New York Rangers Storylines Entering This Season-Part One
The regular season is upon us. The puck drops for real this Wednesday, as the 2014-2015 NHL season gets underway. For the New York Rangers, it’s going to be a first of sorts. They come into the season as the defending Eastern Conference Champions. That’s something that’s not been said in over 20 years. As the Rangers season gets going, there are a few interesting storylines to keep an eye on.
Finally “Miller-Time” On Broadway
Even before the preseason started last month, talk of J.T. Miller becoming a Rangers center was brought up. Unfortunately, last season he drew the ire of head coach Alain Vigneault by basically saying he was not ready. Entering training camp, Miller drew praise from the head coach. It appears he has turned the corner by coming in physically fit. His play this preseason has not hurt his chances either. Vigneault has used the 21 year old at his natural center position. He hasn’t disappointed with the opportunity.
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Fountain Of Youth
This offseason, key members from last season had chosen to leave New York. Entering training camp and the preseason, those spots were put up for grabs. Those most eager to jump at the opportunity were the youngsters. Especially in the beginning of Camp, they started standing out in the eyes of both coaches and fans. Hopefuls such as Anthony Duclair, Ryan Haggerty, Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast, and J.T. Miller all made the coaching decisions difficult as to whom to cut. And that’s a headache any team would love to have. The speed, the imaginations, the non-stop effort they gave on each play was contagious. It seems to mix well with the present Rangers, who are still youthful but a little longer in the tooth as far as NHL experience. Still, it is a welcome sight to behold as a Rangers fan.
Clean Slate For Ryan Malone
Before he even came to Broadway, Malone had baggage. Due to his off-ice issues which affected his play on the ice, the 34 year old forward bought by the Tampa bay Lightning. This offseason, general manager glen Sather and the Rangers organization gave the rugged winger a second chance. With a smile on his face, Malone has ran with his opportunity this past preseason. He may not have put up the offensive numbers as in years past, but he has thrown his weight around and shown he belongs with a team. A little bit of redemption was realized last Friday’s preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only did he send the game into overtime with a late period goal. He was the hero with a shootout winner. If he continues his play and stays on the straight and narrow, he’ll be making Rangers fans forget who Brian Boyle or Benoit Pouliot was.
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Return To “Beast Mode” For Rick Nash
It’s been said before, but this redemption time for Rick Nash. Despite leading the team in goals last season, Nash still incurred the wrath of the Rangers faithful mostly for his play in the postseason. However, we have to remember nash’s 2013-2014 campaign did not start out well as he was injured during the West Coast debacle to start the season. Later, he would incur a concussion which limited his offensive abilities. However, it was the game in Columbus which we saw a different side of Nash. It was an angry Nash, a man who was tired of the critics and negativity of his game. Though he did not score, it was the intangibles that made him standout. Checking his opponents, putting shots on goal, making quality scoring chances, and even getting into fist-a-cuff. Entering trainng camp, he has been praised for his conditioning, just as Miller was. It appears the after-effects of his concussion are no longer an issue. During the preseason, he has been showing signs of being the dominant player he once was. Powering to the net and providing scoring opportunities for others. Rick Nash resembles a young Eric Lindros. Tall and strong, but a flair for scoring. He will be one to watch for if the comparison can hold true.
The Fourth Line Rebuilt
Last season, the fourth line was praised by Rangers fans for their tenacious pursuit of the puck and timely goals. Their combined efforts to keep the opponent at bay give head coach Alain Vigneault a luxury of rotating four lines on the ice. This allowed his top lines to catch their breaths. This season, only one member of the trio remained. Dominic Moore chose to stay in New York for another two years. To help create the magic from last season, former Pittsburgh Penguins enforcer Tanner glass was brought in. Also, Ryan Malone appears to be the other forward on this line. However, what makes this line even deadlier is that the parts seem to be interchangible. Aside from Glass, moore is more than capable of centering all four lines, when needed. Malone appears to be able to play both third and fourth lines. The youngster Jesper fast is ready to step in when his number is called. Then there is Lee Stempniak who will be ready at a moments notice. This year’s fourth line is unique in that Vigneault has the option of moving players around into positions where they and the team can best succeed.
On Wednesday, part two will have additional Rangers storylines for this season. Stay tuned.