Too many no shows

[Ranger71]

And defensive blunders. Should've pulled Talbot 30 secs earlier. Looks like a non-playoff team currently.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

Called a slump. Happens. I told Chuck this team wasn't a contender. St. Louis is going to take some time to adapt to this system. However, the fact remains that this team has no bullies or toughness. The team needs to add about 4 of those players. They have one in McIlrath. I think Kreider could turn into that if the moron refs stop calling every little thing on him. However, they need to get a couple of young kids like Fraser on Boston who has no roster spot available to him. Perhaps a Sestito from Vancouver. It's totally different when your skilled players can play fearless hockey knowing you have players on the team that will protect them. That isn't the case on this team.

 

[chuckd3534]

What is with this told chuck stuff. You live in fantasy land sometimes dump. Most of us said this team is not a legit SC contender this season. Many said playoff team, but not a legit SC contender yet, and that is how I feel/felt as well. Just the way it is.

We need another skilled forward with size. And we need another skilled dman with size.

If our top 4 dmen are Girardi, Staal, McD, and a skilled big with size we are set on D. 3rd pair of Klein and Moore is very solid.

Upfront we need Nash to start playing his game. Replace Richards with a very solid C. And then add a skilled forward with size to combine with Kreider, Nash, MSL, and MZA.

We are not far off now. We are not there yet as mentioned, but we are real close. Give us a skilled dman with size to complete the top 4 AND a skilled forward with size to complete the top 9 and we will be a top team next season. I really truly believe that 100%.

 

[chuckd3534]

What I do find reallly crazy is outside of that one season two years ago when we finished 1st, we are in the same spot every single season for 15 + years. Battling to get into the bottom of the playoffs. Year after year it is the same story. Shows just how terrible the time of Sather has been here. Year after year battle to maybe just slip in. Amazing.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

You keep talking like this team has to go for it now. They aren't a contender because they don't have an ounce of toughness. I don't disagree with the St. Louis move. However the fact Sather doesn't have one physical, mean defenseman or forward on the entire roster with some size is laughable. This team isn't built for the playoffs.

 

[chuckd3534]

We agree. That is exactly what I said. We are two skilled big men away IMO. One on D to complete the top 4 and one at forward to complete the top 9.

We agree.

 

[Ranger71]

Even though the offense has been nowhere lately it's not nearly as disconcerting as what's going on defensively with the mental breakdowns. They look like they did in the first 10 games of the year.

 

[NYR31]

Called a slump. Happens. .

Dump explains it all in a few words.

 

[Stepupstepan]

Who do you replace in top 9 next year with skilled forward with size? The only guy I see that can be dealt is Hagelin. On D, they gotta replace Stralman then.

 

[mrmel29]

Who do you replace in top 9 next year with skilled forward with size? The only guy I see that can be dealt is Hagelin. On D, they gotta replace Stralman then.

Hagelin and richards for starters

 

[strudwickisthebest]

I've been saying all year this team needs more bullies and toughness....

Carcillo and Dorsett have plenty of night when they can start shyt but they chose not to. Carcillo is playing a passive game now... Remember when he fought Gabby! Both guys are pests but have not acted the role at all this season

 

[strudwickisthebest]

It's funny how it took me 5 games into the season to see it but everyone cried and said all I want to see is fights. Its so glarring bit it took practically the whole season for some of you dopes to see it.... You guys who kept saying that we need offense not toughness

 

[NYR1962]

My 2 cents are NYR as with most teams in the east are pretty ordinary, which is why good and bad streaks come and go and the race is so tight. We still have as good a chance as anyone to make it in, and I still think we do but then what? Win a round, 2 at most. Going forward, we all know the problems but will they get addressed? With Sather's lifetime contract, I have my doubts. Too small, no toughness, weak in front of both nets, weak at center.

D: Need to keep Staal and need get rid of Stralman. Stralman's play in the crease on the game winner last night was pathetic. He shouldn't get 1 mil for 3 yrs, let alone 3 mil. Bye bye. Need a couple of rough, tough dmen. Can't rely on just 1. McIrath I'm not sold on. Not giving up on him yet, but his short stint earlier showed he was nowhere near NHL ready. Slow moving and slow thinking, usually way behind the play. Hopefully just needs more time. McD, Staal, Girardi, and another true top 4 dman who might clear the crease would be really solid. McIrath? or another tough dman and Moore/Klein would be good 3rd pair.

Center: Richards must be bought out. I'm in favor of trading Stepan. He has some good points but too slow, small, gets knocked off the puck, not great at anything. Should be a #3 center on a top team, and we might get something good for him in a package, maybe with Hags. Brassard is also decent but too small and inconsistent. He could go as well.

Wing: I actually think we're pretty good there. Need some adjustments with more size and grit. Must be open to moving some players we like to get something in return. For the next few years at least, a top 9 with Nash, Kreider, MSL, Zucc, and even Poulliot I'm ok with. We all know I'm not a Nash lover but the dye was cast and we have to hope that somehow he can play like he did for those 15 games more often. He has the ability but something is missing. Maybe he finds it.

If we're going to make it in, Hank should be in every game the rest of the way. As always, it will have to be him to get us there. Love Talbot, but it is crunch time now and win or lose, it's time to ride the horse.

 

[Ranger71]

Pretty spot on there 62', though i would give Talbot 2-3 more starts the rest of the way.

 

[NYR1962]

I think we all pretty much see the same 71, with a few differences. How come Sather never does?

 

[Ranger71]

I've been a Stralman supporter but lately he has not been good. He's never been a defensive stalwart but he's blown alot of coverages recently. They should see what else is in FA. The whole defense including the forwards have no awareness of what's going on behind them during the play. Other teams are just clogging the middle and forcing them to the outside.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

Struds, you just wanted to litter the roster with goons who can't play for your amusement. That isn't the answer. You have to find tough players who can actually play the game. It's not the easiest thing to do but Sather could have done it if he got off his ass.

 

[Ranger71]

Dorsett was supposed to fill some of the gap when Prust left, but he dosen't really do much of anything. I'd rather they move him and either keep Carcillo or maybe go after Downie for a year or two. I wonder if Orpik might be a FA target.