2013-2014 NYR: A Look at the Defense

May 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; General view of the ice before game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of training camp beginning I think its time to look at the defense for this upcoming season.

The 2013 New York Rangers defensive core didn’t really bring anything different to the table then we already knew. They played gritty defensively & blocked a ton of shots. BUT that was under former head coach John Tortorella. During the off-season, in case you live in a rock under the sea, the NYR parted ways with Tortorella (Vancouver) and hired probably the best Head Coach available, Alain Vigneault.

Unlike the forwards of this team, I’d say the defense is already pretty locked:

McDonagh-Girardi

Staal-Del Zotto

Stralman-Moore

That’s not to say that newly acquired defenseman Justin Falk can’t make the team or prospect Dylan McIlrath. Under a new system & new coaching it’s going to be whoever performs best in camp gets the job. Personally I just think not much changes. Out of those 6 last season, only 1 player was a minus for the season. Dan Girardi was -1 but considering what he does for this team it isn’t a problem.

Now a look at each player individually: