Rangers Quick Notes…

By Evan Andriopoulos
Finally the flagship Rangers appear to be heading in the right direction
with new blood inserted into the line-up in Radek Dvorak and back to back
wins over the East leading Maple Leafs, the Rangers fall to lowly Carolina
before a sparse crowd of 12,000.

With so much attention being paid to how much the Rangers spending spree has
actually netted, many bright performers have been overlooked. I have added a
little fun by using a “stats pack” projection based on how I think these
players will do per season over the next 8 years or so. I welcome your
opinions and stats pack guesstimate.

Kim Johnsson-Defense

Johnsson has been up and down of late but still remains a talented offensive
danger. After a super start he has cooled but with his great skating stride
and offensive flare, Johnsson may just yet develop into a perennial all-star.

GRADE: B+

FUTURE NHL STATS PACK PROJECTIONS: 76gp 11g 36a 47tp 63pim

Mike York-Center
York has continued to play well, no matter who his linemates are, this mite
shows the soft hands and great work ethic to stay in the NHL for a long
time. A bit feistier than Neal Broten, but with the same hands and work
ethic. York has cemented his position as number 2 center.

GRADE: A-

FUTURE NHL STATS PACK PROJECTIONS: 74gp 22g 39a 61tp 54pim

Jan Hlavac-Wing

Jan has been promoted to the “czeching line” with countrymates Petr Nedved
and Radek Dvorak. He has excellent hands and a smooth skating style. If he
can continue to work on this line or with other accomplished player Hlavac
may yet show even greater things that made him an International Elite
player.

GRADE: A-

FUTURE NHL STATS PACK PROJECTIONS: 75gp 28g 22a 50tp 24pim

Jason Doig-Defense

INCOMPLETE

In the system Notes:

Stefan Cherneski returned from his knee injuries just after Christmas and
was pointless in his first game.

Boyd Kane was recalled from the UHL to take the place of the injured Todd
Hall (broken rib). Kane was pointless in three games to start the season in
Hartford (AHL).

Tomas Kloucek was denied a chance to play for the Czech. National team at
the recently completed World Junior A championships due to a sudden ruling
by the Czech. federation that “only 5 non Czech-league juniors may play”.
Kloucek has played well for Hartford and is a bright prospect.

Manny Malhotra has returned to New York after a stay in Sweden with the
Bronze Winning Team Canada. Malhotra has yet to play but is expected to play
wing on the 4th line, a shift from his normal center position.

Jamie Lundmark played up and down at the juniors, he returns to the WHL in
hopes of getting back his scoring touch.

Johan Asplund played well for Sweden despite their disasterous finish at the
World Juniors. Asplund will probably follow Swedish countrymate Johan
Holmqvist to New York in a few seasons.

Pavel Brendl and Brad Moran are fighting for the WHL scoring title. Brendl
regained the lead with his 40th goal in 37 games, he has 37 assists to go
along. Moran has 73 points in 41 games.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your feedback! All Feedback can be sent HERE!!