It's why they play the games, this years playoffs are insanely stacked, i don't like having the cup or bust mentality because this season was an absolute joy to watch as a rangers fan. The pain of playoff losses is part of the fan experience, but it's important to have fun when you can, life's too short to feel miserable all the time
Honestly post deadline I have mixed feelings. The fact that we kept basically all of our prospects and high picks is both a blessing and a curse. I gives me the feeling that we could’ve easily done more, yet it also gives me the security that our future will continue to look bright and our chances will maintain in the coming years. Carolina needs it now or they’re fucked for a long time considering how many pieces they’re losing in free agency and how much they gave up for guentzel. Vegas also gave up quite a bit for a shot a making it to another cup and I doubt it will really be worth it in the long run for them.
Yes I Agree but being a fan since 1965 and watching them fall in the playoffs, then finally winning a Cup after 54 years then watching New Jersey and Islanders win multi cups something the Rangers have not accomplished it just makes me SICK and people ask me why i even bother to root for them and my answer " I JUST DO ".
Yeah , life is too short . After the Rangers won in 1940 and didn’t win again until 1994 , well I am positively sure that the majorly of Rangers fans then in 1940 thought just like you do now and were just totally content with never ever seeing another cup win in in their lifetimes again after seeing the 1940 win. Surely many didn’t feel the need to ever see that next cup win and surely they in fact died totally content as the fan of an historically underachieving franchise , ya know before they ever got the chance to see them win again in 1994 . I’m sure the bulk of them were just like you now and totally content with “ just watching the Rangers play for the simple joy of it “ . I mean hey with a mentality like that it seems you are the perfect low expectational fan ( rather sucker ) for an original 6 large market franchise playing in one of the biggest cities in the world that has historically underachieved. As the Rangers, out of all the original 6 franchises, have the least amount of total cup wins at only 4 . Which considering they started play in 1926 is rather pathetic being that NYC is a large market franchise and should be able to demonstrate that fact with , ya know, more than only 4 total cup wins since 1926 ? Even Chicago has now passed the Rangers in total cup wins leaving the Rangers at the bottom . Because prior to 2010 the Hawks only had 3 . That is right - three - up until 2010 . Now since 2010 now they have 6 . Sorry bud , but eggheads like you are the perfect sheep to fill the seats, don’t be an egghead . Respect yourself and even your franchise by expecting more of yourself and expecting more from your franchise. If the franchise had enough respect in itself and their fans it should be quite capable in demonstrating this by the metric of cup win and at only 4 , since 1926 , well I am sorry that’s not quite cutting it as a large market franchise. The Rangers really need to add a few more trophies than 4 because it’s pathetic . It’s now been 30 years since 1994 . Do you really want that 1994 cup win to “ last a lifetime “ as Sam Rosen famously and stupidly said from the broadcast booth after winning in 94 ? Because I don’t want that one lasting my whole lifetime I can surely say . It’s time for the Rangers to become a big boy organization and add a few cups over the next decade . That is a fair expectation since Tampa was able to notch a couple , The Penguins , The Hawks , The Kings . Even the Vegas Golden Knights ( an embarrassment to the integrity of the history of the NHL itself ) as a newly added expansion franchise were able to win one within their first 6 years in the NHL . It’s time for the Rangers ( or truly is it rather Rags ??? ) to notch a couple more and SOON. Or I got better things to do than “ simply enjoy watching them play “ . That’s for the suckers. Don’t be a sucker. Cheers.
Kane is not what the Rangers needed last year. Give Drury credit for getting exactly what NY needed at the deadline (and signing Quick to a super reasonable extension) without giving up a significant draft pick or prospect. Good for now and later, fantastic job. I'm most encouraged they beat Boston with BOTH Lindgren and Trouba out (both first line D-men). That kind of depth is critical late in the playoffs. Brooks Orpik said it years ago, skill and depth are important but luck is huge in winning a Cup.
I Agree on Kane, sometimes it takes more heads to think that one over and i feel they have to make other players more active not just Kreider, Mika or Panarin. As for Laff i always said they should have him float because he has a good hard shot and he is a playmaker if you let him and Kakko i am not happy.
Rangers have had sooooo much luck in the Lundqvist days and still blew it. Just about always played bad enough to lose in 5 and weasel their way out in 7 bc he would blackout same thing with Igor they should've lost that devils series in 5 and the pens on the same the year before. They have to stop wasting generational goalies. Richter, Lundqvist, Igor and one cup. Literally the Packers of the NHL just wasting talent 😂
@@mr.devil9577they beat the devils with blowouts in game 1 and 2? I’m so so sorry your team is still overjoyed about last season that they decided to miss this season 🤷♂️😂 maybe next year bud you will be like us.. probably not tho
@@mr.devil9577 typical Debs fan worrying about the Rangers more than their own team. How you guys doing this year? 10th playoff miss in last 12 years. Looks like last year was a fluke with their shoddy D and bad goaltending. They were just lucky the Rangers had a coach who didn’t know how to make any adjustments
For April 1st, you should make a video on the Sharks and how great of a team they've been this season. I think it'd be cool to see if it's possible to cherry-pick enough clips of them to make them look like an NHL level team. Let's go Future Stanley Cup champs!
I trust Lavi. He’s taken 2 wild card teams to Stanley cup final appearances while winning 1 with Carolina a few years back. The 2 wild card teams were more towards the modern age of hockey but if he can take those 2 teams that were wild cards to the cup final, I have no doubt in my mind tht he can win it with this Rangers squad. This is arguably the best team he’s ever coached as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens, LGR!!!!
As a caps fan, Lavi will give you that first season hope, and then when the teams starts to get older he will refuse to play youngins. Hated that dude for that.
@@TheSnapbackI mean when the Rags are a little bit less fiery I think he will be detrimental because he overvalues vets, and your prospect pool isn't great to begin with. Just my 2 cents.
@@vedantbhalla2571 Well you can't assume anything based on what he did with your team, obviously the style he has going now is working. Since the beginning he gave value to our prospects, put Laf with Panarin when Gallant never did that. Immediately put Cuylle in the lineup when the season started. He's given a lot of respect to our prospects so far, so there isn't really any reason to think otherwise just because of how he handled your team
Rangers went after pure talent last year in Kane & Tarasenko. 2 years ago, when they went to the ECF, they added pieces that worked in Vatrano & Copp. I feel like they did that again this year in Wennberg & Roslovic. The right pieces instead of the flashy pieces. We need certain guys to step up in the Playoffs since we’re missing a major piece this season in Chytil. He was HUGE in the 21-22 Playoff Run.
It’s good we’ve been having guys like Rempe Roslovic Wennberg and even Brodzinski step up. This is exactly what we need to make a deep playoff run especially with the injuries
I see Martin Saint-Louis' Canadiens trying to emulate this play style, but with lesser players, since they are in a rebuild. Their current GM and President are Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, who are responsible for the rebuilding Rangers teams a few years back. Interesting... edit: read comments below please, as someone stated, Kent Hughes had nothing to do in the Rangers rebuild, this info is wrong. It was Chris Drury who is the main architect of the team's current lineup from way back.
Gorton also isn't why this system exists, it's due to drury and laviolette. Gallant wasn't a good coach with a system he had no system that's why laviolette has turned the team.around.
@@kevensoucy9354 Wow, I stand corrected. I was sure I heard in media that Hughes worked for the Rangers, but that is incorrect as you say. He was approached for an assistant job by Gorton but refused when Gorton was GM of the Rangers.
@@thegreatmrt I half-disagree. Gorton AND Drury (not Hughes) are the architects of the Rangers' current situation. And I agree with you that Gallant was a bad fit to coach the players that Gorton/Drury drafted, which shows how Laviolette coaches to the strengths of his team.
Such a great channel, Living in Ireland all my life I've never had the opportunity to play ice hockey but this channel makes it so captivating even for someone who knows nothing about Ice Hockey, keep it up boss!
Great video man! Your informative commentary style and clean editing makes you the best NHL RU-vidr out there. If I could suggest a future idea, why don’t you talk about the Winnipeg Jets? I’d love to see a documentary style video about your opinions/predictions/history with the Jets. Cheers!
Great video, love the analysis. Even if I watched every single rangers game for the past 13 years, I can never see the game like this. Last year the team felt like they phoned it in all season, like they were expecting playoffs. They always felt like they had another gear to kick into, but they never got there. We loaded up but adding Kane felt really forced and hurt us in the long run. This year feels a lot different. Lots of great moments and great play in general. Panarin has been playing motivated all year and Laf for once we can actually say he has been playing great without making excuses or cherry picking stats. Even when the team has had some slumps, they learned how to rebound from it. I really like adding Wennberg and Roslovic at the deadline and want to beat all these other teams that added big players. Overall I trust this team a lot more than last years team and believe they can take on anyone in a 7 game series.
Every team that wins it all has had to first exorcise a demon. Maybe Tampa is EXACTLY who the Rangers need to beat. Besides, after that would likely be Carolina, Florida or Boston. In that context, the Lightning would be a waste of fear.
Thanks for doing such a good breakdown on my 'Gers! Yes, I'm terrified they will have another one or two round meltdown and exit. Yikes. Perhaps 30 years is the charm. I want Leetch, Richter, Mess and the others at every playoff game for moral support! Eddie O, get down there, man! John Davidson, I'm looking FIRMLY in YOUR direction!
@@encycl07pedia- No skin off my nose. In fact, the ad hominem is the greatest fallacy, none the least because it provides the greatest satisfaction. Please continue.
Love all your content and especially love a deep dive on the rags. Absolutely stacked playoff race but rangers keep proving they’re in with the top dogs. Great depth and resilience. Igor had a rough patch mid season but he’s finding form and if he keeps it up any team would be scared to see them in a 7 game series. LGR!!
Ever since the salary cap era started, no single team is a big threat. Compare any team today against the 80s Oilers, Mario's Penguins, 97, 98, and 2002 Redwings teams, 1996 Avalanche, 1994 Ranger team, Blackhawks and they get beat badly in the playoffs. The #1 seed used to have meaning. Now all you have to do is make the playoffs. There is no bad guy dynasty team to knock off anymore.
Especially in the last 5 years I've stopped putting much if any stock into regular season records and standings once the playoffs start. They've always said "anything can happen" but it's never been more true than in the modern era. Nearly every round in recent years has had something people didn't see coming, from the first round sweep by Columbus in 2019 to the Bruins collapse last year.
Totally agree. All the top teams, like top 10 to 15 are virtually identical. What separates them is discipline, psychology and systems play. It's only in fan's heads that they think one team is "better" than another. Any team can win on any night and in any 7 game series. In some ways I think parity has kind of been a bad thing for the NHL. It makes the cup less special. Quick, without looking, can anyone name me the cup winner 4 years ago? 6? 8? 9? 12? Yeah...some teams certainly had their consistency. Hawks, Pens, TB....but even they didn't create a dynasty, (no matter what their fans think). There hasn't been a proper dynasty in the NHL since the Islanders. The Oilers only get it on a technicality. Two cups in a row is not a dynasty. 3 minimum. Nobody even cares who won the cup 5 years ago, 3 years ago..etc....aside from the fans of that city. Personally I actually think the presidents trophy is a better representation of who the best team in the league is. At least it represents some kind of consistency. I'd like the league to back off on the cap constraints to reward teams with good management and fan support. The NBA does a much better job with this. Teams can be consistently good for long stretches without having to sacrifice parts of their lineup. People will whine about "big markets" dominating, but people need to remember the GS Warriors were NOT a "big market" team. Nor were the Cavs. So it can be done in a way in which "big markets" don't dominate.
As a Ranger fan who has watched most of their games this year - you’re take on the team is totally accurate. Good job! The Playoffs will be the true test
i really want to believe that then Rangers can win the Cup with this team...but that losing streak and terrible stretch where Igor looked like a whipped dog and giving up 4+ goals in back to back games had me deeply concerned like the UN. seeing him put together a series of classic Igor performances recently had me hopeful. Last year's Ranger side turned out to be soft. They simply did not become a difficult team to play, they gave up the neutral zone, weren't finishing checks especially when dumping the puck into the zone. This year with kids like Cuylle and Rempe throwing their bodies around, TRochek, Laf and Goodroow being a pests of a fashion is a vibe in it of itself. And seeing Panarim low key drop a career best season leads me to my biggest concern. Our first line has not been our best line for the whole season. Kreider and Zibanijad deliver on PP and PK but at 5v5 they've been failing to make an impact. It is a cliche to say "our best players need to be our best players" but I need to see Kreider and Mika start taking games over going into the playoffs. Those two need to be undeniable. When Panarim has the puck on his stick he instantly feels lethal and defenders immediately get nervous. Mika and Kreider need to capture some of that and I hope Roslavic can help with that. I'd love to see Kakko make that jump and seize the RW1 spot like we all imagined he would but he jsut hasn't. Whether that is due to a lack of opportunity or performance I can't really say. I feel like Kakko gets enough good looks and shifts to justify more than just a few appearances at the first line and that he should be slotted in and worked until it works. Seems like it is too late in the season to make that happen but who knows? I think if the Rangers can lean into a heavier brand of hockey and make life miserable for the opposing team and take away the time and space to make a breakout and yes, the rangers should be terrifying.
Lovely analysis. As a Rangers fan this is fairly accurate. When the dance begins it’s about getting some puck & injury luck and sticking to your system. But this year they have the coaching to progress. They are dangerous for sure
Interesting take! Note: I'm a Devils fan, so of course my Ranger-hatred runs deep, but this is a thorough look at what might make this year's Ranger team different from the last couple of seasons. I still feel like they'll run into some depth problems once the playoffs get going, so I'm not sold they can take Carolina over seven games, but their improved transition game leading to better 5-on-5 outcomes might make the difference for them. Always felt last year that people saw the moves they made and just assumed they'd make a run (let's face it, NHL media is always trying to hype itself up that New York will go deep in the playoffs) instead of really analyzing them, so this take is appreciated. ...I mean, I hope it doesn't, I want to laugh at them getting bounced in the first round again, but I agree they're more dangerous now.
I appreciate the focus on offense. Panarin in particular. Having said that, I am most impressed by Panarin playing such a complete game. His back checking and D when needed have for the most part been right there. He is in tough places all the time. He uses the perimeter as you expect him to, it’s all the work he does in places you don’t expect to see him that have me feeling very good about NYR this year. And the way he has helped his line mates become so much more. To see Laffy this year, wow, so exciting, great job bread , Vinny and coaches-What a fun year to be an NYR fan. Big start , confusing middle, incredible momentum building finish heading into playoffs. Hope they go all the way, but whatever happens, what a year of improvement!
Great analysis on these subtleties that can impact games! I feel biggest difference from last year is Laviollete and his unleashing young talented D guys to join rush! No doubt Housley also recognized this untapped potential, so credit to Drury for the offseason coaching changes!! LGR!!!
By far the best breakdown of this team. You can see it in how they play with Laci’s system it’s bringing out the best in Bread Man and Laffy is extremely noticeable and confident this year. No matter what whether it’s a dominating defensive game, dominating goal scoring game or trading goal for goal they just find a way to win and I think it relates to the disappointment from last years early exit. This season has been amazing to watch and the depth they have even with all the injuries as of late speaks volumes. This team is built to go the distance against anyone in a 7 game series. Let’s Go Rangers!!!
I’m a rangers fan and watch every game. I still can’t figure out how we’ve amassed this many points. Our offense is Panarin, period. Our dmen struggle in their own end. The whole team can’t win a board battle to save their lives. We seem painfully slow against fast teams. We get dominated physically by physical teams. I’m very pessimistic about our chances.
I think the question you asked at the beginning of the video is far overlooked in NHL playoffs; "will their style of play translate to playoff success?" I think goaltending, toughness, and experience are the most important factors for playoff success, and I don't look at the Rangers in that way but it would be cool to see a highly skilled team like NYR get hot post-season.
hockey is very simple and by far my favorite game .....if your team puts the puck in the net more often then the other team you win.... you can get into all sorts of this and that, stay out of the bad boy box, put the puck on goal, if you are on offence it`s hard for the other guy to score........but it comes down to goals, they don`t need to be pretty they just need to go into the net.
Good stats to look at, thanks for sharing. Much more insightful than the simple 5-5 expected goal%, which most others including Vegas seemed to only focus on. Way too generalized IMO. There should be more emphasis on correlating statistics that are inherent to the teams’ play-styles. Even then, there’s always room for improvement.
As a rangers fan, i think we will make it decently far, maybe making the cup. This team has been really good this season so im excited to see what happens!
Definitely! Our last game against Carolina was insane and like a playoff preview lol. Bruins will be swept first round again no doubt. They’re only relevant this year because they managed to force 15 games to go to OT and get a point out of it. The Crylanders also have 15 OT’s Bruins are halfway there to beating their own, and NHL record of most OT’s in a season, which was 30 OT’s for the Bruins in 03-04 lmfao
I was against the firing of Gallant specifically because I thought he instilled the mental toughness that got them to the ECF his first year to begin with and I thought that would leave with him after the players embarrassed themselves in that Devils series. Kudos to the front office for believing in the nucleus of the team to set the tone regardless of who was coaching. When you know who your guys are, it makes it alot easier for a new coach like Peter to come in and install a system.
Bruins win was without Trouba and Lindgren, 2 of the top 4 dmen, impressive. But yes, come playoffs total different game. Panarin has been lights out but vs the Devils last year in the playoffs he disappeared. Hoping for big things. Watch your videos all the time, keep up the great work......very informative and always a good laugh at times (Leafs parade cancelled).
Congratulations to Jonathan Quick on getting the tied for most wins for An American goalie. It all about not taking dumb penalties for this rangers team
Excellent video as awesome! Running a great hockey channel over there! The NHL needs more like you! I still stand by the acquisitions last season for the Rangers. Taresenko and Kane did what they were brought in to do - produce in the playoffs. Check the stats if you disagree. The top guys like Panarin and Mika did not play well and the coaching was brutal with an inability to make adjustments and dictate a more conservative style of play. Additionally, the Devils were a great team and that organization has such an obsession with the Rangers that to them, the series was their Super Bowl! They reached their summit winning that series and collapsed before they faced off against the Canes. I like the Rangers chances this season with an effective team defense carrying them. Too many good teams out there though to truly say anyone is the clear cut favorite.
@@nyujay2010 absolutely not. The “cancer” which I hate using that term was the poor coaching by Gallant. Not Kane. There is a reason Gallant got fired - he didn’t make adjustments! Some will say he didn’t really do anything? Somewhere in the middle in my opinion. Kane helped the Rangers acquire him for pennies on the dollar and was hyping each player’s game. He was more injured than people believed but he was still productive.
I liked Taresenko, but the Kane show and all the hoopla surrounding it was a distraction and he just didn't fit in anywhere. I mean when it came down to it all we really got from Kane in the playoffs was one REALLY pretty goal. But I'm glad Kaner has had a strong season this year. I agree Mika and Panarin have to show up more.
Rangers are within striking range of some big advances deeply but playoffs are unpredictable like riding the subway in New York, anything can and will happen, nice breakdown of ranger’s dreamy chances 🍻👍
Great breakdown, definitely should do this well all the teams. You break it down to a point where no keyboard warriors can’t complain you didn’t say anything!
Schneider on the rangers is awesome. I’m from PA Sask and grew up around him and have played a couple games in minor hockey with him. He is a good guy and even better hockey player
I’d argue that one of the primary reasons the Rangers have been so good and so consistent is due to Wheeler’s absence. His absence has provided greater flexibility with the lineup and a better chance for the youngsters to crack the roster on the 4th line.
Except for a really good couple weeks in Dec Igor wasn’t good before and especially in Jan but since then he has been elite and that is a huge key down the road.
Everyone counted the Rangers out this Year when the team made a Coaching Change. It's clear the Rangers quit in Game 7 last year and made New Jersey look good. All summer I heard Devils Fans claim it was their year and the Rangers would be trash. But it's clear they needed a new Leader on the Bench and was I sure wrong on Hiring Peter Laviolette! Let's Go Rangers!
I think this year compared to last year is more their playstyle compared to their big names. Obviously you still have guys like Fox, Panarin, Mika, etc, but IMO they have more skill throughout the entire lineup (with guys like Cuylle stepping up and others like Miller having a great year,) then they did last year.
It’s honestly so hard to get a read on this team I thought they’d win last year and then they went up 2-0 and looked great Then they absolutely could not handle Akira Schmid. I just don’t know if I can put much faith in a team that unable to adapt over a series, and with so many of the same core players I don’t know how much Laviolette changes that. Then Panarin tends to fade in the playoffs.
once you get to the nhl level the skill differences can be kinda tight. the chemistry can be the spark a team needs to fufil some of their ceilings. so it makes sense that a system designed around its players and aquisitions based around their core will make some formely struggling stars get back to their elite form. even age doesnt stop greatness if its in the right environment. it works on an individual level too thats how ive managed depression- i've gotten quicker at recognizing my headspace and have started baking in some actions to remove myself from that place- like taking a shower or doing a chore cause those are positive self care kinda duties and can revitalize your spirit in a way. i think if people didnt treat rules like commands we could find that chemistry no matter where we are, but especially for a sports team having a good understanding of the teams dynamic is hard earned and a learning process. being honest with it will lead to success alot more i dont think theyll be a one round exit again. think about how it parallels the tampa shift. an embarrassing one round exit- reacted witha full commitment. and kept that energy for a few years. im not saying itll be exactly like that- but its a positive correlation.
As a Rangers fan, all of your points were spot on (and maybe hauntingly so). They beat Boston with that excellent blue line play without 2 of their best 3 defenseman- Lindgren and Trouba were out. If they can play with the same style and intensity, and if both defensemen are back and healthy, hopefully this year will be better than the last!
Bruins are trash and will be swept first round in the playoffs, which they’ll only clinch because of their points from OT’s. Ranger’s stitching them up 5-3 is an obvious example. Tampa Bay or Carolina will body them if we beat them that easily. And we’ve been playing better without Trouba, and I personally haven’t missed him, practically forgetting he existed.
@@dylanhealy8126What? lol. Trouba is a captain who delivers big hits, blocks lots of shots, can clutch up with an empty net and has the capability of delivering offense with his defense, plus he allows Miller to play more effectively. 30 years old aint no geezer in my book lol, and 6'3 ain't small
@@WestonNYR perhaps I was a little harsh, and no disrespect to Trouba, but I’m 30 as well, and while of course I’m no professional athlete, I’m definitely not the stud I was in the army Infantry at 19-22 lol. Mainly I just think we’ve been doing fine without Trouba, with me almost not even noticing his absence.
Rangers are playing well at the right time. Just finished a brutal 9 games in 15 day stretch by going 7-2 including wins vs Canes,Bruins and Panthers. They will have to keep it up with Carolina on their heels but in April their schedule isn’t difficult so the sky is the limit with a chance at winning Metro. Number one seed in East and a possible presidents trophy is there for the taking as well
As a NYR fan, the way we lost last season really pissed us off. This year we are maintaining the formation and have faster transitions. We can score 5v5 on a regular basis. We are not just a power play team.
