Saturday, May 9

 

 

Kevin Klein is underrated. There is always talk about a 200-foot game, but Klein actually touches all 200 feet. He is involved offensively and jumps into the play opportunistically and with ease. The most important part of being involved up the ice is not being exposed defensively, and from my viewing, Klein isn’t.

 

It is interesting why the offensive production has never materialized, too. He has an excellent shot and the above mentioned savvy to join the rush. He topped out at 44 points over 67 games in the Ontario Hockey League and 43 points through 76 games as a 21-year-old in the American Hockey League.

 

It is worth noting, Klein had his best offensive season this year with 26 points through 65 games. At 30, he realistically could be in the middle of his prime, as defenseman often take a little longer to develop a complete game. Given his potential cross-category production, there could be value in cavernous leagues.

 

 

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The Rangers almost scored a power-play goal on a Chris Kreider shot which trickled across the crease before Matt Niskanen swatted it away. What might have gone unnoticed was Keith Yandle drifted behind the net on the play.

 

If Yandle slams on the breaks at the goal line, the puck isn’t uncontested, and potentially, Yandle scores instead of Niskanen clearing the puck with ease.

 

I’ll never understand the drift behind the net. It is one of the worst mistakes in hockey and one of the easiest to correct.

 

 

***

 

 

So after breaking down a few New York defensemen — how about them extending the series?

 

New York has now played in a record 12 consecutive one-goal playoff games, and I don’t know what to think about Game 6. Interestingly, mathematically there is no way around a 3-2 series entering a Game 6, or at least that was interesting to me when it clicked.

 

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Rangers, and they should be the better team.

 

Talking with a respected hockey mind last night, I noted the improved defense depth as a key for the Caps. He said, “Who would have thought the Capitals’ defense would out play New York’s.”

 

The Capitals addressed their defense in the offseason, and it is paying off. Mike Green, while not frequenting the score sheet, isn’t tasked with unfavorable minutes and left susceptible to tough matchups. It shows in the results.

 

Last night, the Rangers rearguards raised their game. It is the key for New York winning the next two games, too. Ryan McDonagh was their leading scorer during last season’s playoffs, and generating offense from the backend is key.

 

It would be surprising — albeit only somewhat — to see New York win both games and advance, but unless Washington gains a two-goal lead early Sunday, it’ll be a barn burner. It is going to be one anyway, but the Capitals need to take the lead and run with it. Playing into another one-goal game favors the Rangers.

 

 

***

 

 

Michael Ferland is a beauty. I want a red old-school No. 79 Flames tarp. He has three goals, two assists and 21 penalty minutes through eight playoff games. He is fully within fantasy territory in formats including penalty minutes and hits.

 

It is worth noting, doing these Ramblings helped me take interest in him.

 

It will be interesting to see where he fits into the mix next season. A net front presence on the power play as a top-six winger would be an ideal landing spot for his fantasy upside. He most certainly has Bob Hartley’s approval.