All Ye Of Little Faith

Did you really think Sather didn't have a plan? I mean this is the man who brought us players like Eric Lindros (I'm still angry about that Glen) and Bobby Holik! He knows when players are ready to hit their peaks. Genius I tell you. Ok, so those moves didn't pan out, but something was different about this offseason. The Rangers got younger AND didn't sign the old aging players (Jagr, Sundin) they once wasted money on. So yes we overpayed for Redden by about a million a year, yes we got rid of Russia (Tyutin), yes we lost 4 of our 6 top point scorers last season, yes we let the player who brought the Rangers' franchise back to respectability go, and yes we let Sean Avery (fan favorite and spark plug) go. BUT, through all of that we are a better team. These are my ten reasons why:

1. We got a #1 defenseman to quarterback our powerplay. Redden can still play, I promise you.

2. Sather somehow turned this European team into a nitty-gritty in your face team. Peace out Czechs.

3. We revamped the defense. Redden, Kalinin, and are a much better group than Malik, Strudwick and Backman. Henrik must have complained to Sather that he can't see over doofy tall defenseman.

4. We stole Zherdev. I love Tyutin, but this kid has a world of talent. Gomez was quoted as saying, "If I'm playing with Zherdev, it's going to be up to me to see that it works, and I'm up for it." I really believe he can keep Zherdev focused. That tandem is going to be fun to watch.

5. We didn't sign Jagr or Sundin. I love Jagr, and I'm thankful to him for making the Rangers' respectable post-lockout but it was time to seperate. He wouldn't have been worth the money. After Sundin was offered 20 million for 2 years from the Canucks, I just pictured Sather sitting in his office, full of Edmontan Oilers trophys and laughing. I mean really the guy scored 78 points last year. He's not Wayne Gretzky. Thank you Glen, for finally not signing the most expensive aging veterans.

6. Markus Naslund. I love this move. The Rangers are shockingly a very young team right now and Naslund adds leadership. He also adds about 25 - 30 goals a season. Yes, he can be considered an aging once MVP candidate veteran on the decline, but I think this move will rejuvante Naslund. Paired with the right linemates I think Naslund can be a huge force.

7. The shift of leadership from Jagr, Straka, Shanahan to Drury, Gomez, and Naslund. This is why we signed these guys. Yes, Jagr scored points, but he was not a leader. Drury, Gomez, and Naslund are natural leaders. They will deliver points as well. Finally, some real leadership.

8. Dawes, Dubinsky, Sjostrom now get the oppurtunity to prove themselves. They all have talent. Now we get to see it put into action. Too much powerplay time was given to players like Shanahan and Straka. Now, these younger players will get some time.

9. Voros, Fritsche, Rissmiller. All the hustler types, they also have potential to score goals. Voros is 26 years old, he scored 7 goals and 14 points with the Wild. Fritsche is 22, he scored 22 points with Columbus last year. Finally Rissmiller is 29 and recorded 17 points with the Sharks last season. Yeah those stats aren't staggering but realize that Betts, Hollweg, and Colton Orr combined for 13 points in 219 games. Sather upgraded out 4th line as well. Voros plays a similar game to Avery. But, he won't criticize players for their lack of fashion sense.

10. The Rangers resigned Rozsival and Valliquette. Honestly, the only two players I wanted them to resign other than Avery. Rozsival will now be moved to the second pairing and Valliquette remains an above average backup goaltender.


I can't believe I'm saying this but I think Glen Sather did a great job this offseason. It's a completely different hockey team. Is October 4th in Prague here yet?

A sentimental goodbye that will be sure to have tears flowing down your cheeks will be written to Jagr tomorrow. Also, look for some more insight into Naslund and Kalinin