New York Rangers-Top Four Stories From The 2014-2015 Season

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Feb 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes (13) celebrates scoring a goal with right wing Mats Zuccarello (36), center Derick Brassard (16), defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) and defenseman Dan Girardi (5) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Flames 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

In this article, we take a look back at the top four story lines from the 2014-2015 season

With the close of the another New York Rangers season, it’s nice to sit back and reflect on what the team accomplished this season.

At the start of the season, who would have guessed the team would have gotten this far. Well, ok, we all assumed the Rangers would get into the playoffs this year. However, not at the pace and success experienced.

Key losses to the lineup caused questions to surface of how competitive this year’s team would be. Players such as Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman, Benoit Pouliot, and Brad Richards made critics doubts the strength and resolve of the Rangers. Additional losses of role players such as Derek Dorsett and the agitator Daniel Carcillo caused additional questions about the depth of the team.

How do you replace these players that played a pivotal role in the success of last year? How would the team carry on? Will the Rangers recover in time of the playoffs?

In Rangerstown, I think we know the answers to those questions.

In this article, we will take a look back at some of the top stories that fueled the Rangers rise to the top of the NHL this season. If it were not for these storylines, then this season may not have been what it was.

After reading, please leave us your top story from the 2014-2015 regular season.

Next: 1. Young Guns

Jan 20, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) congratulates right wing Kevin Hayes (13) for scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

1. Young Guns

If depth was a question, then the Rangers answered it.

With the loss of players in the offseason, auditions were being held for their positions. Alain Vigneault’s “clean slate” approach went back into effect. It was an opportunity for others to step up and prove they belonged.

Experiments with veterans Ryan Malone and Matthew Lombardi did not exactly work out. The potential scoring-machine from the QMJHL that was Anthony Duclair was traded in March.

What do you do?

Look within, of course. In the past, this approach has given young players such as Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky opportunities to play and stand out. This season’s crop of young talent hasn’t disappointed.

One of those prospects, who looks to be a star for the Rangers, was Kevin Hayes. Originally a number pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Hayes was signed as a free agent before the start of this season. He was asked to fill in the third–line center position and has raised the eyebrows of many. In his first season, he registered 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists). His playmaking and patience with the puck (which can be maddening at times) combined with his big frame gave the Rangers security at the third line to build around. And, the great thing is, he is only 22 years old. He could be described as mix between Rick Nash and Marc Staal, in my opinion. Hayes has the long reach of a defenseman, with offensive flair, with a power forward frame.

Another surprise this season has been the presence of Jesper Fast in the lineup. The Swedish born forward was in the same class as Hayes in 2010. Just 23 years old, he was not flashy in the offensive category. For the season, Fast registered 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 58 games. His role has been mostly seen on the fourth line, as well as the third and second lines when filling in for injuries. With the lack of offensive contributions when in the lineup, he made up for with intangibles: hustle, defensive pressure, and ‘never quit’ attitude.

Mar 28, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) skates with the puck during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps, the best field-good story was that of J.T. Miller. It is good to have seen Miller break through this season. The yo-yo toy of Vigneault and former head coach John Tortorella the past three seasons, it seems he finally found his way. His troubled NHL career came to a head last season, when Vigneault called into question his work ethic. However, it appears Miller has turned the corner and found a place with the team. For the season, he registered 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) and a +5, while serving on the second line with Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider. Also, he has seen time on the power play, which tells you that Vigneault’s confidence in the 22-year old is growing.

Next: 2. Ryan Mcdonagh's Watch

Oct 11, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated New York 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan McDonagh’s Watch

As the season started, the Rangers ushered in their 27th captain in franchise history, Ryan McDonagh. After the departure of former captain Ryan Callahan last March via trade, the team went with three alternate captains to finish the season.

New York Rangers

As the offseason progressed, it appeared that McDonagh was to be the front-runner. Not having worn an ‘A’ previously, this was new territory for the team but McDonagh was the most outspoken about the position, wanting to take the lead and put his stamp on the captaincy.

How did he do his first year?

Well, he helped lead the team to a division and conference title, as well as the best team in the NHL in the regular season. Now, his sights are set on the grandest of them all, Lord Stanley’s Cup.

But to do that, his leadership will be tested in uncharted waters.

Next: 3. Rejuvenated Nash

Feb 4, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates with the bench after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rejuvenated Nash

And then there was Rick Nash.

Acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets two years ago, Rangers fans have been mixed on the power forward. Originally brought in as one of the main answers to a scoring problem, especially on the power play, that had yet to fester to the surface.

In his defense, Nash was playing injured with concussion-like symptoms. Yet, it was not fully revealed to the public. And despite all of this, he did his part. Albeit limited, he still did his part. He played in all of the Rangers playoff games last season and sacrificed his health to do it.

And yet, we as fans just saw his lack of offensive production. In 25 games, Nash produced 10 points for the team (three goals, seven assists). Not nearly enough for a player of his talents.

Dec 13, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York Rangers forward Rick Nash (61) skates in warm up against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The New York Rangers won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

However, this season was different and lends hope that this post season will be the same as well.

After coming into training camp as fit as he ever was, Nash ensured that this season was going to put all those negative comments about him to rest. He produced 69 points (42 goals, 27 assists), was in the running for the “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most of the season, and was the main reason the team was able to stay afloat while the team struggled early in the season. Not to mention his commitment to the defensive side of the game: back checking and forcing turnovers. He truly is rounding into a two-way forward.

But as with McDonagh, his game will be tested again when it counts: the playoffs. However, this may be different for Nash, individually. If the regular season was any indication of things to come, then opposing teams will need to be especially mindful of his presence on the ice.

Next: 4. In Cam We Trust

Feb 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) makes a save on Calgary Flames left wing Lance Bouma (17) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

4. In Cam We Trust

Before the start of the season, Cam Talbot had one mission in mind.

“I’m out to prove last year was no fluke.”

If you recall, Talbot became the heir apparent to the veteran Marty Biron to serve as backup to Henrik Lundqvist. He quickly became the talk of last season, going 12-6 with a ridiculous 1.64 GAA and one shutout.

This season, it did not start the way he and Rangers fans wanted it for an encore. Through his first 10 games played, Talbot was 4-5-1.

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