I don’t think any Rangers fan truly cares about where this team is in the standings, we’re just tired of hearing the same swan song over and over. This team has had 5v5 issues for their 4th straight year of contention and their core is getting older and disappearing in key moments. The only good thing that has came out of this season so far is their young guys are taking huge leaps. I would have no issues with this team being a WC spot if they showed levels of competence in their games played. But the problem lies in how they’re getting manhandled by teams that they will have to beat in a 7 game series.
It's the pattern of play that hasn't changed in a few years now. The lightest forecheck and the team just stops functioning, can't make passes, get pasted to the boards, lose the puck and it's immediately moved right to their goal. So many dumps and no chases, no-one in front to pick up rebounds, frequently 1 player will race off with the puck into the o-zone only for there to be no other Rangers player there to cause interference or to receive a pass. Most games there's little to no forecheck by the Rangers and so little urgency to pick apart other teams and pepper their goal with high danger shots. Nah, why not no-look pass or just straight up give it directly to the opposing team instead? Far too many people in the Rangers subreddit will go on about "we're being goalied by an AHL player!" when the harsh truth is that the team is goalieing themselves by having so little and ineffectual offense when a team moderately gets in their grill.
@@alphaxion The light fore-checking part 5v5 kills me (save for the Kakko-Chytil--Cuylle line) and as a collective they don't do it at all. Which doesn't surprise me statistically speaking that they're one of the best lines 5v5 in the league because they retain the puck and keep opponents stuck-in their own zone and don't stay caught in their end to give-up scoring chances. And all 3 a pretty responsible in-terms of defensive awareness at even strength. Lav tried to spread all three members throughout the lineup so they can spread good-habits amongst the struggling players...but it didn't really work and when Chytil IS back I wonder what happens to the entire line-up.
Since the 5-0-1 start, they are 7-7-0, 1-6-0 against teams currently in the playoffs and are trending downward Things could snowball fast for my Rangers
I'm guessing that a fire sale is imminent if they don't change? And Igor not signing that massive deal is either a good or a bad thing for either party. Mika is playing sluggish too from my perspective
the problem is being consistently out shot, too much running around in the D zone, and lack of a desire to play physical even when they win. Will beats skill when skill only relies on skill. They have the skill but show lack of urgency. Slumping vets don't get sat out when they phone it in. Wake up calls are needed.
Mika is the biggest issue and unmovable. For 6 more yrs They are free falling. The wins are a mirage. Great goaltending and timely goals is the only reason we aren't 7-12-1.
They’ve won the Cup, at this point it doesn’t matter how bad they are. This Rangers team has been relying on goaltending since Hank’s first game as a Blueshirt. Every step forward they take, they take 2 steps backwards.
Rangers have relied way too heavily and for way too long on power play and goaltending. Zibanejad always sucks early in the season, so they should probably still make it into the playoffs, but it's hard to see how they could ever contend for the cup with a near non-existent 5on5 game.
@@ultimate8550 Yeah lol, they got dominated badly possession wise and I think in high danger chances in that series right? This Current Rangers team truly are lucky that there so called rebuild accelerated way too fastly than expected. Their reliance for elite goaltending and the PP has been a consistent norm for at least 4 years and its kind of funny now just watching the same narrative co exist lol
@@jfedol7760 The Rangers' blessing and curse is being a top destination for nearly every player. As long as they have cap space, there's always an immediate fix available for any holes in the lineup. The drawback is that these fixes are expensive and leave little room for their own prospects.
Their *biggest* problem is on the blue line. Lindgren, Trouba, and Miller have all mightily regressed, are slow, and can’t move the puck at all. Trocheck and Kreider would come back around if they could re-establish any sort of a forecheck, Mika is clearly in his own head and causing his own issues. Unless they magically start moving the puck faster and handle pressure, they will continue to struggle against better teams. With that said the path to them playing better is pretty obvious, and I would not at all be surprised to see them turn it around like last year
Their best puck moving defenseman seems to be Jones- he gets the puck up the ice one way or another sometimes better than Fox. Jones and Schneider are the best d pair right now with how bad the rest of them are playing
@@humanbeing2420 It’s possible, but the way he’s making decisions with the puck makes it look like he’s constantly second guessing himself. Him and Chris are still good on the PK, they’re just extremely slow with the puck on their stick, as if they’re trying to make the perfect play every time
As a Devils fan, really enjoying the Rangers drama. They have weaknesses for sure, but I don't think they're that bad. Pretty much the same group that won the vaunted LmaoRegularSeasonChampionship banner. Anyway, they beat us pretty convincingly last year, so I hope to return the favor this year.
Devils were just 12-7-2 a little while ago, if the Rangers win their next game they will be at a better pace. The thing is that the Devils actually got 4 more games to rebound, the Rangers haven't yet. For all we know the Rangers will look like a much better team a week from now. They need to change things quick though, it's all mental.
@@TheSnapback Devils are in a very different situation than the Rangers. New players, new coach, new goalie, and easily the most hectic schedule in the league to start. I agree though, Rangers will likely turn things around before too long.
Regardless, the Rangers fans will take over your building again. And again, and again. Win ten more cups ? Nobody likes the Devholes. Keep Lil’ Jackie healthy 😂😅😂.
I've been saying for a couple of years that Rangers are headed towards a disaster when all of their value contracts are up simultaneously, while their most expensive contracts aren't. It's good that other people are finally realizing that this is happening. I have not seen anyone talk about the fact that Rangers are screwed after this season, despite the fact that it's been so obvious to anyone who's paid any attention to their contract situation over the past couple of years.
To be fair, Bill Zito was facing a similar contractual threat in the beginning of his Panthers GM tenure, and instead masterfully pivoted the roster to best-in-the-league status, so an effective re-tool can be done if you have the pro-scouting for it.
Results are a symptom of the real problems, no forecheck, no 5 on 5 production from their first line, a rapidly declining power play and an almost non existent team defense.No team grit or pushback.A goalie who is excellent but not worth what he thinks he is worth.No cap space and long contracts for players declining in performance but coining it in still !
As you've explained, the Rangers are unlikely to be able to move anyone, even if they really wanted to. They have to figure out how to motivate the current group to do better.
Just a Reminder, last yr everyone was screaming from the Rafters to break up the Oilers in the beginning of the year, then they fell 1 goal short of winning the Cup !
Good on management to recognize that a change is needed. The core is aging & Igor isnt playing like previous seasons. It's still early, don't go crazy😱
I would say Igor is still playing as good as he ever has. There's only so much a goalie can do when sometimes there is literally no D to be found multiple times in a game.
@@noeybalbonzers9755 Oh, they're to be found... watching the puck as it glides passed them and onto the stick of the opposition. That's when they're not engaging the turnover manufactury!
Trouba is overpaid. As a Jets fan, I felt burned when he left. I get it. They offered him $$$. And now it's coming back to bite NYR. I wonder what's going to happen....
What happens now is Shesterkin is going through a rough patch. This allows us to see how fragile the rest of the team is. If you look back two seasons to where The New Jersey Devils won in the first round of the playoffs, it was Shesterkin versus the Devils. The rest of the team was as fragile as it is now.
Not a Rangers fan (Lightning fan), but I couldn't help repeating "oof" after every cap hit mentioned. These cap hits are awful! What the H was Drury thinking signing these guys lol
@Nuclear_Onion oh, so it's not even the incumbent GM then. Dang, well I take back the Drury comments, then. Sucks for him to half to clean this mess up
As a Devils fan, seeing the Rangers implode makes me so happy. I really hope Igor wakes up and goes to market. Even if he has a bad year, he can have his pick of teams. He needs to learn from Henrik’s mistakes. He will never win a cup with NYR. They have so many overpaid vets who aren’t worth half their cap hit.
As a rangers fan im not in full panic yet about this season, as a lot of our top players are underperforming right now so I see it as just a slump. What worries me the most is Zibanjeads play over the last few years and especially this year as we have him until 2030 with a full NMC, he really needs to change something. Its hard for me to see Trouba or Krieder getting traded like the rumours are suggesting but crazier things have happened. Maybe moving Krieder would kick Zibanejad in the ass and make him play better but Id fear it would have the opposite effect.
Trouba has been the gift that just keeps on giving. Worst contract on the team, also somehow our captain. Handcuffed the team through the flat cap. He was bad in all our playoff runs. Took the penalty that lead to tampa comeback in game 3, ghost against NJ, awful last year w that injury. Blocks trades and handcuffs the team again bc of his wife. I don’t hate trouba the person but the way everything has gone i wonder what could’ve been if he was never a ranger. Fox took over his role year 2 of his contract. Just an absolute disaster. Something happened to mika, the guy is unrecognizable on the ice. Mika is -8 in last 3 games, doesn’t score 5on5, consistently wiffs in his spot on the pp. Where are the breakaway chances he used to always get?? Kreider having no assists through a quarter of the season is adding to mika issues. 3 PPG, 2 shorties, 4 5on5 G’s. That’s not enough production. Other players are going through it too but those are the most glaring issues i see. This is not an acceptable product right now. Idk what they do at this point, there should’ve been moves made in the offseason.
Definitely makes sense to consider making some moves, because things are looking stale. But man, moving Kreider would really be a bummer. I will be absolutely gutted. A number of guys' play has fallen off a cliff and he's one of them, no question. I just don't know. I know we're going to overpay for Igor at the end of this season and be in cap hell for the rest of time so I'm just in a dark place about all of this.
Hey Shannon, I hear alot about the Rangers upcoming cap crunch. Surely they're not the only team where the cap situation next year looks dire. I'd love a video where you discuss teams with a bad cap crunch this upcoming summer and who you think the cap casualties will be.
@@Nuclear_Onion this is why I’d trade Igor, it frees up lots of space they get players, picks and prospects. They dont need a 12 million dollar goaltender. It’s been proven in the playoffs.
I watch all the Ranger games, and the only reason for most wins is Shesterkin. The allowed 50 shots against the flames says it all, 43 against the Blues
The division being better def has to be a cause for more concern than last year. They can still contend for the division and might even win it if Igor turns it around, but this year the Caps arent going to be a pushover in the playoffs like they were last season. Devils look more like they did 2 years ago than last year. Canes even look like more of a Cup contender. Meanwhile the Rangers are stuck in neutral. IDK if their Cup window has closed cause they still have a great goalie and can beat anyone, but maybe this current core needs a shakeup. Also the fact is they've played 45 playoff games the last 3 years. Thats gotta take its toll eventually.
9 Goals for Kredier not 3... Being that he is a main point to this whole letter Drury sent out and scenario - just pointing out that he has 9 goals... NOT 3.
It's unsurprising, really. The team who failed to stop the Panthers from scoring and who didn't score enough against them are having troubles defensively and not producing enough goals in general this time. And they did nothing to fix any of those issues in the summer, so, we could see that coming.
Thanks for the video! I don't think the Rangers should panic. Except for the two Devils games and the Canes and Bolts, their December schedule might be fairly forgiving. January looks tougher but if they don't turn things around by then, well, maybe hit the panic button in the new year.
Leafs as well, but to be fair there were some non-playoff teams that still put up a hell of a fight and lost. Non-playoff teams beat playoff teams all the time. It's not about the Rangers not winning against playoff teams, they were still a good team up until November. It's all mental, this is a good team on paper. They just need to have the right mindset, and a lot of that is on the coach. The system is also clearly failing.
@ the coach is the last problem, this is the cores 3rd coach. They won the Presidents trophy last year, and have made it to the Eastern conference finals twice this decade. The players just give up when it gets hard. Doesn’t matter who behind the behind the bench, they don’t defend. Plus some players just can’t play d, trouba, Lindy looking at you. And this is the case all the time, they just put the puck back in the net more often than not, but there not doing that against good teams
Hockey guy gets it. Cap space and player equity on other teams. We can point fingers but players have concurrent value and teams analyze that towards their best interests. Tough spot for rangere
@TheHockeyGuy Thanks Shannon. Great video. I already said what I needed to say in your previous video about the Rangers, but I will add that they still need to find a way to prioritize moving Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren. You said it is unlikely during this season, but Chris Drury needs to find a way. And I also previously stated that this is more than just a 3-game losing streak for an above-500 team. The problems the Rangers are having have lasted for some time now, not just in these first 20 games on this season. Definitely check out Larry Brooks' recent tweet specifically on Trouba and tell me what you think if he refuses to accept a deal this time around as opposed to blocking one over the past summer. Many fans here made some good points in this comment section and it is good to see. I know I'm not alone in my thoughts on where the team stands.
As someone who has watched every single second of the rangers this season, they've been pretty bad all year. Defense is optional at best while players like 20, 93, 79, 55 and 8 have been severly underperforming and looking like they dont care at all. On the bright side, 50, 24, 4, 6 and 13 has strong seasons so far. And the goaltenders, at this point, I don't see either of them resigning with the Rangers next year.
This makes me wonder if the Rangers make a big trade to shake up the division. Unsure what that might be, but I wouldn't count it out. They have no cap space, but they do have some good players on the team. Dare I say... trade Panarin? He's 33, not getting any younger, while still productive, could fall off a cliff at any moment. Not saying he will, but you never know.
History of the team going back 50 plus years is to build around one or two premium veteran players that carry the team. The follow up scouting, drafting and developing never makes the final grade, which is the case with most NHL teams.
Great Video, as usual, Shannon - I don't know what's wrong in New York, with The Rangers. I know that it's from signings like Jacob Trouba, but, that's in the past. How Chris Drury is going to change this without A Retool/Rebuild is beyond me.
I am a Rangers fan and follow this team on a granular level...First, remember this core has chased two head coaches out of town...They don't hit, they rarely possess the puck, don't forecheck...Are defensively deficient...Can't transition the puck from the defense to the forwards...They are ultra soft...Remember that though they beat Carolina last year they were dominated...They are ticked off at how Drury [who is a disaster] handled Trouba and Goodrow...No more running out coaches...Hold this core accountable...Sell off the parts while there is still value...Only Laffy, Cullye and Schneider are untouchable...Without the goalies they would be a 500 team this year...Break them up!!
Excellent, very measured analysis, as usual. The Rangers are boxed in by a bunch of underperforming contracts. I see them potentially missing the playoffs or getting bounced early. The failure to get some value for Trouba over the summer had cascading consequences. They are the only team in the division that got worse relative to last year.
This has been a weird season so far. The Rangers, Bruins, and Avs are struggling. The Predators are one of the worst teams in the league. Buffalo is in a playoff spot. Calgary is on a roll.
It’s not even just the wins and losses. They look absolutely atrocious. When you charge that much money for tickets and even charge a bunch for gotham sports network for locals, the product needs to be consistently fantastic. Not sure I’ve ever been so disgusted with the pricing/product combination and as a lifelong rangers fan.
The issue is Trouba; the initial contract he was given after the trade to get him was bad, then giving him the C was another move proven to be disastrous… then, Drury botches that trade last off season and then keeping him as Captain; no wonder they’re in this predicament… where is the leadership out of that group? Weighs that locker room down like an anchor… Mika has a no-move clause as well; another bad deal… I’d move Kreider, Miller, Lindgren (who looks done?) attempt a Zibanejad trade as well… what a mess.
I’ve seen enough games this season at MSG to notice that this is a team that isn’t hungry anymore. There’s a pattern with this squad where they just run out of gas: Two seasons ago, up 2-0 vs Bolts lost 4 straight. Up 2-0 vs Devils lost the series. Up 2-1 vs Florida. Lost the series. The difference this season, they look done. Spent. Dis-interested. Completely distracted. The defense is horrrrrific. The contracts are coming back to haunt the Rangers. Do they move Trouba? Inevitably. That’s not the only problem. Mika who was never great at face offs hasn’t played like a top center. Trochek was off to a sluggish start. Bottom line is, the Rangers are hoping their budding kids emerge in time for the post season to carry them. Do they? Only time will tell.
This team was to rebuild last season but they didn't and now we are concerning about the lack of wins! Nothing to be surprised if you keep on the ice Kreider, Trouba, Mika and whoelse. It's time to sell and acquire new players
As a Rangers fan in my mid-30s who doesn't remember 94 because I was too young.. I am numb to the perpetual cycle of being good enough to compete but not good enough to win. I don't know what to do, I'm not a NHL manager. I like the idea of moving Trouba and Lindgren, but if some random fan like myself thinks that's a good move then I'm certain the other 31 NHL teams know they don't want those players. I just hope they figure it out. We didn't get Lundqvist a cup.. it would kill me if we can't get Igor one.
CLB seems like a great fit to take one or two expensive NYR veterans. They have lots of attractive assets to send back (Jiricek, Brindley). They need to rplc JG & make the playoffs for existing vets like ZW, SM, BJ, DS, etc. CK has 3yrs left & JT only two: minimal risk.
Lol this is a tale as old as time, of "let's move Kreider/ Zibanejad/ Trouba"; sometimes just gotta wait until they improve (or pay the price to ship them out if you're impatient)
I think Rangers fans are just concerned because it seems like deja vu. Be a contender for a while, get close, and then start to flatten out. The core with Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto, Zuccarello, Stepan, Boyle, Staal, Girardi and McDonagh followed this similar script. Got to the Cup, and then never got that close again. This current core seems like they haven't recovered from having a 2-0 lead, 2-0 lead in Game 3 of the ECF a couple years ago. The Wild would never do it, but I've wanted Zuccarello back since he left. Lindgren seems like Girardi 2.0, tough but slowing down. Miller is like another Marc Staal, young with promise, but has a lot of defensive breakdowns and Trouba, like another Yandle/Shattenkirk, overpaid and way better player on his previous team. Another concern for me personally is that the former core seemed to have more heart than this current one does, which seems to rely on talent alone.
Rangers could trade for John Gibson and offload a big contract to Anaheim in return. Provided they don’t resign Quick and they have to replace the forward or D man. Would be an interesting blockbuster
Their record looks okay but when you watch them they just dont look right, something is missing even though its the same team that won the presidents trophy last season. The lack of energy is concerning.
Most teams have a bump along the way. This is definitely a bump, but as you said they’re capable of turning it around and I believe they will. The teams in front of them are likely to have a bump at some point as well and certainly at least one or two will, so if they turn it around in the next couple games I still feel confident in a top 3 in the division finish.
I was in the Garden for the Blues game, and it was clear there were 3-4 plays that were just clearly SOFT. In a 60 minute game it shouldn’t sink you but that’s how it is in the NHL. It doesn’t take many soft plays to turn into a loss.
Their blue line is terrible. Miller & Trouba are not good. Fox is the most overrated defenseman in the league. I've been saying for a few years hes not on the level of Makar, Heiskanen, Hedman & Josi like some people say. As a Bruins fan, we may suck, but its great to see the Rangers slumping too 😂
One of the things that has hurt the Rangers outside of the obvious contractual issues with their star players, is the absolute failure of both their 1st and 2nd overall picks they had a few years back, Kakko is a bust, but to be fair a serviceable 3rd liner who plays well on the defensive forecheck, but as a number 2 overall, a bust. Laffy had a great post season last year and started decently this year, but he requires the rest of his line and teammates to open up chances for him to play his game, the problem is that he disappears far too often, and now that he has a contract, this just compounds the financial cap issues the Rangers have. As a number 1 overall, this is thus far still a failure. Top 2 picks back to back are generally the cornerstone and foundation of an era of Hockey for your team, both these guys are far from providing that and unfortunately the Rangers have had to rely on outside signings. Just an unlucky roll.
Definitely some urgency, panic soon. The defense has been atrocious, and our veterans have been invisible but getting the most ice time. Cuylle and co should be gaining way more ice time
It's probably unpopular but Panarin should be traded.. then again, how many teams want him at his cap hit? Plus his NMC. Would be difficult, but not impossible. He's basically their best asset besides Shesterkin. Rangers should build a new core around Fox/Lafreniere.
@stoddard1953 I'm in Chicago but decided to root for Toronto this year, thanks for your reply and have a great Thanksgiving 🦃! Oh you had yours so I extend it to next year!
As an outsider looking in. Jesus, New York has to have the “most bad contracts” in the entire NHL. There’s atleast 4-5 easily. All I know is, they are spending alot of money. Have zero results. And if they pay their goalie a crazy amount of money, I don’t see Lord Stanley ever being raised in NY for along time.
the top line has been a ghost ship for over a year now...at some point they need to accept the kreider-zib-some other guy combo is way past their peak...also great point about fans hypothetical trades. like you can just package all the players you're not happy with for some budding superstar
Were you being sarcastic when you said the Sabres havent made the playoffs since 1964? (18:33) I think I heard correctly.........2010-11 is when they made the playoffs last.
Rags fan, Line changes have been a bane for years. TV only shows so much. Blaming a player for not being in position, but the actual reason is the player coming off the ice is dogging it. So he is not in position.
The early contract turmoil was a big distraction for Shesty, should have never happened, our defense needs an overhaul, Miller needs to learn how to play stay at home defense, his constant pinching getting caught back and the odd man rushes is the cause of it.
I just don’t get what changed. You start 5-0-1 and then become an awful defensive team. Shesterkin and Quick have needed to be super human just to stay at .500. I don’t get it
Three seasons and two long playoff runs - there's probably a degree of mental fatigue there. And guys may be unhappy about how Trouba and Goodrow were treated - not that they necessarily have any right to be.
The Rangers can look at their roster and say "they should be doing better." That's something the Bruins can't say when they look at their roster. I think Boston's chances of making the playoffs went down when they fired Montgomery. So that should help the Rangers at least.
Zibanejad has been on the ice for 10 of the last 12 rangers goals allowed. The +/- stinks, and were mostly worried about the mental flubs and lack of fight that the team has. We are 100% willing to get rid of lindgren, just give us a 4th round pick. We have depth on the blue line, and he’s a massive liability
I'm a Sabre fan, so I don't have any real insight aside from the games I watch when Buffalo isn't playing. But they remind me of Edmonton last year, to a lesser extent. I think they'll wind up fine, just a bump in the road. With that being said, their core is getting older...
I don’t think any Rangers fan truly cares about where this team is in the standings, we’re just tired of hearing the same swan song over and over. This team has had 5v5 issues for their 4th straight year of contention and their core is getting older and disappearing in key moments. The only good thing that has came out of this season so far is their young guys are taking huge leaps. I would have no issues with this team being a WC spot if they showed levels of competence in their games played. But the problem lies in how they’re getting manhandled by teams that they will have to beat in a 7 game series.
As a Rangers fan, I couldn’t agree more
It's the pattern of play that hasn't changed in a few years now.
The lightest forecheck and the team just stops functioning, can't make passes, get pasted to the boards, lose the puck and it's immediately moved right to their goal. So many dumps and no chases, no-one in front to pick up rebounds, frequently 1 player will race off with the puck into the o-zone only for there to be no other Rangers player there to cause interference or to receive a pass.
Most games there's little to no forecheck by the Rangers and so little urgency to pick apart other teams and pepper their goal with high danger shots. Nah, why not no-look pass or just straight up give it directly to the opposing team instead?
Far too many people in the Rangers subreddit will go on about "we're being goalied by an AHL player!" when the harsh truth is that the team is goalieing themselves by having so little and ineffectual offense when a team moderately gets in their grill.
I care.
Right - the standings don't matter.
@@alphaxion The light fore-checking part 5v5 kills me (save for the Kakko-Chytil--Cuylle line) and as a collective they don't do it at all. Which doesn't surprise me statistically speaking that they're one of the best lines 5v5 in the league because they retain the puck and keep opponents stuck-in their own zone and don't stay caught in their end to give-up scoring chances. And all 3 a pretty responsible in-terms of defensive awareness at even strength. Lav tried to spread all three members throughout the lineup so they can spread good-habits amongst the struggling players...but it didn't really work and when Chytil IS back I wonder what happens to the entire line-up.
1-6 against playoff team is next level fraud
@@tjaymetal3116 make it 1-7
@@tjaymetal3116 yeah I don’t think you can count buffalo as a playoff team
@@evanj4788make that 1-8 haha
Since the 5-0-1 start, they are 7-7-0, 1-6-0 against teams currently in the playoffs and are trending downward
Things could snowball fast for my Rangers
@@SamG91 keep going I'm almost there
@@Devilsfan118Oh God, no! 😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉
I'm guessing that a fire sale is imminent if they don't change? And Igor not signing that massive deal is either a good or a bad thing for either party. Mika is playing sluggish too from my perspective
As the owner of the NY rangers, you should do something about it
@@Devilsfan118 Eh you live in NJ. You lose haha.
the problem is being consistently out shot, too much running around in the D zone, and lack of a desire to play physical even when they win. Will beats skill when skill only relies on skill. They have the skill but show lack of urgency. Slumping vets don't get sat out when they phone it in. Wake up calls are needed.
Mika is the biggest issue and unmovable. For 6 more yrs
They are free falling.
The wins are a mirage. Great goaltending and timely goals is the only reason we aren't 7-12-1.
Trouba is the problem move him
@michaelhofer954 both of them are but we're stuck with Mika. Trouba will be gone and hopefully way sooner than July 1
Oh boy, I can't wait for the Panthers slumping video next....
It's ok, hold out one day. They play the Leafs Wednesday. Might turn it around.
They’ve won the Cup, at this point it doesn’t matter how bad they are.
This Rangers team has been relying on goaltending since Hank’s first game as a Blueshirt. Every step forward they take, they take 2 steps backwards.
1 Cup win, 1 finals appearance. I think Cats are going to be fine
@@maxrates I read the comment with Saul's voice in my head not gonna lie. 😂
Cats are gassed. They played more hockey in the last 2 seasons than anyone.
Rangers have relied way too heavily and for way too long on power play and goaltending. Zibanejad always sucks early in the season, so they should probably still make it into the playoffs, but it's hard to see how they could ever contend for the cup with a near non-existent 5on5 game.
Been saying this ever since the playoffs last year against the canes. They never should have won that series.
@@ultimate8550 Yeah lol, they got dominated badly possession wise and I think in high danger chances in that series right? This Current Rangers team truly are lucky that there so called rebuild accelerated way too fastly than expected. Their reliance for elite goaltending and the PP has been a consistent norm for at least 4 years and its kind of funny now just watching the same narrative co exist lol
@@jfedol7760 The Rangers' blessing and curse is being a top destination for nearly every player. As long as they have cap space, there's always an immediate fix available for any holes in the lineup. The drawback is that these fixes are expensive and leave little room for their own prospects.
@@romaliop 100%
If people thought the talent outflow from Carolina was bad this past offseason, next summer could be apocalyptic for the Rangers.
Talent outflow did look rough but the Canes are making it work
Their *biggest* problem is on the blue line. Lindgren, Trouba, and Miller have all mightily regressed, are slow, and can’t move the puck at all. Trocheck and Kreider would come back around if they could re-establish any sort of a forecheck, Mika is clearly in his own head and causing his own issues. Unless they magically start moving the puck faster and handle pressure, they will continue to struggle against better teams. With that said the path to them playing better is pretty obvious, and I would not at all be surprised to see them turn it around like last year
Their best puck moving defenseman seems to be Jones- he gets the puck up the ice one way or another sometimes better than Fox. Jones and Schneider are the best d pair right now with how bad the rest of them are playing
@ I wouldn’t say the best D pair, but they’re the best at what they need right now, and yes mostly because of Jones.
Mika seems off physically more than mentally.
@@humanbeing2420 It’s possible, but the way he’s making decisions with the puck makes it look like he’s constantly second guessing himself. Him and Chris are still good on the PK, they’re just extremely slow with the puck on their stick, as if they’re trying to make the perfect play every time
As a devils fan I love seeing a division opponent struggling.
Yeah because the devils have won so many playoff series in the last 5 years
@@tskeldin29123 who’s your team? Lol
1 cup since the the Japanese bombed PEARL HARBOR
As a Devils fan, really enjoying the Rangers drama.
They have weaknesses for sure, but I don't think they're that bad. Pretty much the same group that won the vaunted LmaoRegularSeasonChampionship banner.
Anyway, they beat us pretty convincingly last year, so I hope to return the favor this year.
Devils were just 12-7-2 a little while ago, if the Rangers win their next game they will be at a better pace. The thing is that the Devils actually got 4 more games to rebound, the Rangers haven't yet. For all we know the Rangers will look like a much better team a week from now. They need to change things quick though, it's all mental.
@@TheSnapback Devils are in a very different situation than the Rangers. New players, new coach, new goalie, and easily the most hectic schedule in the league to start.
I agree though, Rangers will likely turn things around before too long.
Regardless, the Rangers fans will take over your building again. And again, and again.
Win ten more cups ? Nobody likes the Devholes. Keep Lil’ Jackie healthy 😂😅😂.
@@mikepanick9362you’re a grown ass man this is the corniest way to cope
@@mikepanick9362 Lil' Jackie owns your goalie. Smiley faces: 😀😀😀😀😀😀
I've been saying for a couple of years that Rangers are headed towards a disaster when all of their value contracts are up simultaneously, while their most expensive contracts aren't. It's good that other people are finally realizing that this is happening. I have not seen anyone talk about the fact that Rangers are screwed after this season, despite the fact that it's been so obvious to anyone who's paid any attention to their contract situation over the past couple of years.
To be fair, Bill Zito was facing a similar contractual threat in the beginning of his Panthers GM tenure, and instead masterfully pivoted the roster to best-in-the-league status, so an effective re-tool can be done if you have the pro-scouting for it.
I guess the problem is that this was the rangers retool. Floridas led them to a cup, while the rangers are potentially thinking of another retool
Results are a symptom of the real problems, no forecheck, no 5 on 5 production from their first line, a rapidly declining power play and an almost non existent team defense.No team grit or pushback.A goalie who is excellent but not worth what he thinks he is worth.No cap space and long contracts for players declining in performance but coining it in still !
As a Panthers fan...our recent struggles are definitely concerning, it's a tired group that lost some key defensive players.
I thought not keeping Montour was kinda crazy
Cup hangover is real, people forget that.
@@TimsAFKdamn right it is my knights went through the same shit after a 10 0 1 start downhill from there with the injuries from skaters and goalie
As you've explained, the Rangers are unlikely to be able to move anyone, even if they really wanted to.
They have to figure out how to motivate the current group to do better.
Just a Reminder, last yr everyone was screaming from the Rafters to break up the Oilers in the beginning of the year, then they fell 1 goal short of winning the Cup !
Good on management to recognize that a change is needed. The core is aging & Igor isnt playing like previous seasons. It's still early, don't go crazy😱
It’s not on Igor, the teams defense is putrid and we’re not getting it done offensively.
This was recognized well before management decided to act sadly
I would say Igor is still playing as good as he ever has. There's only so much a goalie can do when sometimes there is literally no D to be found multiple times in a game.
@@noeybalbonzers9755 Oh, they're to be found... watching the puck as it glides passed them and onto the stick of the opposition. That's when they're not engaging the turnover manufactury!
@@alphaxion 🤣🤣🤣 true
Trouba is overpaid. As a Jets fan, I felt burned when he left. I get it. They offered him $$$. And now it's coming back to bite NYR. I wonder what's going to happen....
Trouba is the critical piece for playing the flying elbow formation though
What happens now is Shesterkin is going through a rough patch. This allows us to see how fragile the rest of the team is. If you look back two seasons to where The New Jersey Devils won in the first round of the playoffs, it was Shesterkin versus the Devils. The rest of the team was as fragile as it is now.
Not a Rangers fan (Lightning fan), but I couldn't help repeating "oof" after every cap hit mentioned. These cap hits are awful! What the H was Drury thinking signing these guys lol
Trouba, Panarin, Krieds are all Gorton signings.
@Nuclear_Onion oh, so it's not even the incumbent GM then. Dang, well I take back the Drury comments, then. Sucks for him to half to clean this mess up
As a Devils fan, seeing the Rangers implode makes me so happy. I really hope Igor wakes up and goes to market. Even if he has a bad year, he can have his pick of teams. He needs to learn from Henrik’s mistakes. He will never win a cup with NYR. They have so many overpaid vets who aren’t worth half their cap hit.
As a rangers fan im not in full panic yet about this season, as a lot of our top players are underperforming right now so I see it as just a slump. What worries me the most is Zibanjeads play over the last few years and especially this year as we have him until 2030 with a full NMC, he really needs to change something. Its hard for me to see Trouba or Krieder getting traded like the rumours are suggesting but crazier things have happened. Maybe moving Krieder would kick Zibanejad in the ass and make him play better but Id fear it would have the opposite effect.
Slump? Your key guys are old and regressing you should be worried lol. Wait for next Monday the devils are gonna out skate you guys so bad
Blue line is terrible
Trouba has been the gift that just keeps on giving. Worst contract on the team, also somehow our captain. Handcuffed the team through the flat cap. He was bad in all our playoff runs. Took the penalty that lead to tampa comeback in game 3, ghost against NJ, awful last year w that injury. Blocks trades and handcuffs the team again bc of his wife. I don’t hate trouba the person but the way everything has gone i wonder what could’ve been if he was never a ranger. Fox took over his role year 2 of his contract. Just an absolute disaster. Something happened to mika, the guy is unrecognizable on the ice. Mika is -8 in last 3 games, doesn’t score 5on5, consistently wiffs in his spot on the pp. Where are the breakaway chances he used to always get?? Kreider having no assists through a quarter of the season is adding to mika issues. 3 PPG, 2 shorties, 4 5on5 G’s. That’s not enough production. Other players are going through it too but those are the most glaring issues i see. This is not an acceptable product right now. Idk what they do at this point, there should’ve been moves made in the offseason.
Bingo
Full panic this team has been carried by the power play for 3 years
Rangers about to get owned by the Devils
Have they tried starting Tommy Devito?
Or Danny Devito?
@ This might work
😂😂😂😂
Best comment.
Definitely makes sense to consider making some moves, because things are looking stale. But man, moving Kreider would really be a bummer. I will be absolutely gutted. A number of guys' play has fallen off a cliff and he's one of them, no question. I just don't know. I know we're going to overpay for Igor at the end of this season and be in cap hell for the rest of time so I'm just in a dark place about all of this.
Hey Shannon, I hear alot about the Rangers upcoming cap crunch. Surely they're not the only team where the cap situation next year looks dire.
I'd love a video where you discuss teams with a bad cap crunch this upcoming summer and who you think the cap casualties will be.
Drury never addressed the needs in the offseason, if he did they might not be in this position. Need speed, gritt and 1RW and Trouba is still there.
Having 0 cap doesn't help
Still better speed than the Preds
they have had decent wingers here-i think the pattern is revealing that Z and K are the problem-not Smith, not Roslovic, not Tarasenko
@@Nuclear_Onion this is why I’d trade Igor, it frees up lots of space they get players, picks and prospects. They dont need a 12 million dollar goaltender. It’s been proven in the playoffs.
I love how people state this like a GM can just go out and get a 1RW, top 4RHD with grit, and some speedy bottom six guys.
I watch all the Ranger games, and the only reason for most wins is Shesterkin. The allowed 50 shots against the flames says it all, 43 against the Blues
If I'm Shesterkin, I'm looking elsewhere after this season. He will be stuck on a team heading in a downward spiral if he stays in NY.
The division being better def has to be a cause for more concern than last year. They can still contend for the division and might even win it if Igor turns it around, but this year the Caps arent going to be a pushover in the playoffs like they were last season. Devils look more like they did 2 years ago than last year. Canes even look like more of a Cup contender.
Meanwhile the Rangers are stuck in neutral. IDK if their Cup window has closed cause they still have a great goalie and can beat anyone, but maybe this current core needs a shakeup. Also the fact is they've played 45 playoff games the last 3 years. Thats gotta take its toll eventually.
9 Goals for Kredier not 3... Being that he is a main point to this whole letter Drury sent out and scenario - just pointing out that he has 9 goals... NOT 3.
Is there any disparity between teams that have more right handed shots than left handed? Their offense seems to dry up by the 3rd round.
Wait doesn’t Chris Krieder have 9 goals?
I believe the stats The Hockey Guy is presenting are just from the month of November.
It's unsurprising, really. The team who failed to stop the Panthers from scoring and who didn't score enough against them are having troubles defensively and not producing enough goals in general this time. And they did nothing to fix any of those issues in the summer, so, we could see that coming.
Thanks for the video! I don't think the Rangers should panic. Except for the two Devils games and the Canes and Bolts, their December schedule might be fairly forgiving. January looks tougher but if they don't turn things around by then, well, maybe hit the panic button in the new year.
I believe that win against Vancouver is the only win they have against teams that made the playoffs last season
Leafs as well, but to be fair there were some non-playoff teams that still put up a hell of a fight and lost. Non-playoff teams beat playoff teams all the time. It's not about the Rangers not winning against playoff teams, they were still a good team up until November. It's all mental, this is a good team on paper. They just need to have the right mindset, and a lot of that is on the coach. The system is also clearly failing.
@ the coach is the last problem, this is the cores 3rd coach. They won the Presidents trophy last year, and have made it to the Eastern conference finals twice this decade. The players just give up when it gets hard. Doesn’t matter who behind the behind the bench, they don’t defend. Plus some players just can’t play d, trouba, Lindy looking at you. And this is the case all the time, they just put the puck back in the net more often than not, but there not doing that against good teams
@@TheSnapback and it’s kinda funny you bring up the leafs, the rangers did the exact same thing, they gave all the money away before winning anything
The lack of compete is the most damning
Hockey guy gets it. Cap space and player equity on other teams. We can point fingers but players have concurrent value and teams analyze that towards their best interests. Tough spot for rangere
@TheHockeyGuy Thanks Shannon. Great video. I already said what I needed to say in your previous video about the Rangers, but I will add that they still need to find a way to prioritize moving Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren. You said it is unlikely during this season, but Chris Drury needs to find a way.
And I also previously stated that this is more than just a 3-game losing streak for an above-500 team. The problems the Rangers are having have lasted for some time now, not just in these first 20 games on this season. Definitely check out Larry Brooks' recent tweet specifically on Trouba and tell me what you think if he refuses to accept a deal this time around as opposed to blocking one over the past summer.
Many fans here made some good points in this comment section and it is good to see. I know I'm not alone in my thoughts on where the team stands.
TBH The panthers slump is much worse then the rangers.
Panthers have a cup
Florida has much more determination than the Rangers.... j.s. 😮😮😮😮
No it isn't lol
They just won the cup so it doesn't matter lol
Nah. The Panthers are still putting good games together not 6 months after winning a cup.
Excellent analysis. Brutal reality for my team: heat up or sit the rest of the season on the outside looking in.
Excellent analysis!
Yes. It’s time to panic.
As someone who has watched every single second of the rangers this season, they've been pretty bad all year. Defense is optional at best while players like 20, 93, 79, 55 and 8 have been severly underperforming and looking like they dont care at all.
On the bright side, 50, 24, 4, 6 and 13 has strong seasons so far.
And the goaltenders, at this point, I don't see either of them resigning with the Rangers next year.
Furthermore, the Rangers probably have had the softest schedule of all teams. Not a single back to back and not really any long road trips..
This makes me wonder if the Rangers make a big trade to shake up the division. Unsure what that might be, but I wouldn't count it out. They have no cap space, but they do have some good players on the team. Dare I say... trade Panarin? He's 33, not getting any younger, while still productive, could fall off a cliff at any moment. Not saying he will, but you never know.
When the canes on the horizon, I see what you did here... can't wait for the playoffs though for devils to kick that team out of town or canes rematch
You have to do this kind of analysis on every team by the new year!
How is buffalo always bringing up the rear?
History of the team going back 50 plus years is to build around one or two premium veteran players that carry the team. The follow up scouting, drafting and developing never makes the final grade, which is the case with most NHL teams.
Every team can go through a slump but this is unforgivable
is there a video on where McDavid will end up?
Great Video, as usual, Shannon - I don't know what's wrong in New York, with The Rangers. I know that it's from signings like Jacob Trouba, but, that's in the past. How Chris Drury is going to change this without A Retool/Rebuild is beyond me.
Been watching forever, thanks for the content
Excellent analysis,
I am a Rangers fan and follow this team on a granular level...First, remember this core has chased two head coaches out of town...They don't hit, they rarely possess the puck, don't forecheck...Are defensively deficient...Can't transition the puck from the defense to the forwards...They are ultra soft...Remember that though they beat Carolina last year they were dominated...They are ticked off at how Drury [who is a disaster] handled Trouba and Goodrow...No more running out coaches...Hold this core accountable...Sell off the parts while there is still value...Only Laffy, Cullye and Schneider are untouchable...Without the goalies they would be a 500 team this year...Break them up!!
Comment/analysis is right on the money
You can have Lindgren when you pull him from Slapshot’s cold, dead wings! XD
The eb and flow of the season always seems to be weaker than the eb and flow of fans.
I don't have a problem with a player going to market if they told the team they were going to do that before the trade deadline.
Excellent, very measured analysis, as usual. The Rangers are boxed in by a bunch of underperforming contracts. I see them potentially missing the playoffs or getting bounced early. The failure to get some value for Trouba over the summer had cascading consequences. They are the only team in the division that got worse relative to last year.
I'd just like to say that as a Devils fan, i would never stoop so low as to get elbowed by the Rags in their time of need. Pure class.
This has been a weird season so far.
The Rangers, Bruins, and Avs are struggling.
The Predators are one of the worst teams in the league.
Buffalo is in a playoff spot.
Calgary is on a roll.
It’s not even just the wins and losses. They look absolutely atrocious. When you charge that much money for tickets and even charge a bunch for gotham sports network for locals, the product needs to be consistently fantastic. Not sure I’ve ever been so disgusted with the pricing/product combination and as a lifelong rangers fan.
The issue is Trouba; the initial contract he was given after the trade to get him was bad, then giving him the C was another move proven to be disastrous… then, Drury botches that trade last off season and then keeping him as Captain; no wonder they’re in this predicament… where is the leadership out of that group? Weighs that locker room down like an anchor… Mika has a no-move clause as well; another bad deal… I’d move Kreider, Miller, Lindgren (who looks done?) attempt a Zibanejad trade as well… what a mess.
Gone
I’ve seen enough games this season at MSG to notice that this is a team that isn’t hungry anymore. There’s a pattern with this squad where they just run out of gas: Two seasons ago, up 2-0 vs Bolts lost 4 straight. Up 2-0 vs Devils lost the series. Up 2-1 vs Florida. Lost the series. The difference this season, they look done. Spent. Dis-interested. Completely distracted. The defense is horrrrrific. The contracts are coming back to haunt the Rangers. Do they move Trouba? Inevitably. That’s not the only problem. Mika who was never great at face offs hasn’t played like a top center. Trochek was off to a sluggish start. Bottom line is, the Rangers are hoping their budding kids emerge in time for the post season to carry them. Do they? Only time will tell.
This team was to rebuild last season but they didn't and now we are concerning about the lack of wins! Nothing to be surprised if you keep on the ice Kreider, Trouba, Mika and whoelse. It's time to sell and acquire new players
As a Rangers fan in my mid-30s who doesn't remember 94 because I was too young.. I am numb to the perpetual cycle of being good enough to compete but not good enough to win. I don't know what to do, I'm not a NHL manager. I like the idea of moving Trouba and Lindgren, but if some random fan like myself thinks that's a good move then I'm certain the other 31 NHL teams know they don't want those players. I just hope they figure it out. We didn't get Lundqvist a cup.. it would kill me if we can't get Igor one.
CLB seems like a great fit to take one or two expensive NYR veterans. They have lots of attractive assets to send back (Jiricek, Brindley). They need to rplc JG & make the playoffs for existing vets like ZW, SM, BJ, DS, etc. CK has 3yrs left & JT only two: minimal risk.
Problem is Trouba, said it in Winnipeg and saying it now. Definitely don’t want him back!
Lol this is a tale as old as time, of "let's move Kreider/ Zibanejad/ Trouba"; sometimes just gotta wait until they improve (or pay the price to ship them out if you're impatient)
I think Rangers fans are just concerned because it seems like deja vu. Be a contender for a while, get close, and then start to flatten out. The core with Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto, Zuccarello, Stepan, Boyle, Staal, Girardi and McDonagh followed this similar script. Got to the Cup, and then never got that close again. This current core seems like they haven't recovered from having a 2-0 lead, 2-0 lead in Game 3 of the ECF a couple years ago. The Wild would never do it, but I've wanted Zuccarello back since he left. Lindgren seems like Girardi 2.0, tough but slowing down. Miller is like another Marc Staal, young with promise, but has a lot of defensive breakdowns and Trouba, like another Yandle/Shattenkirk, overpaid and way better player on his previous team. Another concern for me personally is that the former core seemed to have more heart than this current one does, which seems to rely on talent alone.
Rangers could trade for John Gibson and offload a big contract to Anaheim in return. Provided they don’t resign Quick and they have to replace the forward or D man. Would be an interesting blockbuster
How concerning? Not concerning at all - signed this devils fan
Their record looks okay but when you watch them they just dont look right, something is missing even though its the same team that won the presidents trophy last season. The lack of energy is concerning.
Most teams have a bump along the way. This is definitely a bump, but as you said they’re capable of turning it around and I believe they will. The teams in front of them are likely to have a bump at some point as well and certainly at least one or two will, so if they turn it around in the next couple games I still feel confident in a top 3 in the division finish.
I was in the Garden for the Blues game, and it was clear there were 3-4 plays that were just clearly SOFT.
In a 60 minute game it shouldn’t sink you but that’s how it is in the NHL. It doesn’t take many soft plays to turn into a loss.
Panthers are in trouble, too. We simply forgot how to play like the Panthers.
Their blue line is terrible. Miller & Trouba are not good. Fox is the most overrated defenseman in the league. I've been saying for a few years hes not on the level of Makar, Heiskanen, Hedman & Josi like some people say. As a Bruins fan, we may suck, but its great to see the Rangers slumping too 😂
One of the things that has hurt the Rangers outside of the obvious contractual issues with their star players, is the absolute failure of both their 1st and 2nd overall picks they had a few years back, Kakko is a bust, but to be fair a serviceable 3rd liner who plays well on the defensive forecheck, but as a number 2 overall, a bust. Laffy had a great post season last year and started decently this year, but he requires the rest of his line and teammates to open up chances for him to play his game, the problem is that he disappears far too often, and now that he has a contract, this just compounds the financial cap issues the Rangers have. As a number 1 overall, this is thus far still a failure.
Top 2 picks back to back are generally the cornerstone and foundation of an era of Hockey for your team, both these guys are far from providing that and unfortunately the Rangers have had to rely on outside signings. Just an unlucky roll.
It's kind of Shesterkin to lower his quality of goaltending to reduce his asking price.
Definitely some urgency, panic soon. The defense has been atrocious, and our veterans have been invisible but getting the most ice time. Cuylle and co should be gaining way more ice time
I don't get it. And Panarin has dropped way off. Maybe it's good if they're just taking their foot off the pedal a bit now for the playoffs.
lol this team will not succeed in the playoffs. Not grit, no defense, nobody with a sack.
It's probably unpopular but Panarin should be traded.. then again, how many teams want him at his cap hit? Plus his NMC. Would be difficult, but not impossible. He's basically their best asset besides Shesterkin. Rangers should build a new core around Fox/Lafreniere.
@salineaddict9850 Thanks for your reply and have a great Thanksgiving 🦃!
@stoddard1953 I'm in Chicago but decided to root for Toronto this year, thanks for your reply and have a great Thanksgiving 🦃! Oh you had yours so I extend it to next year!
You gotta look at player history as well as how he is playing right now.
As an outsider looking in. Jesus, New York has to have the “most bad contracts” in the entire NHL. There’s atleast 4-5 easily. All I know is, they are spending alot of money. Have zero results. And if they pay their goalie a crazy amount of money, I don’t see Lord Stanley ever being raised in NY for along time.
the top line has been a ghost ship for over a year now...at some point they need to accept the kreider-zib-some other guy combo is way past their peak...also great point about fans hypothetical trades. like you can just package all the players you're not happy with for some budding superstar
Were you being sarcastic when you said the Sabres havent made the playoffs since 1964? (18:33) I think I heard correctly.........2010-11 is when they made the playoffs last.
Rags fan, Line changes have been a bane for years. TV only shows so much. Blaming a player for not being in position, but the actual reason is the player coming off the ice is dogging it. So he is not in position.
Rangers not far off, maybe some sharper transition play up ice?
It's a bit too early to tell personally, but the canes game is very important.
The early contract turmoil was a big distraction for Shesty, should have never happened, our defense needs an overhaul, Miller needs to learn how to play stay at home defense, his constant pinching getting caught back and the odd man rushes is the cause of it.
I just don’t get what changed. You start 5-0-1 and then become an awful defensive team. Shesterkin and Quick have needed to be super human just to stay at .500. I don’t get it
They started playing good teams
Right.. agree and with THG saying there are several really strong Metro teams at this point..
WHen Carolina with Perets in net tonight beat the Rags it's going to be a show. Get your popcorn boys.
Three seasons and two long playoff runs - there's probably a degree of mental fatigue there. And guys may be unhappy about how Trouba and Goodrow were treated - not that they necessarily have any right to be.
CK is also suffering from injury another reason to prevent his move
As a Rangers fan it is 100% time to panic
The Rangers can look at their roster and say "they should be doing better." That's something the Bruins can't say when they look at their roster.
I think Boston's chances of making the playoffs went down when they fired Montgomery. So that should help the Rangers at least.
Zibanejad has been on the ice for 10 of the last 12 rangers goals allowed. The +/- stinks, and were mostly worried about the mental flubs and lack of fight that the team has. We are 100% willing to get rid of lindgren, just give us a 4th round pick. We have depth on the blue line, and he’s a massive liability
I'm a Sabre fan, so I don't have any real insight aside from the games I watch when Buffalo isn't playing. But they remind me of Edmonton last year, to a lesser extent. I think they'll wind up fine, just a bump in the road. With that being said, their core is getting older...