Now that the NHL Trade Deadline has passed and the Rangers’ roster is set, we know what storylines will be at the forefront for the remainder of the season.
While the New York Rangers’ season thus far has been filled with compelling storylines, the post-Trade Deadline season brings in a slew of new dramas. Jeff Gorton brought in Brendan Smith, Pavel Buchnevich is going up and down, and the Rangers have plenty of decisions to make.
The remainder of the season will be telling for the Rangers’ present and future. Let’s take a look at some of the stories that will speak volumes about the team.
Pavel Buchnevich’s Development
Pavel Buchnevich was demoted to Hartford right before the Trade Deadline. Regardless of where he plays, Buchnevich’s development has been a hot topic all season. Alain Vigneault clearly does not trust the 19 year old winger, despite Buchnevich’s impressive offensive numbers.
Jeff Gorton did not trade any of the fourth line options at the Trade Deadline, meaning the battle for playing time will continue. Oscar Lindberg, Brandon Pirri, Matt Puempel, and Brandon Pirri are in a heated battle for three slots while Fast is out, and two slots when Fast returns.
Buchnevich’s progression must be prioritized, but it does not seem as if the Rangers are doing so. Additionally, the Rangers continue to treat Jimmy Vesey like their prized prospect, playing him on the second line. While Vesey deserves the same treatment Buchnevich deserves, that statement can be reversed as well.
Whether or not the Rangers allow Buchnevich ample opportunity to grow this season will say a lot about Alain Vigneault’s coaching abilities moving forward.
Related Story: Trade Deadline Breakdown
Who Mans The Blue-Line?
While the Rangers did acquire Brendan Smith at the Trade Deadline, the move only brought further questions to the organization. New York did not move any defensemen off the roster, meaning they have eight defensemen for six spots.
However obvious it is to the naked eye that the best defense is Adam Clendening, Nick Holden, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei, Brendan Smith, and Marc Staal, Alain Vigneault very well could miss that.
Slotting in Dan Girardi and/or Kevin Klein for Adam Clendening and/or Marc Staal would be killer to the team. While we covered this predicament here, it will be one of the top stories to watch. Expect this to be a key factor in determining how far the team goes.
Related Story: Jesper Fast Out Indefinitely--Now What?
Struggling Strengths
Two weaknesses of the Rangers at the moment are the power-play and the goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist sports a .912 save percentage and the power-play is on a ghastly cold streak. (Both stats as of 3/1)
Lundqvist should be a strength for the Rangers, while the power-play should be putting up points.
At no point in his career has Lundqvist put up such weak numbers. We’re not overly worried, but if he continues to struggle, the Rangers are in trouble. The defense will go hand in hand with Lundqvist’s play, but his ability to raise that percentage will be a huge factor for the rest of the season.
New York failed to make a deadline move for a power-play addition, meaning the struggling group is still the group. Can Alain Vigneault make the necessary adjustments? Is this a poor stretch, or is this indicative of what’s to come for the rest of the season?
Next: Rangers Acquire Brendan Smith, Fix Nothing
The answers to these questions are of great importance. The Rangers must have their strengths working as strengths to outweigh their main weakness, the defense. Watch out for that.