I would like to quickly say as we start the new year that the support I have received in the short amount of time I’ve been writing for Blueshirts Breakaway has been amazing, and I am truly grateful to Ryan and Greg for giving me this platform to write, and to all of you that have read my articles and interacted with me on Twitter, Reddit and the article comments. So thank you all again, and I hope you all have a wonderful 2018.
Looking back at 2017, my favorite Rangers-related story was not only having a first round pick for the first time since 2012, but having TWO first round picks.
Yes, I understand the Stepan trade was not ideal to say the least, and many were unhappy with “reaching” for the “low-upside” Lias Andersson at seven, when other more dynamic options such as Casey Mittlestadt were left on the board.
However, our very own James Clark, who knows far more about prospects than myself and most of you reading this, was a fan of the Andersson pick, and we are seeing now in the World Juniors Tournament just why James was bullish on the pick. In addition to having a top-flight prospect in Andersson to root for, the Rangers also netted Filip Chytil with their own pick at 21, and even the most pessimistic Ranger fans are giddy with excitement about his tantalizing ability.
My least favorite Rangers development from 2017 was the asinine deployment of the team’s defenseman throughout last season, the playoffs, and this season as well.
I could go on forever about all of my issues with Alain Vigneault’s defensive deployment decisions, but none was more deplorable than his decisions in the playoffs. You know the saying, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, fool me thrice fire the coach. The fact that the Rangers blew not one, not two but THREE god damn playoff games in the last minutes while having the duo of Nick Holden and Marc Staal on the ice is beyond comprehension.
Don’t get me wrong, Staal and Holden are both fine third pairing defenseman, so I’m not here to go on about them as players. However, there was no reason they should’ve been relied upon to close out playoff games, and the fact that it literally failed twice, and AV still tried it again in game 5 against the Senators… well I literally have no words for it.
My New Year’s resolution for the Rangers for 2018: don’t make any panic moves.
To be completely honest, I think the Rangers have a solid core to build off of, but I also do not think they are strong enough to realistically push for the Stanley Cup this year. The last thing I want the team to do is make a panic win-now move this year.
I am cautiously optimistic that with a few tweaks (and perhaps a coaching change), that the Rangers can very well be a contender next year if their youth continues on their current development archs. So please Rangers, don’t repeat your mistakes from the 2015-2016 season and go giving up future assets for a rental that the coach may or may not use properly.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and prosperous 2018, and Let’s Go Rangers!
-Drew Way[/text_output][image type=”circle” float=”none” src=”1119″ alt=”” href=”” title=”” info_content=”” lightbox_caption=”” id=”” class=”aligncenter” style=””][text_output]Before I get into my favorite/worst/resolution, I just want to echo everything Drew said.
When Ryan and I started the podcast, we really didn’t have zero ambitions. We just wanted to talk hockey and maybe have some people listen to us talk hockey since we couldn’t find a Rangers podcast regularly putting content out.
What this has blossomed into is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. Interacting with everyone on a daily basis is so fun, and I’ve become a bigger Rangers fan from meeting/tweeting with all of you. So, thank you for making this more fun than I ever thought it could be.
Alright, let’s get down to business.
Favorite moment of 2017 – Pavel Buchnevich
It’s not so much a moment as it is falling into love all over again. Buch is quickly emerging as my favorite Ranger, and the player I have the most love for since the Jaromir Jagr Era. Which explains the next part perfectly…
Least favorite moment of 2017 – AV’s defensive usage against the Senators
I’m not saying the Rangers would’ve beaten the Penguins in the next round or won the cup. But they absolutely should’ve beaten the Senators in five games. The fact that we didn’t and AV wasn’t immediately fired for using Holden/Staal in crucial defensive situations is beyond me.
New Years Resolution – #FireAV
Please. I’m begging you, Gorton. For my sanity and for all of us Rangers fans. Do the right thing.
-Greg Kaplan[/text_output]
Author: BSB Staff
This Article is presented to you in High Definition Surround Sound by some or all of the Blueshirts Breakaway Staff. At least whoever wasn’t lazy enough to contribute.