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New York Rangers: Ryan McDonagh Deserves to be an All Star

By Jay Travers

Jan 22, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers defensemen Ryan McDonagh (27) scores on his first period shot against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack (31) at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers defensemen Ryan McDonagh (27) scores on his first period shot against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack (31) at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers defensemen Ryan McDonagh (27) scores on his first period shot against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack (31) at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers defensemen Ryan McDonagh (27) scores on his first period shot against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack (31) at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

McDonagh should be on the ice in today’s game

With the 2016 NHL All Star Game Weekend being held in Nashville this weekend, and the actual 3-on-3 game taking place today, there seems to be one player who is as deserving as any to be there; Ryan McDonagh.

The Blueshirts‘ captain has showed his dominance as a solid two-way defenseman in the NHL over the past five seasons. Taking Marc Staal‘s top pairing spot in 2012 due to injury, McDonagh has not looked back since.

As his time in the NHL increases, so does his ability to play. No. 27 is easily one of the smoothest skaters in the game today, and has moved his defensive-only mindset to an offensive one as well.

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    • It is with this knowledge of the game and the ability to play both ends of the ice as a defenseman that proves his nomination to the All Star game is worthy.

    McDonagh has amassed 40 goals and 120 assists since 2011 and has been a Norris Trophy candidate three years in his time in the NHL. He has always been good in his defensive zone, especially playing under John Tortorella for three seasons.

    But it was the year that the Rangers made a run to the Stanley Cup Final that fans could see an offensive maniac from the back-end, as well as a leader who seemed to be born over night.

    The departure of Ryan Callahan to Tampa Bay allowed for then alternate captain Brad Richards be named captain without having the C on his sweater. It was when Richards was bought out of his contract that Ryan McDonagh was given the title.

    Being named captain of the team slowed down McDonagh a little bit last year, which was scary. Signs of Brian Leetch came back again, where Leetch was not comfortable being the captain. He rose and overcame, as did McDonagh and continues to lead with his heart on his sleeve.

    This year has been an off year for the Rangers as a team, the all-time great start turned into a horrid December. However, McDonagh has kept the pace with his club. He is one of the best defenseman the Blueshirts have on the blueline, and has been playing like that as well. His play has been noticeable by fans across the League and should provide an extra pep in McDonagh’s step on Monday night’s return against the Devils in New Jersey.

    Next: New York Rangers All-Star Game Moments: Gaborik wins All-Star MVP

    The fact that McDonagh has made it to the All Star game is great for him. But starting on Monday night it is going to be a hard battle to the very end of the season. The trade deadline is February 29th and the Rangers may end up looking like a totally different team. The rest the team got was needed, and they will be ready for this long up-hill battle ahead.

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