2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs thread

Heh. I don't want to overstate Rempe's value as an actual hockey player, and you didn't get to see much of it during his brief regular season NHL stint because he couldn't stay out of the penalty box or even stay in some games without being ejected, plus Laviolette really limited his minutes most games. ... but he's actually not completely useless. He skates surprisingly well for a guy who is a legit 6'8." And in the games where it was him, Vesey and Goodrow as a line, you could see it clicking. Rempe parking his sasquatch body in front of the goalie and eclipsing the sun, the defensemen trying to put the puck low toward the net, Goodrow forechecking and trying to keep the puck in deep. And Vesey has more offensive skill than a typical fourth liner. I think those two are the perfect players to make Rempe look good. They are veterans, embrace being role players (although it is aggravating with Goodrow, given how much of the salary cap he takes) and they are really smart.

The problem with Rempe is you have to fear a stupid penalty at the worst time, even a 5 minute major you might have to kill. But in terms of actual hockey, he wasn't a liability out there during his brief time in the regular season, and he doesn't turn over the puck or get skated past like he's standing still. And he's got a little offensive skill.

 

BTW, I feel almost guilty seeing what Washington is putting out there on defense and feeling great about the Rangers' prospects. I can't believe that Dylan McIlrath is still playing hockey anywhere except in a men's league in between shifts driving a cab. I mean, good for him. But when you remember the 22-year-old version of him pretty well, had kind of forgotten about him, and then see the 32-year-old version of him in a playoff game against your team, it actually brings a smile to your face.

 

Re: Georgiev . ... from a Rangers' fan perspective. I always thought he was a mediocre goaltender in terms of his actual talent and technique, but he had supreme confidence. Almost beyond anything I have ever seen. He always acted like he thought he should be starting over Henrik Lundquist or Igor Shesterkin. There is this kind of Terminator, robotic arrogance to him that spills over into making him pretty good. But when he slumps, yeah, it can get not-so-pretty in a hurry.

 

Yeah, I know how beaten up they are. I was just commenting. It's not like I was overly afraid of the Caps as a first round opponent, but I thought Philly or Detroit would have been prefable (in terms of easiness), Pittsburgh might be the toughest challenge. I am not sure now.

I thought this before Game 1, but I think it even more after yesterday. If the Rangers lose this series (honestly, if it goes beyond 5 games), it will be because they beat themselves (I know this is an obvious point).

I thought it was encouraging that they werent taking the bait when some of the Caps players were trying to bait them into fights and trying to get them away from their focus. From my perspective, they just need to finish this as quickly as possible without anyone getting hurt.