Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Are you ready?
Off puck drop, and in case you missed it – I posted my 2022-23 New York Rangers Final Report Card on Saturday.
You can find that blog here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rc23final/
Let’s now talk about the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where of course – we’ll lead with the two teams of the “Hudson River Rivalry” – the first-round series between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils – a pairing that already has me on the edge of my seat.
To be honest, and to prevent redundancy – I don’t think I have to go on-and-on when discussing Rangers vs Devils, because after all – that’s what we pretty much have done for the past month or so on this site.
Furthermore, I’m also under the assumption that if you’re reading these words, then you’re a hardcore fan and already know what this series boils down to – the Devils’ speed vs the Rangers’ physicality.
With that said, I’ll try to focus on the talking points and observations that I haven’t seen anywhere else.
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Let’s roll.
Whenever discussing sports, and whether it’s a “hot take” or a grandiose prediction – there’s always a way to use a cliche or buzzword to make and support your argument.
The only cliche that’s accurate 100% of the time during these debates is this one, “there’s an exception to every rule.”
Then again, I guess “good things happen when you shoot the puck” applies too!
What I’m trying to get at here is that successfully predicting the hardest playoff tournament in all of sports is impossible.
While maybe you can guess your way to the victor of the tournament, the one of only sixteen teams that will win it; as I write these words – I’m not aware of anyone who has ever correctly predicted every single playoff series – nor the amount of games that were needed to win all of these series’ either.
However, whenever any of us, yours truly included, make our own predictions or read prognostications from others – one buzzword, perhaps cliched, usually comes to the forefront – “experience.”
Just last week on this site, I recapped one of Gallant’s daily “TURK TALKS” with the media, where the head coach said that experience doesn’t matter in the playoffs, nor does he think that his team’s experience from 2022 plays any factor during this postseason.
While I said at the time that I thought that what Gallant had said was largely “coach-speak” (after all, just look at the short history of Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury – he’s been loading up on Stanley Cup champions and finalists ever since first putting his butt-cheeks down on the big chair at 33rd & 7th – and he then went on and nabbed both Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane at this year’s deadline too); there is some truth in what “THE TURK” had said.
After all, look at what the “inexperienced” Rangers did at this time last year.
While sure, the Rangers received their breaks (played against third-string goaltenders, Sidney Crosby’s injury, etc); what’s also true is that every Stanley Cup winner receives some breaks, and another cliche, “puck-luck,” along the way too.
But that “e-word,” as in experience?
That guarantees you nothing – and that’s why I was hoping for one of the least likely scenarios, such as Rangers vs Islanders or Rangers vs Hurricanes, to come true; rather than reality – the first-round match-up that seemed destined ever since January – Rangers vs Devils.
As the Rangers and Devils prepare themselves for Game One of the series, which takes place this Tuesday night; as noted last Thursday night (4/13/23) on this site – I’m not “scared” about this series – but I am “concerned.”
Truth be told, I don’t know if anyone truly knows who will emerge victorious from this seventh postseason “Battle of the Hudson” – and the first without the Hall of Fame goaltender, Martin Brodeur, as a soldier.
Even the “experts” in Sin City, the almighty sports-book operators, have been fluctuating their lines as frequently as one draws breath – but where all of these lines have been relatively near-even.
Currently (and this will change not only by the time that you read these words – but many times right up to puck drop too); the second-place Devils (-115) are favored over the Rangers (-105).
I only bring this up because of another cliche – “The House Never Loses!”
Even “The House” is torn over who will win this series (and the amount of money coming in from either side impacts these ever-changing odds too) – which is why I believe that this latest installment, between these two warring teams of either side of the Hudson River, will be the most intense, razor-thin and heart-attack inducing of the first-round.
It’s also a series that should give the winner some major momentum – where the loser will return home saying, “what if?” – while also wondering what went wrong – and perhaps worrying if they’ll return to their team next season too.
And really, perhaps outside of Toronto – I can’t think of any other current playoff team that will have bigger ramifications/fallout should they lose their first-round series than the Rangers.
As Freddie Mercury once sang, “UNDER PRESSURE!”
Perhaps the most basic and elementary way to look at this series is by saying that the Rangers were here last year, they are the team on the rise, they are the ones that should be competing for the Stanley Cup and that the Devils will later have their turn down the line.
Some may also ignorantly proclaim that the Devils are playing with house money, should be happy to be here and that they have nothing to lose.
And let’s face it – most of that talk will come from the New York side of the Hudson River.
Lost in such thoughts is the fact that there isn’t one team in the league, especially a playoff team, that thinks that way.
Nobody enters the playoffs hoping to play the role of “patsy.”
There’s no such thing as being happy about a lost season – where even the players on bad teams don’t tank – but maybe their general managers do. But for those general managers, you can only rebuild for so long before you wind up on the chopping block yourself.
For Ranger fans who think that the Devils should just roll over – then you’re in for a world of hurt.
The Devils, coming off one of their best regular seasons of franchise history, didn’t finish in second-place (and finish one-point out of first-place too), just to play the victim – and much less to the Rangers.
While their rebuild took much longer to see results than the Rangers’ rebuild did; the Devils are ready to win the Stanley Cup right now.
That said, all of the pressure is on the Rangers to win this series, as they are the ones with the experience, the run from last year and who loaded-up, big-time at that, prior to the trade deadline.
However, with the first two-games of this series to be played in Newark; the initial pressure is on the Devils to maintain home ice.
But of course, and as we saw last year and during this season too – the Rangers have a flair for the dramatics, via comeback wins – so even should they fall down 0-2 early into the series – I wouldn’t consider them done either – but should that scenario play out – then yes – ALL of the pressure will fall on the tenants of M$G.
As alluded to earlier, speed vs physicality is one major story-line of this series – and the most obvious.
And as talked about on this site before – look no further to the Devils’ 2-1 victory over the Rangers, during Game 75 of the season, for such an example.
For the Rangers, who didn’t play at their best on that night of March 30th, 2023; despite the Devils playing at their best – the Blueshirts only lost by one goal – and on the road to boot.
When it comes to the three other 2022-23 regular season meetings between these two teams (5-3 Devils on 11/28, 4-3 Rangers on 12/12 and 4-3 Devils on 1/7); I wouldn’t put much stock into these final scores.
After all, the rosters of both teams were majorly altered, including New Jersey’s acquisition of Timo Meier – who scored the game-winning goal (and named as the game’s first-star too), the last time when these two teams played against each other.
While everyone is 0-0 at the start of the playoffs, and what happened during the regular season no longer means anything today; I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t concerned about the Rangers’ chances right now.
The Devils, who flirted with first-place all season; once clinching a playoff berth, continued to play great hockey and really never let up.
Yes, it’s true – the Pitchforks had one or three bad losses down the stretch – but no team is perfect – not even the 2023 Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Boston Bruins – an almighty powerhouse – but who also lost to lowly foes such as the Coyotes and the Blackhawks.
Once the Rangers clinched their playoff berth, and as opposed to the Devils; they took their foot off of the gas – and in turn – then lost a bunch of games to inferior competition.
Despite both of these teams finishing with 100+ points in the standings; the Devils (112 points) marched into the playoffs, while the Rangers (107 points), and perhaps cautious due to the salary cap/health concerns (and you hope that is all it was), are sort of limping into the postseason.
But for a team that possesses more Stanley Cup winning experience (there’s that “e-word” again); maybe the Rangers just wanted to reach the playoffs – and then show the NHL what they’re truly made of – while also hoping that the Devils’ peaked during the regular season.
If you solely look at the top three lines of each team, then you could make the case that these two teams are evenly matched.
After all, just look at the last time when these two teams played, no less than three weeks ago, as Kreider, Zibanejad, Tarasenko, Panarin, Trocheck, Kane, Kakko, Chytil and Lafreniere held their own with Tatar, Hischier, Mercer, Palat, Hughes, Bratt, Boqvist, Haula and Meier.
If we are to assume that these eighteen players can/will “cancel each other out;” then we have to look elsewhere for advantages.
When it comes to each team’s fourth line, the Rangers may have the edge with Vesey, Goodrow and Motte, but at the same time – Wood, McLeod and Sharangovich are no slouches either.
And this is why this series has the tightest/closest odds of the playoffs!
In my eyes (and yes, I’m a Rangers’ fan – so duh – I’m biased and thinking this way); the Blueshirts’ biggest advantage is defensively – and I’m not just talking about CZAR IGOR being a far more superior goalie than Vitek Vanecek either – where to the credit of the Devils’ netminder – he did have a good season.
When you look at the six defensemen from each side – the Rangers have the Devils trumped in this department.
Put it this way, when it comes to the top four, the blue-liners who will play 23+ minutes-per-game, who would you rather have: Fox, Lindgren, Trouba and Miller – or Siegenthaler, Hamilton, Graves and Marino?
When it to comes to the third pairings of each club, I do like Schneider and Mikkola over Bahl and Severson too.
For the Devils to win this series, outside of Vanecek playing out of his mind; the red-and-black attack will need their superstars to level up, and where Ranger fans won’t want to hear, “OH JOE, JACK HUGHES HAS DONE IT AGAIN JOE,” from M$GN announcer, Sam Rosen, either.
For the Rangers to win this series, their stars just need to match the output/production of the Devils’ big guns – and then rely on their defense and goalie to do the heavy lifting.
On the Blueshirts’ end of things, there are two players that could really swing this series – and they both come from the Rangers’ second-pair – Trouba and Miller.
The word is out in regards to the Rangers’ captain – he can hit you and he can hit you hard. He’s also one of the biggest motivators and inspirations of the team.
I have no concerns in regards to whatever Trouba does this series – as I do believe that he’ll help the Rangers win it.
However, his partner?
Miller can help the Rangers lose it.
It’s up to Miller to shake off some of the bad habits and support – not anchor – the Rangers’ “GREAT EIGHT.”
We all know how good Miller can be when he’s rolling; but we also know how bad he can be when he’s struggling.
And let’s face it, this also applies to Panarin too – as no other forward turned over the puck as much as #10 did this season.
But as said all-season, even during the Report Card – Panarin has the track record – and led the team in both assists and points this year.
However, since I’m to assume that the forwards will go back-and-forth with one another, then I’m also to assume that defense has to be “key” – and this pun is intended for Mr. Miller!
When previewing this series, much will be said about where each team’s power-play and penalty kills ranks in the league.
I wouldn’t get too caught up in that, because after all – all of these stats are distorted – especially when talking playoff hockey.
Keep in mind – 50% of these stats include games against non-playoff opponents – and doesn’t factor in the human element, the schedule (back-to-backs), injuries, roster changes after the deadline, etc, neither.
However, it should also be noted that the Rangers finished this season with the league’s seventh-best power-play (24.1%), while the Devils finished thirteenth overall (21.9%).
And really, is that much of a disparity?
Penalty kill wise, the Devils finished fourth overall (82.6%), while the Rangers finished thirteenth overall (81.2%).
Again, not much of a disparity there either – even if the Devils finished nine spots higher.
While it’s lazy to say “stay out of the box” (because that applies to every team); what’s true is that ON PAPER, the Rangers have a power-play that resembles something from a video game or a fantasy team line-up.
However, the results haven’t always been there – and they must stop forcing the issue – which to their credit – both the players and the head coach have admitted to during their chats with the media.
While I do believe the Rangers’ defense and goalie will give them the edge; for Patrick Kane, it must be “SHOWTIME.”
And yep – I don’t think that I have to use the word “experience” again!
In my heart-of-hearts, while the Rangers were frustrating to watch at times following the deadline, mainly due to the over-passing and their forced power-play, rather than letting things organically work out; I do believe that this team/roster knows what has to be done – and that the regular season was just an exhibition, a trial-run, in preparation for the postseason.
When it comes to the two coaches of this series, Gallant and Ruff, a pair of Jack Adams’ winners themselves (and multiple finishes as finalists too); both have had similar career-paths.
Each man had a lengthy career in the NHL as a player (Ruff played in 691 career games, Gallant skated in 615 NHL contests), and where each man also embraced a physical & gritty personality and style.
Following their playing days, both men got into coaching, (Gallant has been a head coach for 705 regular season games, while Ruff has been behind the bench for 1,000 more than his peer, 1,713 in total); but for these pair of hockey lifers – their dreams of winning the Stanley Cup have never been realized.
Both of these men have come close to winning the chalice (Ruff in 1999 with the most heartbreak, following the Sabres’ seven-game series loss to that year’s champions, the Stars – and Gallant in 2018, as the inaugural coach of the Golden Knights, who lost a five-game series to that year’s winners, the Capitals); but despite spending their entire adult lives in the league – neither man has ever been able to hoist the silver.
This season, these two men, with similar resumes, may have been on the proverbial hot seat too.
While I never put any stock or credibility into the rumors that the Rangers would ever can Gallant, which began when things looked bleak at the start of the season; for others, they did buy into that junk – if not promote and hope for it to happen themselves.
However, there was a lot of credibility in regards to Ruff’s alleged hot seat.
In fact, during most league previews prior to the season commencing; it was Ruff who was predicted as the head coach most likely to first be fired.
(And yep – I was one of these many erroneous loud-mouths!)
After Ruff heard “FIRE LINDY” chants during the opening week of the season; no less than two weeks later, Devil fans were now chanting, “SORRY LINDY!”
And for all of the talk that Ruff was just there to facilitate a rebuild?
Unlike his brief time spent in New York as an assistant head coach (time right before his New Jersey hire); the Devils are Ruff’s team – and as a result – he’ll now have a shot to win with them.
Long story short – when it comes to the head coach position, I think these two teams are evenly matched – just as the resumes would suggest.
While everything I’ve largely written thus far comes from a Rangers’ perspective; for the Devils, and much like the Rangers, and outside of the Bruins – this may be their worst possible opponent too.
As noted earlier, should the Devils lose this series – then I don’t think that the aftermath will be as severe should the Rangers find themselves as the team bounced out.
The Rangers are in “WIN NOW” mode and the Devils will be there next season – but yep – New Jersey could jump-start the entire process during these 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs – just like New York did last season.
Again, outside of the Bruins – then I think that both of these teams would have been favored against any of the other Eastern Conference playoff teams – and against all eight of the Western Conference postseason clubs too.
I’m really nervous about this series – as is evident with my new crippling addiction to Pepto Bismol and Dude Wipes!
Put it this way: Last season, I felt much better about the Rangers’ chances in the first-round (and the second-round to boot), than I do about this series.
(And yes – I know that it took an overtime Game 7 to beat the Penguins in the first-round last year – but again – I’m just talking about how I felt prior to the series beginning.)
However, and this isn’t just being both a “homer” and a life-long fan of the Rangers – I truly believe the Blueshirts have the intangibles (and of course, the goalie) to win this series.
But it won’t be easy.
I’m taking the Rangers to win in seven games.
A braggadocious and bold remark?
Whether I’m right or wrong about the Rangers winning this series, and assuming that no injuries will be incurred by either side; then I think that the victor of this series easily marches into the Eastern Conference Final – and once there – wins it.
In other words, Rangers or Devils, it doesn’t matter – either team will have a much easier go-around during the second-round – and whether it be the Islanders or the Hurricanes.
Speaking of the Islanders and Hurricanes; let’s now take a quick look at the rest of the first-round pairings, get into my 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket predictions, and then close with some rapid-fire news from around the league, including from the Rangers themselves.
(OF NOTE: Friend of the site, Mike The Esquire, posted his first-round preview on Sunday night. For a different perspective than what you’re about to read next, check out: https://theesqofsports.wordpress.com/2023/04/17/2023-nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs-first-round-prospectus/)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
New York Islanders v. Carolina Hurricanes
I’ve previously talked about this series on this site, and once again – I’m taking Ilya Sorokin to steal the series in six-games for “little brother.”
I know that many have accused me of overlooking and downplaying the Canes (and funny enough, a lot of that response came from orange-and-blue fans), and maybe Carolina makes an asshole out of me with a deep-run – but I just think that they’ve peaked.
While it’s true that the red-and-white are playoff-tested, and perhaps due as well; I think their teams from previous years (2019-22), were much better than this 2023 incarnation – especially when you factor in the Svechnikov injury.
By now, you know that I hate the Islanders – but to think they’re going to roll over to the Metro champs is foolish.
For two teams who both struggle to score (and that’s the reason why both failed during their respective Eastern Conference Final appearances too), and while Carolina does have the advantage behind the bench (Rod Brind’Amour is easily superior when compared to rookie head coach, Lane Lambert) – at the end of the day – I just don’t see any of the three Raleigh goalies (Frederik Anderson, Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov) matching up to Sorokin.
And maybe there’s just a part of me that wants to see the Rangers vs the Islanders in the second-round too – a series that would create more angina, heart palpitations, diarrhea, meat sweats and hair loss than Rangers vs Devils.
THE PICK: Isles in 6.
Boston Bruins v. Florida Panthers
There’s a reason why the odds-makers have the Bruins as the biggest favorite of the first-round. They just completed the 2022-23 season as the best regular-season team of all-time – at least of the salary cap era.
(Again, teams from bygone eras didn’t play 82-game schedules, nor had the opportunity to play against so many bad teams either. There was also that thing known as “ties” back then too! But of course, you can only do whatever the parameters of your own era dictates – and nobody from this era has done it better than the Bruins.)
For fans of the Cats, they are now looking (if not hoping about) at one of the teams that the Bruins usurped for the crown of best regular season team of all-time, the team that swept them in the first-round last year, the Lightning.
During the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Lightning, who broke the mold during the regular season en route to their cruise-control victory of the 2018-19 Presidents’ Trophy – they were swept by the second-wild card, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Over time, while you can’t make an excuse for the Lightning, as that was a season lost – and there’s no debate about that; they also rebounded from that embarrassing blow by winning the Stanley Cup during the next two years, 2020 and 2021.
Florida, who ironically won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, will look to do what Columbus once did.
However, these 2023 Bruins aren’t the 2019 Lightning.
The Bruins have multiple Cup winners on their roster.
They also possess a veteran core that have been through all of the wars before.
Unlike the 2019 Lightning – these Bruins know how to win.
I don’t know, maybe the Panthers steal a game at home, but even still, I think this is a short series.
While I don’t think that Boston goes wire-to-wire, and defies the Presidents’ Trophy curse en route to the Stanley Cup; they should neuter a Panthers’ team that’s only here because the Penguins imploded.
THE PICK: Bruins in 4.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Tampa Bay Lightning
This was another series that I talked about last Thursday night.
As said then, and once again here – I’m all too familiar with the Leafs’ inability to make it out of the first-round – as the last time they have accomplished this Haley’s Comet of a feat took place in 2004 – when Brian Leetch was manning their blue line.
Ever since starting this site nine years ago in 2014; I have always picked against the Leafs whenever they reach the playoffs.
I’ve batted 1.000 in that time.
I will say – and I know this is another cliche – this does feel like their year.
As opposed to last season, when the Bolts survived a seven-game thriller with the Leafs; I don’t think that Toronto is entering this series as, “aw shucks, why did we draw Tampa?”
In fact, I think Tampa, which has been punished for doing all of the right things, including drafting homegrown talent and winning; due to the archaic and bad-for-the-league NHL hard-salary cap system (I’ve done this rant before on this site, so I’ll save you from another one of them tonight!) – I think they are the ones who are saying, “aw shucks, why did we draw Toronto?”
That said, and for both teams, it beats the alternative – “aw shucks, why did we draw Boston?”
I know that Tampa has been stripped away from a lot of their talent (they lost their entire third line following the 2021 playoffs, while losing top stars such as Ryan McDonagh and Ondrej Palat following the 2022 playoffs), and enter this first-round banged-up too (their top acquisition of the deadline, Tanner Jeannot, which cost them five draft picks, is out); but until Toronto can prove they no longer deserve the “choker” label – I have to go with the three-time reigning & defending Eastern Conference champions.
My one caveat about this prediction?
I totally expect to be wrong.
Toronto, a skilled team for many years now with their present core, have finally added playoff-tested and winners to their line-up. Combine that with Tampa becoming cap victims – and again – “it should be their year.”
But I must see it to believe it. Until then…
THE PICK: Bolts in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Colorado Avalanche v. Seattle Kraken
While not as severe as the salary-cap losses that Tampa had to endure; the 2022 Stanley Cup champs, the Avalanche, had to deal with their own departures over the off-season – with perhaps the loss of Nazem Kadri (Calgary) hurting the most.
Worse than that – the champs had to deal with a lot of injuries too.
But despite these two things (big things at that) against them – the Avalanche still won the Central Division – and with former Ranger goalie, Alexandar Georgiev (40-wins – tied for first with Boston’s Linus Ullmark), a large part of the reason why.
Furthermore, I also believe that “THE BULGARIAN BEAST” is the true difference maker in this series, as the Kraken’s goaltending, Martin Jones and Philipp Grubauer (a former Av), pales in comparison.
For the Kraken, and again, while no team thinks this way, this is true from an outsider’s perspective; they should be happy to be here.
Following a poor inaugural season, as NHL g.m.’s learned from their mistakes made during the Vegas expansion; the Kraken finished with 60 points.
Today, as the top wild card team of the NHL – Seattle finished with 100 points this season – a forty-point improvement that’s not only impressive for any NHL club – but especially for a franchise in only their second season.
While a Panthers’ upset over the Bruins would garner more headlines; should the Kraken knock off the champs – then they’ll become one of the best feel-good stories and teams of the playoffs.
However, I just can’t see that happening.
While Colorado is without their captain, Gabriel Landeskog; the defending champs still have a who’s who of potential Hall of Famers, such as Nate MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen.
Whatever happens – this was a good season for the Kraken.
However, it ends here.
THE PICK: Avs in 6.
Dallas Stars v. Minnesota Wild
This has all of the makings of being the best first-round series of the Western Conference.
For the former Minnesota North Stars, now facing their successors in the playoffs for only the second time – I think they had their chance in 2020, and following that loss to the Bolts – have slowly, year-by-year, gotten worse.
It happens.
I know that it’s crazy to think this way, especially since the Stars only finished one-point out from first-place – but similar to Carolina – I feel like Dallas has had better chances to win it all during years’ past.
I will say, I’m absolutely impressed with the Wild.
What g.m. Bill Guerin has done deserves him honors for Executive/GM of the Year (Jim Gregory Award).
After admitting that change was needed, the Wild bought out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter last year, which meant that this year, they had over $12.7M in dead cap-space on their books- which went along with their $3.1M in dead cap-space – following deals that included both Ryan O’Reilly and Dmitri Orlov.
That’s nearly $16M in cap space that Guerin couldn’t use/spend.
And did I mention that the general manager, because of the cap, was forced to trade away one of his team’s best players last off-season, Kevin Fiala – and as was the case when Fiala became a King?
If that isn’t enough for you, then following Cam Talbot getting salty about Guerin re-signing Marc-Andre Fleury – “The Goalbuster” was jettisoned off to Ottawa, in exchange for a perceived “weaker goalie,” Filip Gustavsson.
If there was ever an award for best back-up goalie in the league, then very likely, BIG GUS would’ve won it.
(Some may say Jeremy Swayman, of Boston, but Gustavsson didn’t have the same team in front of him as the Beantown backstop did.)
So despite both cap problems and player demands – the Wild still finished in third-place – and where they flirted with first-place for most of the season.
And unlike their other fifteen postseason counterparts – they weren’t really able to beef-up at the trade deadline either.
While Kirill Kaprizov may be the “sexiest” name of this series; the Stars arguably possess more offensive firepower, in the likes of Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen and Joe Pavelski.
And their goalie, Jake Oettinger, is already proven – and can match the future Hall of Famer, and three-time Cup champ, MAF, save-for-save.
On paper, and due to some of the injuries in Minnesota too; Dallas should win this.
However, I just like the fashion in how the Wild play.
They just play a balanced, yet hard hitting and physical brand of hockey – and more times than not – that’s how you win during the playoffs.
I’m going with an upset – after all, every first-round features at least two of them!
THE PICK: Wild in 7.
Edmonton Oilers v. Los Angeles Kings
In a first-round rematch of last year, one that the Oilers won in seven games; I think Edmonton’s path to the second-round will be much easier here.
After all, they finally have a goalie now – and no – it’s not the overpaid soup can, Jack Campbell.
Instead, it’s new sensation, Stuart Skinner, who has done an admirable job of manning the pipes.
In a way, I think this was the best possible match-up for McDavid’s Men.
The Kings have had question marks in net all season, where in a shocker – they actually traded away the bedrock of their franchise, the two-time Cup champ and future HOFer, Jonathan Quick – and who eventually wound up with a rival no less – the Vegas Golden Knights.
While who knows what Skinner will do during the playoffs; it’s not like the pair of silver-and-black goalies, Joonas Korpisalo and Pheonix Copley, are world-beaters either.
Everyone knows about the Oilers’ offense, starring McDavid, Draisaitl and company.
Now with a goalie, rather than the bums they’ve been used to – I expect a major oil spill in LA – to go along with all of their smog!
THE PICK: Oilers in 5.
Vegas Golden Knights v. Winnipeg Jets
I don’t lie to my readers, people who give me both their trust and time.
In other words, despite watching a ton of hockey – I admit to you that I’ve only see the Jets play two regular season games in-full this season – both against the Rangers.
Much like the players of the league, who during their annual players’ polls, vote Winnipeg as the worst city to live in; yours truly also doesn’t have that much of an interest in the Jets – similar to the way how I don’t care about the NY version of the Jets either!
I have watched a lot of Vegas this season, so this is my way of telling you that my opinion is skewed.
What impressed me the most about the Knights, is probably what impressed you the most too – Logan Thompson taking over the net, following the off-season and season-ending injury suffered by starting goaltender, Robin Lehner.
However, it’s presently questionable if Thompson will start the playoffs, as he battled some injuries himself – but you have to think that Jonathan Quick would like to prove everyone wrong in L.A. if needed.
Vegas also “legally circumvented” the salary cap too this season; as with Mark Stone out on the LTIR, Sin City added Ivan Barbashev to their ranks, ranks which include proven playoff stalwarts such as Alec Martinez (ugh), Alex Pietrangelo, Phil Kessel, Jonathan Marchessault, and L.V. O.G., William Karlsson.
And oh yeah – Jack Eichel is there – and healthy.
When it comes to the Jets, they had a topsy-turvy season, and had the Flames not been historically bad (17 overtime losses, 30 one-goal defeats) – then it would’ve been the Albertan team, and not the Manitobians, in the playoffs.
Furthermore, at one point in 2023, the Jets were tops in the Central Division. They nearly slipped out of playoff contention as the season progressed – and perhaps if Nashville hadn’t embraced rebuilding – then they would’ve won the second wild card – a spot that despite selling off their roster – they almost claimed.
I don’t know what to make of the Jets, especially since I rarely watch them – but I do read a lot of stories about them – and where most of these tales are largely negative.
Either way, I think the Jets are in “whew, thank god we didn’t blow it” mode.
The Knights have been a Cup contender ever since their debut in the league, where only an injury-marred season (last year) is the reason for their one playoff miss.
Plus, Vegas (111 points) was the best team of the West this year for a reason. The Jets seem to be a team that had some “lady luck” at the end, but it runs out here.
THE PICK: Golden Knights in 6.
Just some final playoff predictions before talking about the rest of the league – and the light Rangers news & notes.
(And I don’t want to do lengthy previews here – after all – we have no clue what the second-round pairings will be!)
SECOND ROUND:
Rangers over Islanders – for the reasons as previously discussed.
Bruins over Bolts – if Tampa survives Toronto, then a healthy Boston will have plenty of time to prepare.
Oilers over Knights – McDavid & Draisaitl return to the WCF.
Avalanche over Wild – Minnesota has done an admirable job, but Colorado knows how to beat them.
CONFERENCE FINALS:
Rangers over Bruins – I mean, what else did you expect me to predict? However, we all know about the curse and I think that the young players on the Blueshirts help to create the upset.
Avalanche over Oilers – I think this will be a coin-flip seven-game series; but there’s a part of me that thinks McDavid is going down the path of Ovechkin – and not Crosby. In other words, a lot more playoff heartbreak in his future – before ultimately winning it all.
STANLEY CUP FINAL:
Rangers over Avalanche – Just like last year, when I predicted the Blueshirts to reach the ECF in September of ’21 – I predicted the Rangers to win the Stanley Cup in September of ’22. I’m not backing off from that pick now!
I also like the Avalanche to return to the Final, because as we’ve seen a lot of during the salary-cap era (Penguins, Blackhawks, Kings and most recently, the Lightning); once you win one Stanley Cup – then you have a great chance of winning another.
While the path to the Final this year won’t be as easy as it were for Colorado last season, and while their roster has been significantly weakened too; I just think that they know how to win – an intangible that many teams don’t have.
For the Rangers – if not now, then when?
While the Rangers featured a better record at the end of the 2021-22 season; this roster is significantly better.
Yes, Copp, Vatrano, and Braun were solid additions, but they weren’t as strong as Kane, Tarasenko and Mikkola.
And hey – Motte, who was acquired during the past two trade deadlines, is much better this go-around too!
By now, you’ve probably heard that the Pittsburgh Penguins have pink-slipped everyone in their front office (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-make-changes-in-hockey-operations/c-343538926 ), the Washington Capitals have “mutually parted ways” with head coach Peter Laviolette (https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/caps-and-laviolette-part-ways/c-343552530 ) and that the Columbus Blue Jackets have fired their head coach too, Brad Larsen (https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-relieve-brad-larsen-of-his-duties-as-head-coach/c-343568366 ).
Elsewhere, former Ranger, Pat Verbeek, now as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, fired his head coach too, Dallas Eakins.
I bring up these head coaching firings, because earlier this season, in my space for Stan Fischler’s previous “The Hockey News” column (THN is undergoing a remodel, one similar to “The Athletic,” where they now want team-specific reporters rather than league-pundits – and in turn – Fischler is now one of the Islander correspondents – and his latest column on Lou Lamoriello was a five-of-five star affair) – I brought up how this 2022-23 season featured the least amount of head coaches changes than ever before.
Of course, and as mentioned then; preceding this season, and during the past two-years – we saw over half of the league make changes at the head coach position.
However, no less than 48-hours following this 2022-23 campaign, we’ve already seen three head coaches axed, and where Bruce Boudreau, formerly of Vancouver, was also fired in-season – in one of the most disrespectful NHL firings of all-time.
And more firings could be on the way. (Darryl Sutter, of Calgary, is on the hot seat).
To focus on the Metro, and as a Rangers’ fan – I was saddened to hear that both Ron Hextall and Brian Burke lost their jobs in Pittsburgh.
After all, these two men have destroyed a once proud franchise, and in turn, the black-and-yellow, who haven’t moved past the first-round in five-years, have now missed the playoffs for the first time in sixteen years.
It’s assumed that since Pens’ head coach, Mike Sullivan, just signed a new three-year deal (and that contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season), that he’ll be safe.
It was also mentioned by the club that Sullivan will assist in the Pens’ g.m. and team president hires – but of course – every front office executive eventually wants their own hand-selected head coach too.
With Hextall out, the Penguins will look to contend again.
Arguably, undergoing a rebuild may be the best course of action; but with a team that just gave extensions to their proven, yet aging, core – Crosby, Malkin and Letang – the “r-word” will be avoided like the plague.
Plus, the Penguins don’t have much draft capital, and in turn, will look to retool rather than rebuild – and where their first course of action will most likely be – who starts in net – especially with Tristan Jarry perhaps running his own course.
And really, Pittsburgh will never embrace a full-blown rebuild as long as #87 is playing, just like…
Alex Ovechkin in Washington, where previously, Caps’ owner, Ted Leonsis, said that as long as #8 is chasing Gretzky’s 894 goals – then he’ll continue to try to field a Stanley Cup contender.
It had been rumored for a while that Laviolette wouldn’t remain in Washington next season, with even TNT’s Keith Jones saying as much on-air a few weeks back – in what was a damning, yet truthful, statement at the time.
For the Capitals, who just missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season; they haven’t won a first-round series since winning the Stanley Cup five years ago either.
When Caps’ former head coach, Barry Trotz, went to the Islanders following the 2018 win, one of his assistants, Todd Reirden stepped in.
That didn’t go so swimmingly.
Funny enough, Reirden is one of Sullivan’s assistants today – and for ever as long as that may last.
While it had been rumored that negative vibes had been created between Laviolette, his team and his superiors; I was still surprised a bit to see the former Cup champion (2006, Carolina) let go.
After all, he coached through two pandemic-plagued seasons, and this season, the first pandemic-free season of his three-year tenure in D.C.; the Capitals were ravaged and savaged by injuries.
I also wonder what this says about the Capitals – Trotz wanted out, Reirden stunk and Laviolette is now gone. That’s three head coaches in five-years – soon-to-be four-in-six – and no way to build any sort of stability.
Equally as surprising was the Blue Jackets’ firing of Larsen – as despite landing JOHNNY HOCKEY – the same problem remains – no one wants to play there – as Columbus is considered as the “Winnipeg of the United States.”
Furthermore, this is a franchise that went into “cuck mode,” and allowed former Team President, John Davidson, to return to his old position once leaving them high-and-dry to take the same job with his favorite team, the Rangers – and to only be fired by New York owner, James Dolan, less than two years later.
And just like the Capitals – the Blue Jackets had their own litany list of injuries – while playing in the toughest division in hockey too.
If that wasn’t enough Metro drama for you; then previously this season, the Flyers finally fired their under-achieving g.m., Chuck Fletcher, and later named Daniel Briere as their interim general manager – where the word “interim” should be removed soon enough – his son’s troubles aside. (Older Briere didn’t do anything wrong.)
While that was going on; at the end of the season, Flyers’ head coach, and just like Sullivan and Laviolette, a member of the Rangers’ alumni himself, John Tortorella (and previously the head coach of Columbus too); had public battles with two of his highest-paid players, another pair of ex-Blueshirts, Kevin Hayes and Tony DeAngelo.
For DeAngelo, whose life’s goal was to play for his hometown Flyers; he was scratched for the final five-games of the season – but to his credit – he handled his media exit interview with grace and accountability – while also expressing his desire to return:
DeAngelo said that he was willing to play for Tortorella – and where as mentioned many times before on this site in the past – in my opinion, and with the way that he handles the media, and where you can see he’s up-to-date on all league matters as well – I still believe that he’ll be a head coach in this league one day.
DeAngelo has one more year remaining on his deal, a cap-hit of $5,000,000.
Tortorella still has three-years remaining on his contract with the Flyers – one that’s rumored to pay the 2004 Stanley Cup champ $4.5M per-season.
All of this just goes to show you how crazy and competitive the Metro Division is.
No matter what happens from now until the start of the 2022-23 season; the Canes, Devils, Rangers and Islanders are all formidable contenders.
The teams chasing them, all of them who have already made franchise altering decisions – the Penguins, Capitals, Blue Jackets and Flyers – this quartet should all theoretically improve next season.
That’s why for the Rangers (and as talked about at the top of this blog) – can’t squander this 2023 opportunity.
You never know when you’ll get back.
Let’s end this blog, sandwich-style, as we close with the Rangers.
Following the season-finale from Thursday night; a day later, Friday, the team had the day off.
Come Saturday, the team reconvened at their practice facility in Tarrytown, NY – where it was business as usual.
At this point of the season – talk is cheap – and everyone knows that.
It’s all about the playoffs – and where actions speak louder than words.
Following the light skate, Gallant held his daily “TURK TALK” with the media.
Here it is:
Gallant, and for the people who watch these things like I do on a daily basis – pretty much said what you’d expect him to say – the team has to work hard, play hard, have to respect the Devils’ speed, worry about what their doing – and not what the opponents are doing, and etc.
My overall impressions was that Gallant, just like all of us, wants to get to puck drop.
After all, what’s really left to say?
“ME HEAD COACH, YES WINCE AND MOLLIE, ME WANT TO WIN!”
The Rangers had an off-day from the rink on Sunday, as instead, they had a video-review session, as they prepare for Tuesday night.
The team will practice one last time on Monday, prior to Tuesday’s tilt.
Moving forward, don’t expect much to take place at practice – if there are any practices at all.
From this point on, the Rangers will play on alternating days, which like “Wayne’s World,” means “Game on! Game off!”
On the off-days, the Rangers, who will most likely be spent from the night before, will skate their black aces (Leschyshyn, Hajek, Brodzinski and Domingue), their healthy scratch (Harpur), and the team’s back-up goalie (Halak).
Barring something incredible happening on what should be a slow day at practice on Monday; I’ll be back on Tuesday night with a ROUND ONE, GAME ONE, GAME REVIEW.
Bust out the Mylanta, Advil and adult diapers – and let the playoffs begin.
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my playoff ticket and beer funds! After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My first plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Here are my last few blogs, in case you missed them:
The 2022-23 New York Rangers Final Report Card: Grades & Reviews of Every Blueshirt, Season In-Review, All of the Highs & Lows, Jacob Trouba’s Emerging “Legacy” as Team Captain, “THE TURK,” Playoff News & More
NYR/TOR 4/13 Review: Rangers Lose a Meaningless, Yet Bad-Taste-In-Your-Mouth Finale; Draw Devils in the First-Round, Big Break for Isles Too, Lindgren, Mika & Chytil Round-Out Year-End Awards, Playoff Predictions, Final Report Card, M$GN; Get Ready to Muzzle Rosen, “TURK TALKS” & More
NYR/BUF 4/10 Review: Ryan Lindgren Wins the 2023 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award; Survives Late Injury Scare, Rangers “Zipped-Up” by Levi (Again), A Miserable Night for Miller (And For the Islanders Too!), Panarin Media Clickbait, 91 vs 88, Complete Standings Watch, M$GN, “TURK TALKS” & More
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my recently released four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
Sean,
Once again, great recap and analysis, look forward to your insightful and heartfelt summaries. What brought me to your blog was your spot on analysis of Henrik’s decline & ridiculous salary, you were on on island and it took not only insight but big balls to attack the King. Fast forward to today and I’m stuck on Krieds salary & his sometime 20 minute efforts, with his lollygagging circles to nowhere. Kris is 6’3″ and 230 pds & solid as a rock, one of very few power forwards in the NHL towering over the rest of the league. My frustration is that when he uses that God given ability for 60 minutes he is awesome, sadly it’s not that often. In conclusion, Krieds must play hard for 60 minutes for the team to get to the SCF and the residual effect will be to free up Kane to do his thing.
The only other varible is Igor, but I just can’t see him not performing at his peak, way too much pride and desire.
BTW I have noticed Bread getting a little nasty the last several games prepping for the playoffs, I think GG taught him a few stick tricks to put the “interference shadow players” on notice – get off my back or take a Gordie stick where it hurts!
LGR – Lord Stanley returns to NYC!
Thanks Jim
How do you feel about Kreider now, after tonight?
When it comes to Lundqvist v. Kreider – you just can’t pay a goalie that much – and as we’ve seen.
I think Panarin has “woke up” a bit too – but I think it applies to everyone – they were just getting ready for the playoffs and in cruise control once clinched.
Bingo Sean, when Krieds plays physical I’m on his side, goals or no goals, My wish is that he brings last nights effort every game, his 8M salary dictates he should ( that was my point ). Is 20 minutes playing time asking too much?
How you feeling now?