Sep 30, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Rejoice everyone, hockey is almost back!
New York Rangers /
New York Rangers
Expectations are high for the Rangers, as they were one win away from making back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances. There are some new faces on the team, as retirement and an impending cap-crunch forced the Rangers to make some moves.
Gone are Martin St. Louis, Carl Hagelin, and Cam Talbot, three players who all made contributions to the Rangers sucessful season that produced a President’s Trophy.
Being up against the cap forced the Rangers to look for bargains in free agency, while also hoping that some of their homegrown players take the next step.
Glen Sather stepped down as general manager, and longtime assistant Jeff Gorton is now calling the shots. He had a successful first offseason as GM, signing Derek Stepan to an extension, and finding good bargains in free-agency like Viktor Stalberg and Jarret Stoll. He also got decent returns for Cam Talbot and Carl Hagelin.
Despite losing some familiar faces, the Rangers return a large part of their group from last season. That is a welcome sight, as teams that win the Stanley Cup usually don’t change their roster too much the year before.
So, without further ado, here are five observations from the Rangers preseason.
Next: 1) Miller Looks Ready To Make the Leap
May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (10) celebrates a goal against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) with New York Rangers center Derick Brassard (16) in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
J.T. Miller finally got out of Alain Vigneault‘s doghouse last year, and the results were excellent. He was an anchor on the third line when the Rangers went on their ridiculous winter run, and when given an opportunity to play in the top-six in the playoffs, Miller impressed.
St. Louis’ retirement leaves a hole in the top-six, specifically on the line with Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider. Right now, it looks as though Kevin Hayes will start the season on that wing, but Vigneault is known for shuffling lines early in the season.
Miller will see time in the top-six, as he is too talented not to get a look. He is not a physical freak like Kreider, but he is still a player who has a good mix of strength and speed. He has looked excellent this preseason, and now that he is finally out of the doghouse, Miller will make the leap this year.
Next: 2) Girardi Looks to have Lost a Step
May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) reacts against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Listen, no one in professional sports is tougher than Dan Girardi. We often try to stay away from using the word “warrior” when describing athletes, but Girardi fits the mold perfectly.
However, all those years of shot blocking and physical punishment might finally be catching up to him. This preseason, and, really since the 2012 playoffs, Girardi has looked like he has a lost a step. Against the Flyers, Matt Read beat Girardi in a foot-race. Read is a nice player, but a top-pair defenseman should not be getting beat by him.
I know it is silly to put too much stock in the preseason, but this has to be a concern to the Rangers. Girardi has regressed every year, and his contract is eating a large chunk of the teams salary.
The days of Girardi being one of the best shutdown defenseman might be nearing its end.
Next: 3) Stalberg is this year's 'Captain Taco'
Mar 31, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left winger Viktor Stalberg (25) scores during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Two summers ago, Benoit Pouliot, a former fourth overall draft pick, was looking to revitalize his career. The Rangers took a flier on him, signing the nomadic forward to a one-year deal.
Long story short, Pouliot had his nest season of his career, and parlayed that into a five-year, $20 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers.
This summer, the Rangers signed Viktor Stalberg to a similar one-year deal, as the big forward had his contract bought-out by Nashville. So far, Stalberg has looked excellent, and he is trying to do the same thing that Pouliot did with the Rangers two years ago.
Stalberg has a good combination of size and speed, something that will fit with the Rangers uptempo style of play. He will also be given a chance to play on the penalty kill, and his bottom-six role will be an important one on this team.
Next: 4) The Swede Can Play In the NHL
Sep 30, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) and New York Rangers center Oscar Lindberg (24) battle for the puck during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
All reports on Oscar Lindberg were that he was a smart two-way hockey player. Boy, did the scouts forget to mention that he can also score.
Lindberg went on a tear during the second half of the AHL season, leading many to believe that he was ready to be in the NHL. However, the Rangers had a set roster heading into last season. There was just no room for Lindberg.
Fast forward to the present, Lindberg is likely to center the Rangers third-line, and possibly play an even larger role on the penalty kill. He is 24-years-old, but he can be a piece to help the Rangers for the next few years.
His cap hit is in expensive, which the Rangers desperately need given their current situation.
Next: 5) McIlrath Has Come A Long Way
Sep 30, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dylan McIlrath (6) holds off Boston Bruins left wing Anton Blidh (81) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. New York Rangers won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe the biggest surprise of camp, Dylan McIlrath has shown tremendous improvement. He was a player that many, including myself, thought was nothing more than a top-pair defenseman in the AHL, and that he would only find his way in the NHL if he was willing to drop the gloves.
Well, McIlrath improved in every area during the offseason, and it was evident in the preseason. He looks to be making quicker decisions with the puck on his stick, and his skating has improved. He is still not a fast player, but it no longer looks like he is skating in quicksand.
McIlrath has won the seventh defenseman job, and it will be interesting to see if the Rangers decide to explore trade possibilities for Kevin Klein to get McIlrath in the lineup instead of having him sit in the press-box.
