emotions on his sleeves, Rob was truly a pleasure to interact with. His loyalty was unquestioned and when he debated you, he always supported his arguments with the same vigor you would expect.

As recently as July 1, he let everyone know how he was doing. But still tweeted his enthusiasm for a Rangers off-season that included Kaapo Kakko, Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba and as he predicted, Artemi Panarin. I think maybe Curatolo brought them luck along with Steven McDonald in winning the lottery to land Kakko with the number two pick.

What I liked most about Rob is he let you know how he felt. He never pulled any punches. No matter the topic, you always were entertained by @LiasTheGoat. He had a good sense of humor. Something that’s not always common these days on social media. Here is one of my favorites:

Can you only imagine what his thoughts were on Kevin Hayes winding up in Philadelphia under Alain Vigneault? It’s too bad we’ll never get to see his tweet on that subject. But I can only imagine it being hard hitting and full of sarcasm. For that reason, I can’t help but chuckle.

Like everyone on May 10, he sent out his thoughts on the loss of Stephen 🙏. Deep down, I know the both of them are watching above sharing a beer and discussing the palpable excitement for the upcoming Rangers season.

When friend Madison Miller told me about Rob’s loss, I was truly saddened by the news. All I can think of is why. It truly sucks. I feel like Madison summed it up best.

It’s ironic. We all complain about petty nonsense. Compared to what both Stephen and Rob faced, our issues pale in comparison. I guess it’s true what Billy Joel said in his hit song. “Only the good die young.”

That was his take after the President’s Trophy winning Lightning were swept by the eighth seeded Blue Jackets. It couldn’t have been more appropriate. My bracket was extinct by the time the Avalanche eliminated the Flames in the same first round. I laughed about it. He was also right about upsets. They happen. If they didn’t, Virginia wouldn’t have become the first one seed to lose to a 16 in 2018. They bounced back to win their first ever national championship a year later.

It’s hard to believe two of the best Ranger fans have been taken from us. All in just over three months. It’s very mind numbing and shocking. I’m sure the Rangers organization will do something for Curatolo, who was everywhere at MSG despite being in and out of the hospital while battling cancer.

My only hope is that the team honors both by having a good season. How I wish they could be here to see it. I still miss Stephen’s tweets. Likewise for Rob.

You are both sorely missed. But let’s remember one thing. Your fighting spirit isn’t gone. That will last forever. 💜😢

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Realistic Expectations for the New York Rangers

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Derek

The word realistic is something that most Blueshirt fans don’t go by. Of course, there’s a lot of enthusiasm based on an exciting off-season.

Why shouldn’t we be excited? I’m not going to be a Debbie downer here. I’m looking forward to training camp, preseason and of course October 3 at home versus the Winnipeg Jets 49 days away. We all are.

The hot summer has been long and feels even longer for some reason. When your team doesn’t make the playoffs for a second straight year, that means no hockey for six months. Yikes. Sure. I still watched most of the postseason even though it frustrated me. Damn idiotic rule changes leading to controversial rulings. Plus the Blues winning the Cup over the Bruins didn’t really excite me. As nice as it was for St. Louis, eh.

I don’t care. It’s better than a Boston team winning again. The summer has been nice from that standpoint. With the Yankees emphatically sweeping all four games a couple of weeks ago, the Red Sox look cooked like a good summer barbecue. It’s all about October in the Bronx. There could even be meaningful baseball in Queens given the weak state of the wildcard in the Senior Circuit.

Alright. Enough baseball talk. This is a hockey blog covering the Hudson Rivalry. Today, it’s the Rangers side as September draws nearer. What follows will be rookie prospect tournaments, camp and competition for roster spots with exhibition games.

So, what should we expect? We are still waiting on Tony DeAngelo to re-sign and for the Rangers and Brendan Lemieux to reach agreement. If they come cheap, they’ll be able to fit everyone in.

That includes much discussed Chris Kreider. The power forward has a year left on his contract before he can test free agency next July. Team President John Davidson recently commented that he expected Kreider to be in camp. A positive development. Who knows if he’s in their long-term plans?

If they start the season with Kreider behind Artemi Panarin at left wing, that’s encouraging. Especially when the right side will feature Kaapo Kakko and Pavel Buchnevich in the top six. At least, that’s how I am projecting them. I’m not gonna get into lines yet. It’s too early.

We still don’t know who will become the second line center. There’ll be an interesting competition with Filip Chytil and Ryan Strome likely to battle it out. As versatile as he is, I’d prefer Strome on right wing if he isn’t traded.

Most pundits are writing off Lias Andersson. Believing the 2017 first round pick will be part of a numbers game, it’s almost like they’ve already decided that the 20-year old pivot is a bust. It’s way too early for that. Not long ago, DeAngelo looked like a bust before rebounding under coach David Quinn to become a regular on the back end. Now, that trade of Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta doesn’t look so bad. Let’s see what Andersson shows us next month. Rangers brass will decide what’s best for him. Not impatient fans.

Center is crowded. After top pivot Mika Zibanejad, you have Chytil, Strome, Andersson, Brett Howden and Boo Nieves all capable of playing there. If you slide Strome to right wing, then it’s four young players competing for three starting slots. Besides, Jesper Fast isn’t a top nine forward. He’s best suited for the fourth line with Lemieux and whoever centers it.

Left wing still includes Vladislav Namestnikov. He of the immovable $4 million salary that expires in 2020. Truth be told, Namestnikov became a consistent checking forward under Quinn, who used him at even strength, the power play and penalty kill. With an increase of talent coming in, Namestnikov won’t have to play power play.

The interesting dynamic at right wing is what happens if 2018 top pick Vitali Kravtsov is ready. You can’t play him on the fourth line. That would be a total waste. They don’t want to make the same mistake they did with Andersson. Kravtsov has superb skill and a good ceiling as a scoring forward. The key is not to rush him. If he proves he’s ready, fine. It’s a good problem to have.

The defense should improve thanks to key addition Jacob Trouba. Arguably a Top 25 defenseman due to his combination of skating, physicality and offensive capability, he should really help out Brady Skjei on the projected top pair. Don’t expect 50 points. This isn’t Winnipeg. That’s what I mean by realistic.

I don’t want to put too much weight of expectations on rookie Adam Fox. We need to see it first in camp. He definitely has the potential to become a top four offensive defenseman who can play power play. The key word being potential. Remember Matt Gilroy? I know. Don’t compare them. I’m not. I just don’t want to be overly enthusiastic yet.

If the right side is expected to be Trouba, DeAngelo and Fox, the left side remains spotty. After Skjei is veteran leader Marc Staal, who knows how to play the position despite the criticism. He primarily is used five-on-five and on the penalty kill. His minutes can be managed. When the analytics crowd point to his low Corsi, don’t forget his starts. He’s used mostly in the defensive zone. Trouba and Skjei should be counted on more for that. But Staal isn’t going to have his usage increase offensively. It doesn’t make sense. Having a good skating partner in DeAngelo or possibly Fox should help.

Third pair remains a question mark. Assuming it’s Libor Hajek’s to lose, he only has five games of NHL experience. Ryan Lindgren also has five. Yegor Rykov has none with him coming over from Russia. Veteran Brendan Smith is a solid veteran with needed experience if necessary. Nothing wrong with that. They can either keep him up or shuttle him back and forth from Hartford. Don’t forget the kids can be sent down.

I expect the defense to be an area that doesn’t get off to a good start. It could improve as the season goes on. There will be a learning curve. That’s what Kevin Shattenkirk leaves behind. I’m sure he’s extremely happy to be in Tampa. You know he’ll get on the score sheet against the Rangers in one of the three games. It always happens.

As for goalie, it’s status quo for now. Henrik Lundqvist is the starter with Alexandar Georgiev expected to back up. Unless top goalie prospect Igor Shesterkin blows the coaching staff away, he’ll likely start in Hartford. How things play out remains to be seen.

The undeniable fact is at 37, Lundqvist isn’t what he once was. That’s not a criticism. It’s based on recent performance. In order to change the perception, he’ll need to get off to a good start and sustain it. That means consistency. Something that’s been an issue. He can be managed due to Georgiev, who proved to be a good second option in his rookie year. Now, Georgie must show he can do it again. Especially with Shesterkin lurking.

A lot can change in the next two years at the goalie position. Keep a watchful eye on the situation.

Expectations are up due to adding skill types in Panarin and second overall pick Kakko, who projects as a franchise player. The offense should be more fun to watch. Especially if the Bread Man rips it up as he did in Chicago and Columbus. Zibanejad to Panarin should be riveting. The power play could be intriguing. But it’s worth nothing most of the Bread Man’s production has come at even strength. A good thing for a team that’s struggled at five-on-five.

If Kreider is back, you have two scoring lines that should create more balance. Quinn can try both Kakko and Buchnevich on the top line and see what the better combination is. Don’t forget Kreider had instant chemistry with Zibanejad. But he has proven he can play with other centers. Buchnevich hasn’t.

Depending on the maturation of young players like Chytil, Howden and Andersson, that will go a long way to where the Rangers wind up. Especially in a competitive Metro Division where the Flyers and Devils have improved. Only the Blue Jackets look like they could be worse due to the departures of Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky (Fla), Matt Duchene (Nsh) and Ryan Dzingel (Car).

I won’t get into point total yet. Let’s wait and see where we are in a month. There are still big restricted free agents that remain unsigned. The only thing I’ll conclude is that the Blueshirts should top 80 points. Where they finish I’m still uncertain.

After tonight, 48 days will remain until the home opener. Business is about to pick up!

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