(1) New York Rangers vs (8) Ottawa Senators - Playoffs Round 1

wprager wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

Zibanejad is higher skilled, he's just not as developed. He's not playing this postseason.

What do you base that on?

Which part?

wprager wrote:

Jordo wrote:

wprager wrote:
Neither did K-Daug, Klinhammer or DaCosta. And while DaCosta did not stick around, he was good in his first few games. There's nothing wrong (IMO) inserting Silfverberg as a 3rd or 4th line winger in a game or two. Yes, generally you would need an injury for that, and there will certainly be some.

Let's say Neil isn't ready to go, or maybe re-injures something -- clearly you don't replace Neil with Butler.

To be honest, I don't think we're going to be seeing Silvferberg over here in any playoff games. Winning a championship with his SEL team is a huge accomplishment, and certainly a grind- I can't imagine Senators staff would want to bring him over immediately after all of that and risk further injury, take away his enjoyment of the achievement, for a couple of potentially meaningless playoff games.

All of that being said- we might see someone else, who is more rested, arguably higher skilled, and raring to go.

@ian_mendes
Mika Zibanejad is also at the rink this morning.

I've seen Zibanejad play here, and I'd heard about his season in the SEL. At this point in time I'd prefer to see Silfverberg in a game or two. To say that Zibanejad is higher skilled is not an argument you would be able to defend easily.

The season in the SEL is shorter, as are the playoffs. And the hitting is nowhere near as intensely physical. I highly doubt that Silfverberg is too tired to play a few games.

Meaningless? Debatable. Silfverberg himself had come out and said he would do it if he was asked.

My perspective is that the playoffs this year are a bonus. I think that this matchup is quite favourable to us, at least relatively speaking to the Bruins, but I really can't see us moving further than 2nd round. Call that pessimistic, I see it as realistic. I'm clearly still rooting hard for the Sens to win all of these games.

My position on Silvferberg is that celebrating a huge accomplishment with your team is nearly as important as the process in getting there. The Sens aren't really in a position to make a deep run this year, so in my opinion you should allow Silfverberg the opportunity to properly celebrate with his teammates. Combined with the fact that the roster players on this team contributed to the position they are currently in, and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. Remember this is a rebuilding year- experience is experience- and this playoff experience should be resonated throughout the locker room to all players who made this happen.

In short- Do people truthfully think that the addition of Silfverberg is going to put us over the top against a team like Pittsburgh or New Jersey? I understand that the hype behind this kid is unreal, and people are all flared up to get him over here asap- but I can't see it. I'd rather give that opportunity to Zibanejad, who is over here already, rested, and hungry to make an impact.

wprager wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

Zibanejad is higher skilled, he's just not as developed. He's not playing this postseason.

What do you base that on?

I asked SteffeG for his opinion if it would be fair to say Zibanejad has a higher skill level:

Stefan G:son ‏ @steffeG
@MrMontagoose I don't think so, but he tries more difficult stuff in a higher tempo. Silfverberg a better passer, shooter.

Given that, plus their relative location on the learning curve, I'd definitely give the advantage to Silfverberg. Zibanejad's 9 games in the NHL have done little more than confirm he was not ready.

wprager wrote:

wprager wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

Zibanejad is higher skilled, he's just not as developed. He's not playing this postseason.

What do you base that on?

I asked SteffeG for his opinion if it would be fair to say Zibanejad has a higher skill level:

Stefan G:son ‏ @steffeG
@MrMontagoose I don't think so, but he tries more difficult stuff in a higher tempo. Silfverberg a better passer, shooter.

Given that, plus their relative location on the learning curve, I'd definitely give the advantage to Silfverberg. Zibanejad's 9 games in the NHL have done little more than confirm he was not ready.

I disagree with him. The better SEL player right now is Silfverberg. The more skilled prospect at the same age is Zibanejad. Much better skater, more explosive, good wrist shot and has a better slap shot than Silfverberg IMO. If you want to talk about who would have a bigger NHL impact RIGHT NOW than yes, it is Silfverberg. Pure, raw skill, I give it to Zibanejad.

Zibanejad showed he was NHL ready in his 9 games. He would have been fine in an 82 game season. It was just about giving him minutes and more chances to produce, because he would not have put up many points or anything like that over here.

wprager wrote:

wprager wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

Zibanejad is higher skilled, he's just not as developed. He's not playing this postseason.

What do you base that on?

I asked SteffeG for his opinion if it would be fair to say Zibanejad has a higher skill level:

Stefan G:son ‏ @steffeG
@MrMontagoose I don't think so, but he tries more difficult stuff in a higher tempo. Silfverberg a better passer, shooter.

Given that, plus their relative location on the learning curve, I'd definitely give the advantage to Silfverberg. Zibanejad's 9 games in the NHL have done little more than confirm he was not ready.

I think they're very different players- Zibanejad will be the big body type power forward with skill- hopefully works into a Brendan Morrow type of player. Silfverberg in my opinion will be a less physical and potentially more technical player than MZ. I think people are overhyping him a little based on his recent achievements in the SEL, but at the same time believe he will be a very good contribution for our club going forward into the future.

Very different players, yeah.

Big Ev wrote:

wprager wrote:

wprager wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

Zibanejad is higher skilled, he's just not as developed. He's not playing this postseason.

What do you base that on?

I asked SteffeG for his opinion if it would be fair to say Zibanejad has a higher skill level:

Stefan G:son ‏ @steffeG
@MrMontagoose I don't think so, but he tries more difficult stuff in a higher tempo. Silfverberg a better passer, shooter.

Given that, plus their relative location on the learning curve, I'd definitely give the advantage to Silfverberg. Zibanejad's 9 games in the NHL have done little more than confirm he was not ready.

I disagree with him. The better SEL player right now is Silfverberg. The more skilled prospect at the same age is Zibanejad. Much better skater, more explosive, good wrist shot and has a better slap shot than Silfverberg IMO. If you want to talk about who would have a bigger NHL impact RIGHT NOW than yes, it is Silfverberg. Pure, raw skill, I give it to Zibanejad.

Zibanejad showed he was NHL ready in his 9 games. He would have been fine in an 82 game season. It was just about giving him minutes and more chances to produce, because he would not have put up many points or anything like that over here.

I'm pretty sure the discussion is about whom you put into the lineup against the Rangers. I was wondering if Silfverberg would see any ice time, someone mentioned Zibanejad was on the practice ice, you said Zibanejad has higher skill set.

Boo yeah!!!!



A new Swedish King shall be crowned!!!!!

Any news on whether ottawa games will have priority over bruins games nationwide?

Flo The Action wrote:Any news on whether ottawa games will have priority over bruins games nationwide?

Based on this link, it looks like the Ottawa games will get the TV coverage:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockeynightincanada/broadcast/

Click on "CBC Television" to see the games that will be aired.

SpezDispenser wrote:
Where it filters down to is the 3rd and 4th lines. I like Z.Smith, Daugavins, Condra, Winchester, Neil over Mitchell, Prust, Fedentenko - anything the Rangers throw at us.

Girardi/Staal are probably the top shutdown duo in the league, so we probably don't have an answer to that, but I think the Rangers are gonna get to know Jared Cowen really, really well. Phillips is also perfectly capable of playing a solid D, as is Gonchar - who appears to have a little fire lit under his arse. Karlsson is well ahead of Del Zotto, hopefully Carkner draws in and he can block some shots.

Anderson is perfectly capable of being solid in net for us, I realize it's Lundqvist and I realize that's he's a lot better, but in a 7 game series, he's gonna let in some goals - especially to us.

It'll come down to our special teams and being able to match and exceed them physically. Also, don't let anyone say that it's not the Rangers who have all the pressure. They have pressure galore, if they lose this, it'll be a massive upset - and people in NY will be pissed. If we lose, we lose. It was a great season and we did very well.

Rangers have Fedotenko and Rupp who have more playoff experience and both have scored Stanley Cup winning goals. Our bottom 6 is largely made up of the Bingo kids who are NHL rookies, Calder Cup win and all.

Lundqvist >>>>> Anderson. End of story.

On paper they are better. We will have to outwork them and Anderson will have to be in beastmode for us to have a chance.

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:
Where it filters down to is the 3rd and 4th lines. I like Z.Smith, Daugavins, Condra, Winchester, Neil over Mitchell, Prust, Fedentenko - anything the Rangers throw at us.

Girardi/Staal are probably the top shutdown duo in the league, so we probably don't have an answer to that, but I think the Rangers are gonna get to know Jared Cowen really, really well. Phillips is also perfectly capable of playing a solid D, as is Gonchar - who appears to have a little fire lit under his arse. Karlsson is well ahead of Del Zotto, hopefully Carkner draws in and he can block some shots.

Anderson is perfectly capable of being solid in net for us, I realize it's Lundqvist and I realize that's he's a lot better, but in a 7 game series, he's gonna let in some goals - especially to us.

It'll come down to our special teams and being able to match and exceed them physically. Also, don't let anyone say that it's not the Rangers who have all the pressure. They have pressure galore, if they lose this, it'll be a massive upset - and people in NY will be pissed. If we lose, we lose. It was a great season and we did very well.

Rangers have Fedotenko and Rupp who have more playoff experience and both have scored Stanley Cup winning goals. Our bottom 6 is largely made up of the Bingo kids who are NHL rookies, Calder Cup win and all.

Lundqvist >>>>> Anderson. End of story.

On paper they are better. We will have to outwork them and Anderson will have to be in beastmode for us to have a chance.

I don't see how they're that much better. Boston I can see, the Rangers are better, but not by that much. Yes, Henrik is better than Anderson, but this is a team win or a team loss.

Rupp and Fedetenko have rings, but I still think Our bottom six can battle - and best - theirs.

Someone in seven - season,till not sure who. NY probably.

SpezDispenser wrote:
I don't see how they're that much better. Boston I can see, the Rangers are better, but not by that much. Yes, Henrik is better than Anderson, but this is a team win or a team loss.

Rupp and Fedetenko have rings, but I still think Our bottom six can battle - and best - theirs.

Someone in seven - season,till not sure who. NY probably.

They won the conference, say what you want about their roster but they found a way and they did it. Much like we found a way to make the playoffs. That alone makes them better in my eyes. Hard to say how much better but Torts will make sure these guys will fight, they will come at us hard.

I think they've been playoff hockey for quite a while now, maybe it will catch up to them but our team has been erratic all year. Hard to say what Sens team we will see in the series.

Ultimately they're a better matchup for us(never ever want to play Boston in postseason) but we are the underdog and they're the better team. We're going to have to play our best and Anderson will have to be like he was for Colorado in the playoffs for us to stand a chance.

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:
I don't see how they're that much better. Boston I can see, the Rangers are better, but not by that much. Yes, Henrik is better than Anderson, but this is a team win or a team loss.

Rupp and Fedetenko have rings, but I still think Our bottom six can battle - and best - theirs.

Someone in seven - season,till not sure who. NY probably.

They won the conference, say what you want about their roster but they found a way and they did it. Much like we found a way to make the playoffs. That alone makes them better in my eyes. Hard to say how much better but Torts will make sure these guys will fight, they will come at us hard.

I think they've been playoff hockey for quite a while now, maybe it will catch up to them but our team has been erratic all year. Hard to say what Sens team we will see in the series.

Ultimately they're a better matchup for us(never ever want to play Boston in postseason) but we are the underdog and they're the better team. We're going to have to play our best and Anderson will have to be like he was for Colorado in the playoffs for us to stand a chance.

Can't stand tying on this Playbook...I agree, they deserve respect. I've been banging the Rangers drum for a year and a half now, just not sure they got the right matchup. They'll win at some point, but I don't think they're there yet. We shall see...

SpezDispenser wrote:

Can't stand tying on this Playbook...I agree, they deserve respect. I've been banging the Rangers drum for a year and a half now, just not sure they got the right matchup. They'll win at some point, but I don't think they're there yet. We shall see...

My biggest concern is our offensive depth, Spezza, Alfredsson, Michalek and Karlsson are the main cogs of this team and in the playoffs we will be scouted far more than in the regular season. The Rangers will focus on these players and I think we are in big trouble if they shut them down.

Greening, Turris and Foligno will have to step up, much like the bottom 6. No more posts, crossbars, missed open nets. I just haven't seen enough. We need a coming out party for some of these guys.

Anderson is the least of my worries, the bigger the game the more fired up he is and the better he plays. He will be fired up for this series and we've seen how good he can be. My biggest concern going into this season is will he be rested enough if the off chance we make the playoffs and that is not an issue.

The best thing about our team that no one is talking about ? There is a quiet confidence about them. No bravado, no angry outbursts. They know what they face and they know what they have to do.

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:

Can't stand tying on this Playbook...I agree, they deserve respect. I've been banging the Rangers drum for a year and a half now, just not sure they got the right matchup. They'll win at some point, but I don't think they're there yet. We shall see...

My biggest concern is our offensive depth, Spezza, Alfredsson, Michalek and Karlsson are the main cogs of this team and in the playoffs we will be scouted far more than in the regular season. The Rangers will focus on these players and I think we are in big trouble if they shut them down.

Greening, Turris and Foligno will have to step up, much like the bottom 6. No more posts, crossbars, missed open nets. I just haven't seen enough. We need a coming out party for some of these guys.

Anderson is the least of my worries, the bigger the game the more fired up he is and the better he plays. He will be fired up for this series and we've seen how good he can be. My biggest concern going into this season is will he be rested enough if the off chance we make the playoffs and that is not an issue.

The best thing about our team that no one is talking about ? There is a quiet confidence about them. No bravado, no angry outbursts. They know what they face and they know what they have to do.

Same thing can be said about New York. You shut Richards, Gaborik, and Callahan down, guys like Dubinsky and Stepan will have to step up. Gaborik especially is a known playoff underperfomer.

shabbs wrote:

Flo The Action wrote:Any news on whether ottawa games will have priority over bruins games nationwide?

Based on this link, it looks like the Ottawa games will get the TV coverage:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockeynightincanada/broadcast/

Click on "CBC Television" to see the games that will be aired.

Oh you are so right I think!!! Yeeereaaaaaawwwwwhhhh!!!

Big Ev wrote:

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:

Can't stand tying on this Playbook...I agree, they deserve respect. I've been banging the Rangers drum for a year and a half now, just not sure they got the right matchup. They'll win at some point, but I don't think they're there yet. We shall see...

My biggest concern is our offensive depth, Spezza, Alfredsson, Michalek and Karlsson are the main cogs of this team and in the playoffs we will be scouted far more than in the regular season. The Rangers will focus on these players and I think we are in big trouble if they shut them down.

Greening, Turris and Foligno will have to step up, much like the bottom 6. No more posts, crossbars, missed open nets. I just haven't seen enough. We need a coming out party for some of these guys.

Anderson is the least of my worries, the bigger the game the more fired up he is and the better he plays. He will be fired up for this series and we've seen how good he can be. My biggest concern going into this season is will he be rested enough if the off chance we make the playoffs and that is not an issue.

The best thing about our team that no one is talking about ? There is a quiet confidence about them. No bravado, no angry outbursts. They know what they face and they know what they have to do.

Same thing can be said about New York. You shut Richards, Gaborik, and Callahan down, guys like Dubinsky and Stepan will have to step up. Gaborik especially is a known playoff underperfomer.

Gaborik is also overdue for an injury.