Goal Line Report
Thinking Forward Lines
by Patrick Hoffman on 09/05/11 at 10:23 AM ET
Comments (6)
UPDATE: I just realized that I completely forgot about Mats Zuccarello. I guess coming up with the team’s lines for this season is not as easy as it looks, eh?
With September officially underway, it is time to start thinking/dreaming up line combinations for your New York Rangers.
Obviously, no one here is Rangers’ head coach John Tortorella but it is certainly nice to think that the fans have a say in what Tortorella puts out on the ice:
Line 1: Marian Gaborik-Brad Richards-Wojtek Wolski
This is the line that everyone has been dreaming about this offseason. The line obviously starts with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards. These two will be expected to produce on a nightly basis and should they do so, it could create an exciting season on Broadway.
It is the other winger on the line that is not set in stone. With that said, Wojtek Wolski should be given first crack at it. He has been working incredibly hard this offseason and has the skill to fit right in with the likes of Gaborik and Richards.
Line 2: Artem Anisimov-Brandon Dubinsky-Ryan Callahan
This line could actually be consider line 1A. The trio excelled last season as all three players managed to have breakout seasons while playing together.
It is unlikely that Tortorella would consider breaking them up.
Line 3: Brandon Prust-Brian Boyle-Derek Stepan
This line has it all. Forechecking, hitting and offensive abilities, which showed last season, especially in Brian Boyle who cracked 20 goals after almost not making the team out of training camp and Derek Stepan, who had a terrific rookie campaign.
With that said, do not be surprised if Stepan is given a chance to play one one of the team’s top two lines during the season.
Line 4: Michael Rupp-Ruslan Fedotenko-Sean Avery
This will more than likely be considered the team’s grind line. With that said, Fedotenko and Avery certainly have the ability to put up points and Rupp is not exactly a slouch either.
What do you folks think?
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Tags: John+Tortorella, New+York+Rangers,
Comments
It is unlikely that Tortorella would consider breaking them up.
Callahan will break them up when he gets he annual injury. Maybe Zuc can find some ice time then.
Posted by Puck from San Francisco, CA on 09/05/11 at 01:02 PM ET
About Zuccarello, it doesn’t look like there’s room under the cap for him, according to Cap Geek. That is, unless the Erixon kid is sent down.
Posted by cs6687 on 09/05/11 at 01:23 PM ET
Wolski inconsistent. Stepan could get shot there with Avery back on 3rd line. The question is which Avery shows up this year.
Posted by 13 user names on 09/05/11 at 05:24 PM ET
I can’t see the Rangers going much further, if at all. The Rangers defense isn’t really that good. Lundqvist bails them out a lot.
Posted by cs6687 on 09/05/11 at 07:57 PM ET
All,
I have given some thought to this. Here is my take:
Dubinsky - Richards - Gaborik - putting Dubi on this line provides some grit and protection to Richards and Gabby.
Wolski - Stepan - Callahan - Stepan played at a higher level and Anisimov and will be rewarded as such. Again, good balance of scoring and grit (thank you, Mr. Callahan).
Avery - Anisimov - Fedotenko - no forward created more chances last year than Fedotenko. So, putting him on a line wiht Anisimov does not mean this line is not expected to product. Also, Avery is an underrated offensive player who in addition to forechecking, is a deft passer and understands how to make a play in the offensive end of the ice.
Rupp - Boyle - Prust - I would hate to play against this line. They will beat you up.
This gives Torts 4 lines he can roll all game long. I can see Wolski and Dubi changing spots later in games to give faceoff responsibility to Dubi unless Stepan has improved (a distinct possibility).
Other considerations - Avery could sit on the pine if a youngster proves ready. Could easily plug Hagelin into that spot or Zuccarello if he plays well (since Fedotenko provides grit on the other side of the line).
Thoughts? Isn’t this fun?
Posted by Bill Warshawer from New Jersey on 09/06/11 at 01:44 AM ET
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No matter who they put with Gaborik/Richards, you gotta be excited about that top line.
Posted by Flashtastick56 from Milford, CT on 09/05/11 at 12:08 PM ET