May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers players celebrate a victory in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Despite failing to reach the ultimate goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup, fans of the New York Rangers can still take positives from this year’s playoff run
New York Rangers /
New York Rangers
With the end of another playoff run for the New York Rangers last month, there have been mixed feelings as to how to evaluate this season. Some consider it a success, while others consider it a failure.
But, if you consider where this team was at the beginning of the season and fast forward to last month, there were a lot of accomplishments a fan could hang their hat on.
It’s understandable to feel all of this year’s success was all for not.
But, instead of dwelling on the failures and lost dreams of a championship season, why not pause and reflect on what was accomplished? Instead of trying to break down and analyze every bit of analytics and hypothesize what off season moves should or should not be done, why not lean back and consider for a moment what exactly the Rangers did with this crop of players?
Here are five highlights from the Rangers Stanley Cup playoff run:
Apr 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing
(5) after scoring the game winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Penguins 2 – 1 in overtime to advance to the next round. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
1. Finished Early
In the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Rangers witnessed something that had not been done in quite some time. The team actually won a series in less than seven games, beating the Penguins in five games.
In fact, they were able to beat the Penguins in five games. The last time the Rangers beat an opponent without going the limit in a best-of-seven series was last season’s Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens, beating them 4-2 to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1994.
It seemed like forever since the Rangers were able to finish a series early and rest up for their next opponent.
Since the 2011-2012 season, the Rangers had not been making it easy on themselves, nor its fans. Seven of their past 11 playoff rounds the Rangers have played in had been taken to the full seven games. The fascinating part, they had won all of them.
May 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center
(28) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Magic Number of One
Since last season’s Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings, the Rangers set a NHL record of playing 15 consecutive one-goal games.
What’s the big deal, right?
Well, it seems unheard of nowadays. To play consistently with that amount of goal differential at the end of 60 minutes is telling. The Rangers were doing just enough to either win or keep it close enough to win.
Through the first two rounds, the team kept the games from getting out of hand, while handling the likes of today’s superstars: Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin just to name a few.
However, the Rangers possessed the third ranked team in goals for during the regular season averaging 3.02 goals per game. Their first round and second opponents ranked lower in this department: Pittsburgh Penguins ranking 19th with 2.65 goals per game and the Washington Capitals ranking sixth with 2.89 goals per game.
(8) battle for the puck during overtime in game seven of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Capitals 2 – 1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
3. Never Retreat, Never Surrender
Throughout the team’s playoff run, frustration from their lack of scoring was perhaps a common denominator among Rangers fans. It was perhaps their Achilles’ heel, outside of their first round win. Thus, they were playing with fire allowing themselves to be put in a “win or go home” situation.
However, the Rangers certainly knew a thing or two about staring elimination in the eye. It has been nothing new or out of the ordinary in recent history. They faced it last year, and this season was no exception.
In Round Two, they were on the brink of their season ending, being down three games to one to the Capitals. Visions of the 1991-1992 Rangers, who also won the President’s Trophy and favored to win the Stanley Cup, must have been running through the minds those old enough to remember it.
However, the team didn’t back down and fold tent. Their resolve and resiliency to not give up in the series lead to them rallying back, spinning off three straight wins to take the series. Shades of last season’s series with the Penguins replaced the painful memories of the previous Rangers debacle. They were the in the identical situation being down 3-1.
May 18, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie
(21) during the second period in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
4. “Look kids, Big Ben”
Perhaps the most difficult task facing the Rangers these playoffs was scoring on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s goaltender Ben Bishop. At 6’7, he certainly was the biggest obstacle standing in the way for a return to the Stanley Cup Final.
For his career, Bishop was undefeated when facing the Rangers. This season alone, he faced the team three times, winning all of them while averaging 2.34 goals against and a.900 save percentage.
In order for the Rangers to return to the Stanley Cup Final, they needed to get past Bishop, and they almost did. They proved to themselves and the doubters that he isn’t the Rangers kryptonite.
They were able to beat Bishop in three of the seven games, while scoring 14 goals, two games where the team scored five + goals in back-to-back games.
He was put in awkward positions at times, causing him to move and perhaps do things he was not comfortable in doing.
May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers head coach
during the press conference after game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. New York Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Young Rangers such as Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller became vital players to the success of the team. They weren’t offensive juggernauts in the score sheets each game, but their play showed the coaching staff and fans that they were here to stay for the long-term. Whether it was generating offensive plays, hustling to the puck, throwing their bodies around, or scoring two goals in a game, the additions of the two may have caused them to not be overlooked come next season.
May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie
(30) and his teammates skate off the ice after game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Take the end of this season, as you will. You could look at it as a total failure, thinking anything short of winning the Stanley Cup is just hog wash. Or, you could flip it and look at the things that went right for this team in the playoffs.
One more stat to throw at you.
Since the 2005-2006 season, the Rangers have qualified for the post season 9 out the past 10 seasons. Before that from 1998 to 2004, the team did not qualify.
Consistency in winning and having the chance year in and year out is better than having no chance in at all.
