Sorry for the delay on this story guys. It’s been tough wrapping my mind around anything involving hockey since that final game five. Double overtime twice in a series and five overtime periods total in the five game series. There is one thing I would like to say about the three games in Los Angeles. Any two of them could have gone the other way, especially games one and two.
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On Wednesday the New York State Assembly honored the New York Rangers organization for their successful run to the
Stanley Cup Finals
. The New York Rangers General Manager was in attendence with assistant General Manager and a few players. Glen Sather,
Jim Schoenfeldand players
Martin St. Louis,
Derek Stepanand
Dominic Moorewere praised by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a season-ticket holder.
Though this team came up short after losing three overtime games on the road in the Final, New York Rangers General Manager said this about his teams run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
This year was a great experience for the New York Rangers core players!
Sather said the experience this spring ranked with any that he had in Edmonton. “I told them I was as proud of bunch of guys as I had been for any of the seven times I’d been in the Finals,” Sather said, according to the Daily News. “These guys worked very hard through a lot of tough stuff. … They competed and it was like a real closely knit family. They never gave up once. I was very proud of them.” Glen Sather on NHL.com
The New York Rangers surprised a lot of people by getting to the finals this season. Many of which are not taking into account this is the coach’s first off season to put his signature onto the team and make them better. Make the team fit his (I hate to say it this way because it’s wrong) style of play. He will no doubtedly add a pivot and I look forward to seeing what he and Sather agree on. A free agent or a trade with another team.
Alain Vigneaultwill no doubt ask management to acquire certain type players he feels the team needs to compete in the
Stanley Cup Finals
. We as fans would to venture a guess and say it’s a top six Pivot to replace
Brad Richards. Alain Vingneault will also want some more balance on both sides of center, since the New York Rangers only had two righties in the top twelve most nights. This does not bode well for his power play phylosophy. He prefers a three to two mix in favor of either handedness, right or left.
Puck Prose
The New York Rangers didn’t get their ultimate prize but meeting the NY State assembly was a treat for some players and management. Glen Sather has a lot of work to do this summer and especially before the draft. He began the beginning of his plan with the buyout of Center Brad Richards. That will open the cap salary to either sign a new free agent pivot or find a trade partner. There’s rumors abound that the New York Rangers among others have interest in big Joe Thornton. Glen Sather doesn’t have an open checkbook but he needs to be careful as to resign the players on his own team first. The heart and soul players that deserve new deals from the New York Rangers.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mats Zuccarello led the team in scoring and plays like he’s six foot tall and protects the puck well. Derek Brassard earned a new deal in New York as well. His play in the playoffs was just a feather in his cap. He never gave up on a play. Skates well and is a great passer. If Glen Sather acquired a top six centerman with some size to the mix. He should absolutely consider keeping him. Benoit Pouliot played well for at least the second half of the season in New York. I wonder what a full camp and season would yield for him as a point producer. That trio was amazing all year long. Dominic Moore must be retained if Brian Boyle pulls a Brandon Prust and prices himself out of New York. Comment below please and let us know how you feel about the Rangers going forward.