New York Rangers: Five Reasons Why The Rangers Are Not Cup Contenders

Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 13, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Steven Kampfer (43) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with teammates during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Steven Kampfer (43) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with teammates during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

While the New York Rangers have the record of a top NHL contender, the team’s playoff expectations need to be reasonably low due to the roster’s construction. Here are five reasons the Rangers are not Cup contenders.

The New York Rangers have been a playoff team for much of their recent history. Perennially considered Cup contenders, they have yet to reach the sixteen wins necessary to win the Stanley Cup since 1994. This year, expectations amongst fans and league pundits alike are the same as they’ve been for a while now: Cup or bust.

The Rangers’ scoring depth, as well as their faith in Henrik Lundqvist, may give them a chance to win this year. However, there are way too many question marks because of how the team was built to call them a true contender.

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