As the New York Rangers enter their season this Wednesday, a couple of more storylines have stirred curiousity. In part two, we uncover those interesting tid-bits that you should keep any eye on for the 2014-2015 season.
The Captain Is Named
If you hadn’t heard, the Rangers organization finally named their team captain for the 2014-2015 season. At the tip of the spear, Ryan McDonagh will wear the “C” this season. He certainly has said the right things to the media and led by example on the ice. But, this will be the first year that McDonagh will take on an official leadership responsibility. And that leadership will be tested Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues. For McDonagh, it’s an opportunity to make a statement that this is his team. Though, Henrik Lundqvist may have something to say about that. But, “it’s put up or shut up” time for the rising defensive star. Worthy candidates had been passed over for the distinction. However, the Rangers organization has enough faith in McDonagh to lead the team. Especially with the Rangers being an Original Six franchise, it’s more than an honor, it’s a privilege! And that’s what McDonagh will need to embrace as he embarks on his new role. His presence will be elevated in all facets of his life, both professionally and personally. For leadership examples, he does not have to look far in New York.
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The Heart That Never Stops
When you talk about heart, Martin St. Louis comes to mind. The veteran of two decades of hockey is still churning out points in New York. This season will be the first time Rangers fans will have St. Louis from the start. Up to this point in his career, he has not disappointed. Entering training camp, I wrote an article about St. Louis; and questioned whether or not the his acquisition was worth all of those draft picks. Though I still remain that general manager Glen Sather should have gotten more in return, my belief in St. Louis being the right fit for the Rangers is growing day by day. Not only because of his inspirational play last year in the playoffs, but it is what he is showing now. He still has the offensive skills and skating abilities to keep up with today’s NHL. But I am curious if he will be able to replicate his offensive production this season as opposed to his days with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He benefitted from a team that is almost all playmakers. Now with New York, there are probably not as many offensive weapons at this time. But it appears to be on the way. The question will be, “Can Marty duplicate his success as a Ranger?” The answer is not known yet, but that is why you play the game.
Power Play Or Power Shortage
A never ending question each season surrounds the Rangers’ Power Play. In head coach Alain Vigneault’s first season, the power play seemed much more attractive to watch than in seasons previous. With the help of assistant coach Scott Arniel, they both allowed players to use their offensive imaginations while taking advantage of their offensive abilities. As a result, the Rangers improved to 15th in the NHL with the man-advantage, clipping at 18.2 percent success rate. That’s 2.5 percent better than the Rangers 2011-2012 season where they finished 23rd overall in the regular season. Coincidentally, that is the same year the team made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite the improvement, the team looked a lot like it did during those “power-less” seasons. To help, the Rangers brought a few offensive weapons to help. One of the most notable free agents to come to New York is Dan Boyle. Known as a power play quarterback, he can certainly help solidify a weakness on the back end. His shot from the point and ability to distribute the puck will make him an asset and give confidence to the team. Also, the Rangers are looking more like an offensive-minded team. With that said, playmakers are starting to be present up and down the lineup. Young talent like Chris Kreider mixed with a magician with the puck in Mats Zuccarello has signs of power play success written all over it. But looking good on paper does not always look good in person.
Again, that’s why they play the game.
Missing Ingredients?
From last season, key members left New York. We know them as Brad Richards, Benoit Pouliot, Brian Boyle, and Anton Stralman. Each player played an important role for the Rangers as they marched towards the Stanley Cup. Both Boyle and Stralman were standouts with the team. Boyle finally came into his own as he was repositioned as a winger and not his normal center position. With that, he found success by forming a formidable fourth line that caused problems for their opponents. Stralman established himself as a smooth operator in the defensive zone. Cool, calm, and collected, those were the trademarks of the Swedish born defenseman. But don’t let his calm demeanor fool you cause he delivered the BOOM when needed.
This season, all four individuals have taken opportunities elsewhere. And for two of them, their play appears to have elevated with their new surroundings. What about the Rangers? Well, with the departures, it’s opened up avenues for players to take advantage of. No doubts that has happened recently. Take a look at the Opening Night roster. This year’s players have more potential and hype behind them than the four former Rangers combined.
So will they be missed? Sure. Are they replacable? With this year’s crop of talent, they can be.
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Better Team This Year
Overall, in my opinion, this team can be a better team than last year’s. Again, it stems back to the youth of the organization. It has been some time that this much talent has come through the organization. Under the guidance of Vigneault, the team is heading in a much more up-tempo style of hockey. They preach puck possession and quick transitions from defense to offense. The players are able to take chances on the ice. The style of game is becoming much different from previous Rangers team. The team is able to field more offensive-minded players on every line. No longer are they having to play a lethargic, smash mouth game. They are faster on the ice and making quick decisions with the puck on their stick. And yet, they still maintain their identity that comes with being a Eastern Conference team: finishing checks and taking the man out of the play.
So there you have it, Rangers storylines to look out for the 2014-2015 season. If you have any storylines that interests you, leave a comment and tell us what you are looking forward to this season.