New York Rangers: Weekly Report
Hi everybody and welcome to the first edition of the Rangerstown Weekly Report!
My name is Chris and I’m super stoked to be joining Blue Line Station. I’m from New Hartford, NY and grew up on New York Rangers hockey. I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts on the Rangers, and hearing from you!
The Rangerstown Weekly Report will be a new addition to the blog. It is here where we will discuss the weekly trends and happenings of the New York Rangers. So without any further delay, lets get right to it.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
First off, the ceremony Madison Square Garden presented before the Rangers played the Toronto Maple Leafs was very classy. Hearing the French anthem reminded us of how irrelevant sports can seem when tragedies like what happened in Paris strike. That’s why it was so disappointing to hear a fan scream “Lets Go Rangers” in the middle of the moment of silence. Absolutely classless and inappropriate.
It was however, encouraging and satisfying to hear fellow Ranger fans yelling at the guy to “shut up”.
Nov 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mats Zuccarello is playing like a man possessed right now.
Not only is he scoring goals, but he is making plays every game that are worthy of a highlight-reel. His awareness is incredible, and Derick Brassard would not be producing without Zuccarello.
If he can keep up even a fraction of this production, the Rangers faithful will not need to worry about Rick Nash‘s lack of production.
Speaking of.
Yes, we know he’s not scoring. Actually at this rate, I’ll be surprised if he is above 25 goals at the end of the season. It’s looking more and more like he is not going to be the consistent goal scorer we thought we were getting years back.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
He’s not been able cash-in on situations like he did last year. Nash was very successful at that “one-legged Messier snap shot” from the side boards last year. This year, not so much.
It’s time to change the way we think about Nash.
Good news is he’s not a Marion Gaborik, where if he doesn’t score 40 goals, he adds little to the roster. Nash brings more than just goals, but he will get opportunities. He’s taking the body more, driving to the net, and shooting. The goals will come.
New York Rangers
Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Raanta have been sensational.
So much so, that I feel that the only way for them to go is down. There is simply no way that these two will continue to put up save percentages of .947 and .955 respectively. They’re going to have stinkers, but the depth the Rangers have will bail them out of trouble.
I just can’t wait for people to start giving Hank a hard time when he lets in a couple softies, because you know it will happen.
Can we stop panicking about the defense now?
Ryan McDonagh looks healthy, Dan Girardi is producing, and Kevin Klein is a beast. Fans need to get off of Keith Yandle‘s back too. His hockey IQ on the ice is ridiculous.
Read More: Rangers Defense Isn’t as Bad as You Think
So what will be the x-factor in the Rangers success moving forward? Health.
If the Rangers can stay healthy (find some wood to knock on), I think we could be in for an exciting year. They already have accomplished something the franchise hasn’t seen since the 1972-73 season in nine straight wins. In the meantime, let’s all enjoy the ride.
What are your thoughts?