Posts tagged ‘Korpikoski’

Something just doesn’t sound right about that does it?

Steve and I talked ad nauseum about the benching of Aaron Voros being a smart move on the last podcast.  Then, low and behold, Tom Renney decides we here at the NYRangerscast don’t know jack, and inserts Voros back into the lineup tonight against the Penguins.

Not only that, but he puts Voros in at the expense of the guy Steve said was on the verge of stepping up to the next level, Lauri Korpokoski.

This move makes absolutely no sense to me.  The Korpedo hasn’t shown up on the stat sheet as much as one may like, but when you talk about heart, effort, and groove; it seems Lauri has found all of those recently.

Conversely, Aaron Voros, had his 15 minutes of fame disappear over a month and a half ago.  Voros hasn’t scored a goal since November 28th against Florida.  Since then, he’s had 0 goals, 1assist and is -3 on the ice.

The argument that Voros is a big body that likes to throw his weight around has been disproved time and time again this season.

So, what’s the reason for putting him in you ask?

Coach Renney says his big body will help the power play!

Come on Tom, we’re not that stupid.

Update 5:07 p.m.: Steve here.  I’m just about on my way out the door to go to the Garden, but before I leave I really need to chime in on this one here.

This move really blows my mind.  Tom Renney really comes off here looking like a blind squirrel in search of a nut.  There is simply no logic to make this move at this point in time.  Aaron Voros brings nothing to the table.  The early season Voros was absolutely an abberation.

The real Aaron Voros was drafted in the 8th round, 229th overall.  He took six years to crack an NHL roster and put up a whopping 14 points in his only season.  After a fantastic first five games of the year, Voros has managed to put up 5 total points in his last thirty.  He’s a minus player over that stretch to boot.

Lauri Korpikoski is a first round pick who’s game is FINALLY rounding into shape.  He’s strong on the puck, playing with confidence and seems right on the brink of breaking out.  To take him out of the lineup at this point–and for a guy like Aaron Voros nonetheless–is laughable.

Renney said it’s not a reflection of Korpi’s game, but he needed to move someone out to give Voros a shot.  My first question is obviously: why? But that question aside, there are plenty of people who would do well riding the pine for a game or two that aren’t named Lauri.  The only problem with benching them is that their price tag is a little higher than a guy who is playing in his first full season with the big club.

Tom Renney threatened to sit down his “key guys” if they didn’t produce.  I was a fool for believing he might do it.  Drury has been awful and Gomez has been a joke, yet here they are again set to play against the Penguins, while another deserving young player gets the shaft.

Eric and I said this next tough stretch could do a lot to determine whether or not Tom Renney will be the head coach for the remainder of the regular season.  Right now, he simply seems lost.

7:00 pm: Well this is just great. There will be no live blog tonight because the great Time Warner of Cincinnati does not carry the Versus network.  Apparently, having the NHL package means nothing.  So, I will have to wait and see what happens instead of watching the game live.  Thanks NHL.  Thanks Time Warner.  Go Rangers.