‘Twas the night before the NHL season, when all through the country
Not a player was stirring, not even Raffi Torres
It is finally here folks, the most anticipated day of the year, Christmas Eve – the Christmas Eve of hockey that is. In less than 24 hours, the puck will finally drop on the 2015-2016 season as players and fans alike have been itching to start the season since the ‘Hawks lifted the cup last June (BOOO).
Tomorrow night’s game vs. the Blackhawks will be bittersweet. Bitter as the “Cup” could have easily been theirs in back-to-back seasons with 9 more wins. And how sweet would it be to finally get over the proverbial hump and finally bring the “Cup” back to the Big Apple.
As the season starts tomorrow, here are my three breakout season candidates – or rather who needs to breakout for the Rangers to go all the way:
1. Chris Kreider
This guy is just a wrecking ball on skates. He has finally learned how to control his body better than his first season in the show. He has lightning like speed and he can shoot the puck. His point production has increased over the course of his 3 years with the Rangers. He was averaging 0.13 Points per game (PPG), while this past season his PPG was 0.57. Look for this guy to be close to a point per game guy. Oh yea I almost forgot, it’s a contract year for Mr. Kreider.
2. Keith Yandle
Everyone wrote this guy off saying he was a bust last season, blah, blah, and more blah. Give this guy a chance. I’ve already shown why this guy is such an asset to the Rangers Blueline. Look for this guy on PP’er (if AV is smart and possibly checked out my blog ;) ) to facilitate and have around 50 points – more apples then ginos. It’s weird – this guys in a contract year as well.
3. J.T. Miller
Miller has had a tremendous progression and he has shown the faithful what he has in his toolbox. However, we’ve also seen his not-so-great moments. *cough turning the puck over in middle of D-Zone cough* He was considered the quasi-incumbent of the top 6 forward spot, however AV sees otherwise. Although he will play 3rd line minutes, he will make the most out of the opportunities while jumping up to Hayes’ spot if he continues to have a sophomore slump. Miller is in a contract year as well – HA! Go figure!
Honorable Mention: Oscar Lindberg
Lindberg is 24 years old and inexpensive. It is guys like these that define a season and a postseason run. The scout reporting on him says he’s an intelligent player but they left out the fact that the kid can score. Between period interviews aren’t really his thing so lets keep him away from those and he’ll be golden. He will be a force for the Rangers for years to come.
Comment and Share!
And as always – LET’S GO RANGERS
Not a player was stirring, not even Raffi Torres
It is finally here folks, the most anticipated day of the year, Christmas Eve – the Christmas Eve of hockey that is. In less than 24 hours, the puck will finally drop on the 2015-2016 season as players and fans alike have been itching to start the season since the ‘Hawks lifted the cup last June (BOOO).
Tomorrow night’s game vs. the Blackhawks will be bittersweet. Bitter as the “Cup” could have easily been theirs in back-to-back seasons with 9 more wins. And how sweet would it be to finally get over the proverbial hump and finally bring the “Cup” back to the Big Apple.
As the season starts tomorrow, here are my three breakout season candidates – or rather who needs to breakout for the Rangers to go all the way:
1. Chris Kreider
This guy is just a wrecking ball on skates. He has finally learned how to control his body better than his first season in the show. He has lightning like speed and he can shoot the puck. His point production has increased over the course of his 3 years with the Rangers. He was averaging 0.13 Points per game (PPG), while this past season his PPG was 0.57. Look for this guy to be close to a point per game guy. Oh yea I almost forgot, it’s a contract year for Mr. Kreider.
2. Keith Yandle
Everyone wrote this guy off saying he was a bust last season, blah, blah, and more blah. Give this guy a chance. I’ve already shown why this guy is such an asset to the Rangers Blueline. Look for this guy on PP’er (if AV is smart and possibly checked out my blog ;) ) to facilitate and have around 50 points – more apples then ginos. It’s weird – this guys in a contract year as well.
3. J.T. Miller
Miller has had a tremendous progression and he has shown the faithful what he has in his toolbox. However, we’ve also seen his not-so-great moments. *cough turning the puck over in middle of D-Zone cough* He was considered the quasi-incumbent of the top 6 forward spot, however AV sees otherwise. Although he will play 3rd line minutes, he will make the most out of the opportunities while jumping up to Hayes’ spot if he continues to have a sophomore slump. Miller is in a contract year as well – HA! Go figure!
Honorable Mention: Oscar Lindberg
Lindberg is 24 years old and inexpensive. It is guys like these that define a season and a postseason run. The scout reporting on him says he’s an intelligent player but they left out the fact that the kid can score. Between period interviews aren’t really his thing so lets keep him away from those and he’ll be golden. He will be a force for the Rangers for years to come.
Comment and Share!
And as always – LET’S GO RANGERS