Analysis: SomeLikeItGreen's Battle Team

In yesterday's post, we wondered what an all Battle Team would look like. Selecting the best of the four Battle clubs (Buf, NJD, NYI, NYR) certainly isn't easy but I wouldn't have it any other way. As we discovered, one response had some interesting suggestions. Let's take a look at what SomeLikeItGreen came up with before I take my crack:

Kovalchuk-Richards-Gaborik

Parise-Zajac-Grabner
Vanek-Tavares-Callahan
Avery-Gerbe-Zuccarello


Streit-Ehrhoff
Leopold-Staal
Larsson-Myers


Lundqvist
Miller


Coach: Tortorella; Asst.: Ruff

Right away, they took the most talented scorers and put them with top center Brad Richards. I just don't know if there are enough pucks to go around to satisfy both Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Gaborik. But it paints a dream scenario with the dangerous right-handed sniper on the left side and the just as potent lefty on the right for Richy Rich to set up. SLIG's second unit is intriguing, combining all the elements a good scoring line should have. You got size in Travis Zajac, grit and skill in Zach Parise, plus high potential in Michael Grabner, whose second half still marvels. This could be a potent unit with game-breakers. Plus Zajac's ability to win faceoffs and battles in the corners along with Parise's competitiveness would make them tough to contain on the cycle.
 
What's not to love about a third line of Thomas Vanek and Ryan Callahan centered by emerging star John Tavares? Even though his production hasn't been the same since that monster '05-06, Vanek's a better player now- more responsible defensively and unselfish. He's never had a legit No.1 to play with. Tavares is ready to put it altogether. We see at least a 38-39-77 third year. Then you have the hardest worker pound for pound in Callahan, who'll do anything to win. His offense improved to nearly a point-per-game, which should land the future Ranger captain a nice contract. A perfect complement to the skill of JT91 and Vanek, who can outwork opponents. 
 
SomeLikeItGreen's (SLIG) fourth line is based on potential featuring Sabre mighty mite Nathan Gerbe, who came on strong. There's also wildcard Mats Zuccarello, who early in his recall on Broadway demonstrated some deft stickhandling and underrated playmaking. MZA has a lot to prove this Fall. The pressure's on. Taking pest Sean Avery is sensible to create space for the two midgets. Sean's not exactly a giant but plays bigger by finishing checks and winning puck battles. He'll also drive opponents nuts. Especially around the edge of the crease. There's grit, speed and finishing ability.
 
The D is unique because I wouldn't have come up with any of those combos. Teaming Mark Streit and Christian Ehrhoff puts an emphasis on puckmoving blueliners who can get involved. It'd be interesting to see if Ehrhoff could cover for Streit when he pinches. Both certainly are capable of contributing but Streit's the more physical player, which is risky. If you want an attacking team, they'll supply it. Jordan Leopold and Marc Staal are more conventional, combining a solid skater with a defensive D. If anything, Leopold's proven to be underrated due to health. When on the ice, he's fully capable of producing while not looking out of place in his end. Staal is already one of the best defenders in the game, who uses his reach and skating to get pucks out. While his passing still needs work, he does have the ability to jump in if needed as a highlight reel shorthanded goal proved versus Pittsburgh. But that's not his job. He's far more comfortable playing in his end as opposed to pinching. So, this would be a solid combo. If you like youth/potential, then Adam Larsson and Tyler Myers have it all. A smooth skater who's sound overall in the Devil gem that can chip when needed, while Myers brings the lumber along with a potent shot that intimidates. In a few years, they could be the premier duo among BONY. Good thing they're not on the same roster.
 
SLIG opted to go with King Henrik over Miller Time in net. If you preach consistency, then I agree that Henrik Lundqvist certainly qualifies with 30-or-more victories every season since the lockout, along with Olympic gold. Not bad for a seventh round steal. Ryan Miller has more credentials, including a Vezina along with a heroic Olympic performance in defeat. He's also been to two Conference Finals. I guess it depends on who you prefer. Miller is far more aggressive challenging shooters while Lundqvist stays back in his net to protect his glove, which has improved. Both have a tendency to allow softies. So, it's a tough call.
 
Choosing John Tortorella over Lindy Ruff is interesting. I guess SLIG likes an all aggressive style, which forces the goalie to make game-breaking saves. If you want emotion, Tort's got it. He hates losing. Ruff's not that different, sometimes sounding off to protect his guys. But he's also a little cooler off the ice, which would probably help. Since we now know that Pete DeBoer is coaching the Devils, we'll take him over Jack Capuano to complete the staff. He's got more experience and did a respectable job with Hawks South. I like the defensive element he brings. Besides, you can't have three loud mouths. It just doesn't add up.
 
Since we decided to analyze SomeLikeItGreen's Battle Team, I'll hold off on mine till tomorrow. Here's the breakdown per each roster.
 
Sabres-6
Devils-4
Islanders-3
Rangers-7

Battle's Best: Who would be your team of Islanders, Devils, Rangers and Sabres?

It's about as hot as can be with basically no air quality out in our great metro area. And while it sucks even worse to live out in Staten Island, which doesn't help my sinuses, we're staying cool in the library over in Old Richmond Town. An area preserved that easily dates back to the 19th Century, with old school houses and even an 18th Century church around the bend.

So, what to do on a Manic Monday with temps near 100 with expected heavy storms approaching? What about some Battle fun as we attempt to come up with the best possible starting lineup, consisting of Devils, Islanders, Rangers and Sabres. It won't be easy because when you take the elite players from each club and whittle it down to 18 skaters and two goalies, it becomes an increasingly tough task. So, how would you rate the area's puckers we cheer? Imagine the possibilities chalk full of different line combos, etc. You can go so many ways, which makes it compelling.

What would your top line be? With talent such as Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, Patrik Elias, Thomas Vanek, Brad Richards, John Tavares and Marian Gaborik, you couldn't go wrong. If you're a Kool Aid drinker, you could be swayed by Kovalchuk and Zach Attack, taking your top two forwards. But would it work? As we discovered, the Dream Line (Kovalchuk-Zajac-Parise) didn't mesh before Parise needed surgery, missing the rest of the season except one game. Finding the right trio should play a role in how you choose. At least in our selection process, it has to be considered. If you're a True Blue supporter, dare you go with Richards and Gaborik before they've even played a game? Especially off Gabby's forgettable Broadway sequel. A Sabre fan might ask why isn't Derek Roy or Drew Stafford part of the competition. Roy's a solid No.1 not much different from Travis Zajac. Both fit their teams as No.1's but don't measure up to the talent of Richards or the pizazz of JT91. As for Stafford, he must duplicate his strong second half with a new contract increasing expectations.

Are Brandon Dubinsky, Michael Grabner, Ryan Callahan, Jason Pominville, Tyler Ennis and Matt Moulson worth considering? On a serious challenger, most are better suited for the second line while young talents Grabner and Ennis still have much to prove as does Derek Stepan, who could be a nice candidate for third line duty. If we're able to put together three lines from all the players mentioned, what about a physical checking line that can shutdown the opposition while dishing out punishment? Certainly, there are a plethora of choices in Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust, David Clarkson, Dainius Zubrus, Blake Comeau, Kyle Okposo, Paul Gaustad, Patrik Kaleta, etc. How do you separate when we left out Artem Anisimov along with promising youngsters Jacob Josefson, Mattias Tedenby, Nino Neiderreiter and Nathan Gerbe?

While selecting the best possible 12 forwards could lead to plenty of bar debates, there's also the back end to consider. Who would make your top six? When looking at all four Battle clubs, there's not really a quote on quote, franchise guy who can do it all. There are some primary candidates though in Tyler Myers, Mark Streit, Christian Ehrhoff, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Anton Volchenkov and possibly Swedish teen Adam Larsson. While Devil fans might be tempted to go with either the potential of Larsson or even overlooked American Mark Fayne, it more logical to choose a tandem that's proven they are reliable. Do Sabre fans take newly minted German Ehrhoff and Myers? Would Garden Faithful keep Staal/Girardi together, overlooking the potential of Ryan McDonagh? Islander fans can make a good case for do everything man Streit, who must prove he's 100 percent after missing the season. They have to like Travis Hamonic's upside.

If you're going to get it right, pairing a defense first guy with a solid puckmoving type who can get involved offensively should get strong consideration. Perhaps it comes down to a Staal or Volchenkov for that role while Ehrhoff, Myers and Streit are all capable of the other department with Myers the meanest of the trio. If you wanted a heart and soul type who also could chip in occasionally, then Danny G's your man. A player who'll lay the body out for the good of the team who still possesses a decent shot that gets through. Since we've narrowed it down, there are plenty of ways to fill out your second pair with the third also strong. Does a Mike Sauer, Andrew MacDonald, Jordan Leopold or Andy Greene fit into your plan? Guess it depends what kinda roster you covet.

Last but certainly not least is your goalie. The last line of defense could be the difference between winning and losing. Who do you want? Fortunately, our four teams boast some great players with legendary Devil Martin Brodeur headlining a list that includes Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller. All are capable of stymieing the opposition. MB30 has the most experience winning three Cups, Olympic gold along with Vezinas and all-time winningest and shutout king. Even the biggest Brodeurian supporter has to wonder if at 39 going on 40 next Spring if Marty's the right choice. Is it King Henrik's time to shine or American hero Miller's Time or as legendary Buffalo announcer Rick Jeanneret would echo:

"It's Miller Time!!!!!"

If you're going with either Lundqvist or Miller, the Sabre netminder has been to two Conference Finals while King Henrik has advanced past the first round only twice. Of course, Miller had the better teams including the '07 one that came back to edge the Rangers in six with that guy Chris Drury dashing True Blue hopes of a possible ECF for the first time since '97. Who do you want? Even if you love the Islanders, you gotta admit you're better off with a durable goalie over franchise man Rick DiPietro. Al Montoya's a nice story who becomes more vital if DP needs rest. Who's it gonna be? It's up to you.

If we're going to pick our team, we may as well have a coach too. Currently, the Devils still are leaving fans guessing while Jack Capuano, who did a solid job after relieving Scott Gordon, now enters his first full season. That leaves Lindy Ruff and John Tortorella. One who's the longest tenured coach that gets results while the other a fiery type that won with Tampa Bay. Both are quality choices. However, it's hard to argue with Ruff's overwhelming experience steering the Sabres to within an eye lash of Lord Stanley along with a few Conference Finals. Let's face it. Everytime you write him off as Brian seems to religiously, he gets it turned around. Case in point last year when the Sabres overcame a dreadful start before pushing the Flyers seven with Pominville missing a good chunk and Roy probably at best 60 percent. Ruff is an overachiever who is well respected. Tortorella certainly has proven he can motivate, getting the most out of his team even with Gaborik MIA. He's definitely been better at developing kids on the fly. Hardly an easy situation in the Big Apple. Now, he has his guy Richards from that '04 Bolt team. Let's see if he can get out of the first round.

When the dust settles, how would your team look? We'll unveil our's in the next post.

Sunday Wrap Up

On a football Sunday with little puck being played, it's a good time to review the first couple of days for the Battle clubs. But before we do, Happy Thanksgiving to our brotherly neighbors up north. Wishing every Canadian a great Turkey Day. There's something cool about having the best holiday a month earlier. I just can't explain it. Maybe I should relocate. :P

Instead of just rambling uncontrollably, we're going to look at each club in this entry. Of course, it's hard to gauge too much off one or two games. But we'll just give a little synopsis based on what we've caught. Last night, the crew had a get together at my buddy John's new house in South River. It was a good night for the Ranger fans. Not so much for our notorious Sabre blogger, who was DVRing a forgettable home opener and even called us while heading home from work in Cali. He was in rare form. Let's just leave it at that. Since we referenced Buffalo, we'll start with the guys in Western New York.

Buffalo Sabres-Things started out well for Lindy Ruff's guys Friday with a hard fought 2-1 road win over nemesis Ottawa. Derek Roy tallied twice including the power play winner late in the third to give the Sabres the 'W.' The No.1 center also scored last night in the 6-3 loss to the Rangers, giving him three goals already. An excellent start for last year's scoring leader. Rating Vezina winner Ryan Miller showed his '09-10 form by making 25 stops, including all 14 Sen shots in the third to get the victory. Also of note, rookie Tyler Ennis assisted on both Roy tallies. Keep an eye on the little rascal. Saturday's home opener was a nightmare for Miller who too often was left to fend for himself. The Rangers easily could've doubled their output. In particular, sophomore defender Tyler Myers had an atrocious night that began with bad luck when a Derek Stepan redirect caromed off his skate past his own goalie. He also was victimized on the second goal when he lost his footing and got beat on another as well. Buffalo looked like a tired club that while their more rested opponents took full advantage. There weren't many bright spots but new blueliner Jordan Leopold tallied twice, including on the power play while also setting up Roy's third. The vet's been shaky defensively but is being asked to pick up the slack. It won't get any easier for Ruff's team when an angry Blackhawk bunch pay a visit tomorrow without a win. Starting with three in four ain't no picnic.

New Jersey Devils-Where to begin? A disappointing season opener saw them blow two leads before falling to coincidental '00 Cup victim Dallas in Jason Arnott's return which he scored a goal. Or yesterday's D.C. debacle in which two more leads went by the wayside as the Alex Ovechkin Caps scored six unanswered in a humiliating 7-2 defeat that even saw the two-time league MVP beat Martin Brodeur on a penalty shot. Something that hadn't occurred since '99. Hell. MB30 hasn't been sharp, allowing two or three questionable goals including one to Jersey native John Carlson from 50 feet out. Still, there was little he could do on Loui Eriksson's overtime winner. Marty was pulled after permitting five on 20 shots Saturday. Reliever Johan Hedberg came in and gave up a pair. Nothing positive could be said. Especially when company man Ilya Kovalchuk wrestled with Mike Green leading to more chaos, including Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond picking a fight that got him tossed and earned him an automatic one-game suspension, which could also cost new coach John MacLean $10,000. Playing a more run n' gun style based on the top two lines, the former Devil great has seen his team allow 11 goals in both losses. Sure. They got a point, Arnott's scored in both and the Dream Line looked scary in Game No.1. But where's the D? Henrik Tallinder struggled mightily and Anton Volchenkov took a Nicklas Backstrom shot which broke his nose. The winless Pens visit The Rock in a must watch. The Devs didn't lose to them last year. So, it should be interesting.

New York Islanders-Rarely can a first game potentially crush a team in an 82-game schedule. But if franchise John Tavares' mild concussion keeps the super soph sidelined a while, yikes. Scott Gordon's club is already minus top defender Mark Streit and power forward Kyle Okposo. Now, they'll have to play at least starting in tomorrow's traditional Columbus Day game versus the hated Rangers without their best player. Despite losing JT91, Gordon's bunch showed tremendous heart fighting back from a pair of two-goal deficits thanks to a hot power play which converted three-of-eight including on Stephane Robidas' first delay of game minor, which saw 30-goalscorer Matt Moulson tie it late- sending Nassau Coliseum into a frenzy. But they couldn't cash Robidas' second boneheaded delay, forcing OT. An exciting game that saw them rally with key pieces Blake Comeau (goal), James Wisniewski (PPG, A), captain Doug Weight (G, A) and Josh Bailey (assist) eventually went to a shootout where Star ace Mike Ribeiro deked Rick DiPietro out of his pads for a forehand winner in Round Three. Gordon tried former Ranger wiz P.A. Parenteau but he hit the post. Even though they lost, the third-year coach had to like what he saw with his club showing the same spunk that kept them afloat much of last season. That will be essential. DP's return to net wasn't great with him allowing four on 22 shots, including a couple of klunkers but he got through it. You have to believe they'll work him in slowly. It'd be shocking if Dwayne Roloson doesn't get the call against the Rangers in the 1 ET start. If you got off, don't miss it.

New York Rangers-A day later, people are still talking about Derek Stepan's historic debut that saw the rookie pivot become just the fourth player to ever record a hat trick in his first game- joining Montreal's Alex Smart ('43), Quebec's Real Cloutier ('79) and Dallas' Fabian Brunnstrom (10/15/08). The trick for the poised 20 year-old Minnesota native who had his Mom, sister and stepdad in attendance is not to try duplicating that great feat but to continue demonstrating the work ethic he's shown since Day One of camp. There's a reason his line of unlikely duo Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko works. Because the trio have chemistry and feed off each other. As Avery put it, D-Step might not be the fastest skater but he always puts himself in good position. After the game, he quipped that he choked about missing No.4. Sophomore center Artem Anisimov's (assist) line with Ryan Callahan (A) and Brandon Dubinsky (2 goals) was also very good, doing solid work in the Buffalo end. The best aspect was that only one of the half dozen came from Marian Gaborik's unit with the Big Ticket neatly setting up Erik Christensen. Alexander Frolov was not visible. Henrik Lundqvist looked shaky and the D struggled at times. So, it wasn't a virtuoso performance by John Tortorella's chargers. He may have been pleased with Steve Eminger's aggressiveness but what did Matt Gilroy do to lose the job? Hobey would certainly be a boost on the man-advantage which didn't carry over it's preseason success. Rangers/Islanders is always interesting. Especially off The Meadowbrook. Expect the unexpected.

Stepan's hat trick pushes Rangers past Sabres

If one were to judge rookie Derek Stepan's NHL debut, plenty of adjectives come to mind. Scintillating. Sensational. Historic. That's how special the 20 year-old former 2008 second round pick was in leading the Rangers past the Sabres 6-3- making history by becoming the first ever Ranger to record a hat trick in his rookie debut.

"I was just kind of getting my feet wet in my first NHL game. And it was a fun process,” a diplomatic Stepan said of his remarkable feat. “I guess for me, it’s just one of those things where you kind of go, ‘I guess I got lucky.'"

Doing it in front of a proud Mom and excited sister, the former Badger standout started his memorable night by redirecting a Dan Girardi right point shot off Tyler Myers and past Ryan Miller for the center's first career NHL goal 10:53 into the contest. In a hostile place that hasn't treated them too kindly recently, the Rangers acquitted themselves well against a team playing its second game in two nights. With the top line of Alexander Frolov, Erik Christensen and Marian Gaborik held mostly in check aside from the Big Ticket's nice setup for Christy's first 68 seconds into the third, it was the freshman Stepan who led the team to victory with one of the best starts to what hopefully will be a great career. While he scored three of the game's first five putting the Blueshirts in front by three after 40 minutes, he got help from Brandon Dubinsky (2 goals) and Artem Anisimov (assist).

Now officially a left wing, Dubinsky cashed in his first when Anisimov took advantage of a Myers slip behind the net, quickly dishing across for the third-year Alaskan for 2-zip. After a rough first following their road win over Ottawa, Buffalo responded with a strong middle stanza in which they dictated throughout, outshooting the guests 19-9. A shaky Henrik Lundqvist kept them off the board until a clean Paul Gaustad faceoff win allowed Ranger killer Patrick Kaleta to setup Jordan Leopold's first as a Sabre. A quick one-timer from the point that went through the Ranger netminder despite no traffic. Indeed, King Henrik wasn't sharp despite making 33 saves- leaking rebounds while fighting the puck. But on this night, it was enough thanks to the super performance from Stepan, who responded 4:01 later with his second- slamming a Marc Staal rebound home.

Before the period was done, the historic moment came when linemate Sean Avery made a perfect blind pass to the vacated bright eyed kid who deposited his first career hat trick with ease, sending Mom and sis to their feet in astonishment. A night the Stepan family won't ever forget. It was a smart Girardi dump that got the play started. Then, Avery recovered the puck and whipped it in front for a Stepan one-timer within 10 feet, which left Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti singing his praises. At least it was justified unlike Micheletti's lousy excuse for a dreadful Leopold power play goal that eluded Lundqvist later.

“I don’t think we expect him to score three every night,” Lundqvist noted. “But if he does, we’ll take it.”

When Gaborik drew two Sabre defenders including Myers who had a miserable night, the crafty Slovak fed Christensen for his first making it 5-1 with 18:52 remaining. Frolov drew a secondary assist. That's about all he did in a much quieter Ranger debut that included an unnecessary offensive zone penalty after trying to do too much. No doubt the club will need better from the former King starting this Monday in a Columbus Day showdown with the chief rival Islanders, who fell 5-4 to Dallas in a shootout despite losing John Tavares to a concussion late in the first. A game they fought back in thanks to Matt Moulson's tying PPG late in regulation before Mike Ribeiro undressed Rick DiPietro.

Stepan nearly made it four when he got behind the D for a clean breakaway but his forehand deke try sailed over Miller. “I couldn’t believe I missed,” he remarked while chuckling. “I just choked under pressure, I guess.”

John Tortorella was pleased with what he saw even if the second was all too emblematic of what we saw last year. This is a young team and there will be some growing pains. Cue the music, Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold. You just don't expect mistakes to come from vets like Steve Eminger, who did little to justify being in the lineup over Matt Gilroy. Forget the plus-one. The journeyman who once was a Caps' No.1 pick took two penalties and didn't distinguish himself while partner Mike Sauer had no such issues in just his fourth NHL game. With the Ranger power play taking the collar in three chances, it'll be interesting to see if Tort plays Gilroy over Eminger on Long Island.

For now, the club is one-for-one despite Leopold's second and Derek Roy's third in two nights, which made things interesting with 5:37 left. A lazy Staal delay of game minor didn't make things anymore comfortable with 92 seconds left. But the late Sabre rally was for naught when Ryan Callahan made a strong defensive play off a draw, pushing the puck ahead for Dubinsky who shot it into the empty net for a shorthanded goal that concluded the scoring.

They get to do it again versus their No.1 rival in what should be a chaotic atmosphere at The Coliseum in two days. Don't blink.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jordan Leopold, Buf (1st 2 goals as a Sabre, 2-1-3, 4 SOG, +1 in 22:51)
2nd Star-Sean Avery, NYR (2 assists, 2 SOG, 0 PIM, +2 in 14:20)
1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (1st career hat trick in 1st NHL game, GW, 3 SOG, +3 in 16:50)