from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,
The Rangers’ Manifest Destiny never came close to fruition. The team that not only waited all season for the playoffs but told you so from the start of training camp, won three postseason games, seven fewer than last season when the Cinderella Blueshirts went to the conference finals.
This time around, the team loaded with marquee stars could not get out of the first round.
If this 107-point season was not a colossal waste, it surely ended in colossal disappointment.
The team across the River stole the Blueshirts’ destiny.
The Devils, who had missed the playoffs nine times in the previous 10 years and missed the cutline by 37 points last year, were in total control of this Game 7, winning by a 4-0 score that actually flattered the Blueshirts.
Total Control by the team that played Total Hockey and now prepare to face Carolina in the conference semifinals while the Rangers prepare for breakup day.
The Rangers Manifest Destiny never came close to fruition.
Maybe part of the reason for that is they made lousy draft choices three and four years ago. They were gifted the #1 pick in 2020 and chose Laffeniere. Three years later, I'd still take Yzerman's pick at #4, Lucas Raymond, over him. Raymond has 11 more points in 60 fewer games. On top of that, Laffy had zero points in seven playoff games this year.
And four years ago, they had the #2 pick and chose Kaapo Kakko. Four years later, does anyone think the Rangers wouldn't give up a 1st and Kakko to get Mo Seider, Yzerman's pick at #6? Kakko had one goal and one assist in seven playoff games this year.
...but I think anyone would agree that Tim Stuetzle was the best player to come out of the 2020 NHL entry draft. Remember though, Lafreniere is also only 21 yrs old--so there is still time for his game to improve. But game 7 was brutal:
Lafreniere's game 7 stats:
11:45 TOI
0:29 PP TOI
2 shots
0 Goals
0 Assists
0 Points
1 hit
0 PIMS
0 +/-
0% Faceoff
0 Net Takeaways
But if anyone wants to pin the 1st round loss on a Rangers player--look no further than Panarin.
Word.
I think that means Right On.
Which was hip for I agree."
You are so in tune with everything cool, Bill. I'm so envious. :-)
OTC: good stuff
Kreider: Personally I feel responsible for some of the goals they scored. Being a veteran guy, Im supposed to be defensively responsible Cant be on the ice for all 4 goals & hurt us like that.
my wish list? Mo + Mo big nasty D, build that wall SY. package up for a Husso clone, double yer fun.
Wings can score, but its a 200 foot game boys, just ask Scotty..
The team from "across the river' finished ahead of your Rag$ in the standings Larry!
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