New Year, Same Goal...Dream Now In Sight

A lot has happened since my last post. The New York Rangers got to within 2 wins of the Stanley Cup Finals and brought a lot thrills this past season. Unfortunately they lost to the hated NJ Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals and yours truly was on the losing end of an ill advised bet that ended with me donning a black and red jersey as punishment. As if that wasn't punishment enough, after my skin finished melting, we had to endure ANOTHER lockout that almost wiped out another season. This has seriously been the longest off season EVER.

However, it wasn't all bad news. Along the way, the Rangers acquired what many people feel was the final piece to the puzzle in Rick Nash. Nash has spent his entire career in Columbus and has basically been a one man team over in No-Man's land having made the playoffs just once in his 9 seasons with the Blue Jackets. But in those 9 seasons, he has scored 30 or more goals 7 times, and 40 goals twice. He, along with Marian Gaborik, gives the Rangers 2 of the premiere goal scorers in the league and makes their offense that much more dynamic. The other good news this summer was Henrik Lundqvist. The 3-time Vezina Trophy candidate finally broke through this summer and took home the hardware as the best goalie in the league after posting career highs in Wins, GAA and Save Pct. He will obviously will be the key as the Boys in Blue attempt to take that next step in a year where many are predicting great things for them.

Breaking Down The Team:

Forwards:
While the focus of the offense will primarily be on Marian Gaborik and Rick Nash, that is not where it ends. Brad Richards first season in NY was a success as the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner put up 25 goals and 41 assists in season #1 with the Blueshirts. He will get the task of centering Gaborik and Nash, as well as play big minutes on the Power Play for the Rangers. This is your # 1 line. After that, you have Ryan Callahan coming off a 29 goal season in his first season as Rangers Captain. He, along with 3rd year Center, Derek Stepan, both showed they are creative play makers and will provide secondary scoring beyond the top line. This will be key as they will not be counted on to be the key contributors next to Gaborik, Nash and Richards. Carl Hagelin will look to build on a a strong rookie campaign in which he scored 14 goals and saw time on the top line. After scoring 21 goals his first season in NY, Brian Boyle predictably came back down to earth, netting only 11. That is a more realistic number for Boyle. His role, along with Mike Rupp, Aaron Asham, Taylor Pyatt and Jeff Halpern is more to use size to wear down opponents and block shots. Another player to watch is Chris Kreider, who will be making his regular season debut after a fantastic post season for the Rangers.

Defensemen:
The top 3 are the key to the Rangers shot blocking game. Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are good defensively, block a ton of shots and are not afraid to join the rush. One season after being in the dog house, Michael Del Zotto had an excellent year and appeared to be the puck moving defenseman the Rangers hoped for. Anton Stralman, Steve Eminger, and Stu Bickel round out the defense, and Matt Gilroy is also now back in the mix.

Goalies:

What more can be said about the reigning Vezina Trophy winner? Henrik Lundqvist took his game to another level last season, establishing career highs in Wins, Save Pct. and GAA. He will determine how far the Rangers go in the post season more so than any other player on the roster. Martin Biron is a good back up, but had trouble closing up his five hole late in the season. He will give Lundqvist the necessary rest, but is exactly what his role dictates. As the back up.

Coaching:

John Tortorella has established a culture here. This team has bought into the concept of the whole being bigger than the sum of it's parts. It's in their blood. It's in their make up. And every player that comes here is expected to do their part in sacrificing their body when necessary. That includes Rick Nash. His job is to score goals for sure, but he MUST not be afraid to be responsible defensively. Torts is not afraid to bench people not holding up their end of the bargain. So, welcome to NY, Rick Nash. Now get down and block a shot.

Outlook:

This team is ready. They have the system. They have the depth. They have the goaltending, the defense, the scoring. And now they have playoff experience. There is no excuses. The Rangers time is now. The only thing that can stop this team from accomplishing it's goal is itself. And Tortorella will do everything in his power to make sure that doesn't happen. So buckle up Rangers fans..this could be a fun year!