Stats don't lie, but they can be deceitful.
But when statistics affirm perceptions, then
it's time to make a change.
In tonight's game against the Avalanche,
the suddenly offensively-challenged Rangers
put Nylander on the ice for 41% of even-
strength play.
Martin Straka, the other Jagr linemate, got
37% of even strength time. (Notice this does
not tally power play time)
Their absence from the scoring column is
easy to notice, but their disappearance from
the stat sheet with this kind of ice time is
mind boggling.
Despite receiving a total of 20+ minutes of
ice time, Nylander did not register a shot on
goal, and Straka but one. Not much else, other
than the 2 minutes in penalty time that Nylander
took with a lazy hooking penalty.
Not Jagr-Compatible
Historically and stylistically, Jagr has been
a playmaker. In no year in his entire
career has Jagr had more goals than
assists.
He has brought fantasy hockey relevance
to journeymen like Kip Miller, by placing passes
on their sticks that even Bea Arthur could
have scored on.
Jagr started this season enjoying the ice
and scoring at will, but teams are clamping
down on him now and his linemates are
needed to find open ice and chances.
Nylander and Straka have not stepped up.
In the past ten games, both of those players
have but one goal apiece.
It's time for a change.
Prucha, not Sykora
JD mentioned tonight that Prucha didn't get
ice time because he didn't kill penalties.
But that's why I pointed out earlier the
percentage of 5-on-5 ice time that Nylander
and Straka received. There was a decision
to be made between Prucha and those two,
and Renney made the wrong one.
The age-old mantra in New York is to
import a name when things get tough, and
right now Petr Sykora is the fashion of choice.
But why not put Petr Prucha on Jagr's line for
five games and see how it plays out?
He had 9 goals in the past 6 games,
yet was given only 13 minutes of ice
time tonight.
Up until this point, Renney has done a
masterful job rewarding solid play with
ice time regardless of veteran status.
But nobody hands out meaningful accolades
in December. Prucha's earned it - let's see
if Renney steps up.
-Gabe
Posted by Gabe at December 18, 2005 08:50 PMeMail this entry!
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