Game Thread 4/29/17 Game 2 New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators

[RangersFan]

I agree on some level but disagree on another level 717. You are right that the first two lines have to produce to be successful, but this team is built on balance and depth not two top powerful lines. The way AV has setup the lines I don't think plays to our strength.

I am torn because I hate when he moves Fast up into the top 9, he is a great 4th line player, but on the flip side what have guys like Miller done in the playoffs to deserve to play in the top 9 over Fast.

With that being said, with our season on the line tonight, and it 100% is on the line, I would not go with a 3rd line like he plans to. I also would not have Glass in the lineup. Against Montreal I got it on some level, hard physical series, but against Ottawa I am not sure what Glass adds.

If anything I would have Buch in over Glass playing with Grabner and Hayes, and then Miller with Lindberg and Fast as the 4th line. If he insists on Buch out and Glass in, I would switch Miller and Fast from above and go back to the Grab/Hayes/Miller trio that worked so well for a long time.

So I don't like what he plans to do here. He might come out looking like a genius tonight, I hope he does, but I don't love it going in.

Just hope they show up ready to go and save their season.

 

[Messiah717]

Crosby out of game four with a concussion. Sheary has one as well. Certainly changes the complexion of that series heading into game four.

 

[Rangers94]

Looks like same defense tonight, and Glass in for Buch.

• Jimmy Vesey, Derek Stepan, Rick Nash

• Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Mats Zuccarello

• Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast

• Tanner Glass, Oscar Lindberg, JT Miller

I don't like these lines. The two wingers on the 3rd line were the 4th line wingers recently. Add those guys with a struggling Hayes, and that line doesn't really scare me. And the 4th line is kind of wasting Miller I think. He has done nothing to deserve a better role, but still doubt he comes out of it on that line.

We better hope like heck the first two lines step up tonight, because these lines take some of our balance away I think.

Who knows though. If we come out and play with emotion and stop the lazy mistakes and undisciplined play I have no doubt we'll win tonight. Not sure if we can do that though.

I knew he was going to play Glass instead of Buch. Makes ZERO sense. This isn't a chippy series, it's a speed series and you've just taken off a quick thinking forward who can skate for a guy who has stone hands, and can't skate for shit. This is just more classic AV not understanding the game and being too loyal to mediocre players and not benching guys who have earned a benching. Well, here's hoping Glass can score a goal tonight (although I think it's more likely he finishes a -2).

 

[Messiah717]

Lets be honest. Buch has done absolutely nothing either.

 

[Stepupstepan]

Meanwhile their coach does not let chris neal near the ice. AV being AV as usual when he has to think outside the box. His answer is putting Glass in. A peewee hockey coach can do that.

 

[Stepupstepan]

Lets be honest. Buch has done absolutely nothing either.

and what has his boy Jimmy Vesey done?

 

[RangersFan]

Totally agree 717. That is why I am torn about the decisions AV appears to have made tonight. I'll also add if that is the criteria, Miller and Hayes and Stepan and Buch and Kreider would all be on the 4th line or scratched.

At the end of the day despite the lineup, I think if the Rangers finally play a strong game tonight AND STAY DISCIPLINED they will win this game.

BTW...I have to admit I also find it funny that AV claims we have played strong hockey since the 2nd period of game 1. Must admit that puzzles me...

 

[Messiah717]

Meanwhile their coach does not let chris neal near the ice. AV being AV as usual when he has to think outside the box. His answer is putting Glass in. A peewee hockey coach can do that.

Worked against Montreal.

 

[Rangers94]

Lets be honest. Buch has done absolutely nothing either.

Let's be honest. It's tough to get going when you get 5 minutes. Look at Miller. Hayes. Stepan. All get much more ice time. All have played equally, if not worse. Not gonna make a huge deal about it. What's done is done. This is the line up. Go out there and win.

 

[kreidertime]

Personally, I don't think Buch should play against good defensive teams. He's too inexperienced and doesn't provide much. I can't believe I'm saying this but I would rather have Glass play. Karlsson is small. Glass should hit him every chance he gets when he's on the ice. Maybe the Rangers can actually win 2 games at home, back to back for once. Something they usually don't do.