About TMR

I've played hockey my entire life and have always been a die hard Rangers fan. Now that I'm done chasing the dream, I play in a few beer leagues but it just isn't the same as the glory days. I started this blog a little over a year ago and it has since evolved into something I really enjoy. Do I one day aspire to be a professional sports writer? Possibly. My dream job is being a general manager of a professional hockey team. My mood is hopelessly attached to whether the Rangers win or lose on a given night. I despise Sidney Crosby, loathe Martin Brodeur, and think Ricky Dipietro uses more hair products than any man should ever use. My name is Ryan McFadden and I am the editor of The Manic Ranger blog. Be sure to comment whether you like what I have to say or not. I can be reached by e-mail at tmrangerblog (at) gmail.com

 

Leave Koivu Out Of It
User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 
Written by Ryan McFadden   
Friday, 03 July 2009 08:53

There has been some talk circulating that the Rangers should pursue Saku Koivu to be Marian Gaborik's pivot. Just as it's prudent to 'just say no to Redden(or drugs)' please for love of Wayne leave Koivu out of it. The Rangers do not need to pursue a number one center, just as last year they didn't need to pursue an aged Markus Naslund or even worse, well you know.

Larry Brooks got it right (for once) and one of my favorite Rangers beat writers Steve Zipay got it wrong. He doesn't seem to think Dubisnky is capable of centering Gabs and thinks it's a good idea to look at KoivuC'mon Zip, I know you're better than that. Just for starters, Dubinsky was by far the Rangers most effective pivot for Jaromir Jagr as a rookie. Even with vets like Drury and Gomez on the roster, Dubinsky flourished with Jagr and complimented him beautifully. Fast forward one year and once again Dubinsky was the Rangers best option in the middle for their most talented winger, Nikolai Zherdev.

Dubinsky is a true power forward in the making. He spent much of last season lost in a horrible slump that lasted as long as it did mostly because he lost confidence and was trying too hard. Dubinsky once again stepped his game up though towards the end of the season and in the playoffs, rockin' the same kind of swagger that he displayed when he centered Jagr. There is no reason to go out and bring Saku Koivu or any other center to play alongside Gabs. It's a waste of cap space and is giving the finger to the Rangers new organizational philosophy of youth=success. Not only that,  it's a piss poor waste of cap space (even more so than Brashear's contract). because Gabs doesn't need a play making center to put the pucks in the net. Dubinsky is the Rangers best option to play with Gabs as he can play the role of not only body guard, but he can clear the way and create space for him. Dubinsky is big and just fast enough to keep up with the Slovak Rocket and if any liberties are taken with him, Dubi would be more than willing to jump in and drop 'em. Although he should probably consult with Donald Brashear or possibly Kimbo Slice (same difference, both useless street fighters) over the summer b/c he hasn't quite gotten the fighting thing down yet. It is definitely a must that Gabs has somebody big playing with him, you don't want him breaking the first game of the season.

Sign a depth defenseman or two, trade Rozsival, somehow convince Jimmy Dolan to eat Redden's contract (not going to happen), and let the kids play.



Digg! Reddit! Facebook! Technorati! StumbleUpon! BallHype: hype it up!
Comments (2)Add Comment
...
written by AJ, July 03, 2009
well said.

how about callahan, dubinsky, gaborik as a line?
...
written by TMR, July 03, 2009
I wouldn't mind it, Cally has some wheels. i thin zherdev might be given the opportunity out of camp though.

have a happy 4th!

Write comment

busy
 

Follow TMR

Also Writing On Blueshirt Banter

TMR Tweets

RT @jrs1940 Ranger Updates: Semenov, is he signed or isn'the? - Blueshirt Banter http://retwt.me/vnkb

What People Are Reading These Days

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!