The Wrap Up…and E-mail’s from You

Well if you haven’t gotten a chance to listen to the final season episode of the NYRangerscast, or just didn’t to the end of the very long episode, than you may have missed some things. First and foremost, Steve and I got a chance to thank all of you for your support this season in our Parting Shots, but in case you haven’t heard that yet…thank you. This season has been tremendous for us and that is all because we have fans like us that care about the team and our show.

Over the off season, Steve and I will be coming out with two podcasts a month. No particular time on when those will be throughout the month, but we will cover big free agent deals, trades, and the draft. The Rangers season is year round and so is your coverage from the NYRangerscast.com.

Now, even with over an hour and a half episode today, we didn’t get a chance to read the many listner e-mails we got after the Rangers got eliminated. Many of these e-mails made very good points about what the Rangers should do and can do this off season. Steve and I expressed our views on these topics in the show, but we wanted to post some of the e-mails right here so we can get the conversation flowing with everyone. So here are some of the e-mails and the points some listeners have made, hopefully the points that are made will make you want to comment in the section below.

From Nick at Colby College

What a devastating way to go out, guess the pep talk I gave Aves and Shanny on the phone didn’t work. I have a few questions about the Rangers blueliners and just wanted to see what you think. First of all who is more important to the team, Mara or Roszival? I would say Mara but with Rozy there is the whole Jagr issue. Secondly what about a player like Andrew Hutchinson, he was solid with the Canes and did a heck of a job down in Hartford, we both know he can do a better job than Strudwick and he’s a tested player. Also Greg Moore traveled between Hartford and the big club all the time, what are the odds that he lands a roster spot out of training camp. If all else fails bring the ironman Darius Kasparaitis back, always a good option.

From Richard S. in Chico, CA

I think the team needs to be blown up in a sense. I dont think they are anywhere near ready to win the cup. Enough talent but not enough drive. I want to say not enough heart, but I think that they have enough veteran players that they can make anyone believe.

I think they need to not resign Straka, Shanahan, Strudwick, Mara, Malik, and Rosival.

They need to try to trade or release Hollweg and maybe even Prucha.

They need to resign Jagr and Avery and give betts a raise with an extension.

The biggest thing, besides resigning Jagr and Avery, that this team can do in the off season is to make a huge push for Brian Campbell if he doesn’t resign with the Sharks.

I think that Baranka and Pock need to be moved up from Hartford, and with the addition of Campbell it would be a pretty young defensive corps, but one that is going to strive and not get tired or out hustled by anyone.

As far as the rest of the front lines,

I like the forth line look of Orr-Betts-Sjostrom. They hustle and they throw pretty big hits. and as long as Avery comes back this team wont have to rely on orr to fight every one in the whole league.

Here is where it gets interesting. The minors for this team is where the future is. With guys like Immonen, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Moore, and Maybe even Cherepanov. That is a lot of potential and when you add in Pock and Baranka I feel ok about it. Like you guys said, every time these guys were pulled up from the minors they didnt look lost, the contributed and looked comfortable.

By saying bye bye to shanahan, straka and adding a couple of guys from harford they have the potential to get 30 years younger in 5 seconds. I know we loose a lot of goals and assists in one fell swoop, but this team isn’t even gonna come close to the cup if it keeps its current makeup.

From Scummy

Well, it was a valiant effort, kind of. With all of the bold garuntee’s by Hank and Paul Mara, all the pre-season chatter, this should be an extremely disappointing season but honestly, I think it was the best yet(since the lockout at least). Think about it, a lot of roster changes, what with Avery playing his first full season as a Ranger, Drury and Gomez playing in their first season(s), Duby, Dawes, and Staal comming up it’s rough having that many different faces… You could really compair this team to the Rangers from last season, but I personally like to look at it more as the Penguins from last season. I mean, let’s face it, unless Philly plays near perfect, Pitt has a real shot at winning the Cup this year. That being said, the Rangers started to show the potential we’ve all expected in that Devil series and at points in that Pitt series, but obviously the Penguins are a stacked bordering dynasty franchise.

Aside from that half rant/wall of text onto the more important issue. All of this pending on, of course, the fact that these guys actually want to come back. I say, keep Shanny in that Selanne role as I believe it was Eric had said. Brendan Shannahan can pick it up, he may be getting old but if he can savor his energy for the 08-09 post season, he can be potent.
Avery goes without saying… as long as he’s not asking some insane ammount, he BELONGS in New York. He’s more than a pest as we all know, much more than a simple pest.
Jagr on the other hand… do we really want another season of Jagr? I mean for sure he absolutely tried willing this team though Pittsburgh but in game 5 he was a non-factor, not a single solitary shot on net. Either due to Rutuu’s harassment or the Pitt fans booing him. He’s an amazing and outstanding player, but he’s possibly the biggest headcase I’ve every seen. Do we really want that dragging us down? Straka is on the same boat, he’s a great player to have but he seems to miss quite a few opportunities, for whatever reason. In my opinion Jagr/Straka are a package deal. And I’m of the firm belief that its all or nothing with those two, I’d rather nothing. Be honest with you, I wouldn’t be surprised to see #68 in a Penguins uniform. Don’t ask why, its just a weird feeling.
Now on the defensive side, it may sound extreme at first but… get rid of them all. Bring in a couple big Jeff Beukeboom esque stay at home knock your teeth into your throat defenseman. And, a quaterback type D man. Sounds easy on paper but its what we need. Keeping Tyutin alone is a big question mark. Maybe keep Mara, but we’ve seen it time and time again as Ranger fans, this team succeeds with a frightning in your face defenseman.

More Of Your E-Mails to Come….But let these digest and have your opinion heard below in the comment section, or e-mail us at hosts@nyrangerscast.com