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

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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 /

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.

Mar 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Backes (42) is called for goaltender interference against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the xx period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Weaknesses

The biggest roadblock the Rangers have to their Stanley Cup dreams is their own defense. It is no secret that the defense is one of the poorest in the league and that the pieces at play don’t fit the style the Rangers play either.

Players like Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Kevin Klein need to be replaced with defensemen that can skate and move the puck before the team can truly be considered a contender under Vigneault. This defense gives up way too many shots for a contender.

Jun 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault during practice the day before game one of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Lack of Accountability

Alain Vigneault’s biggest criticism is his selective accountability amongst his players, as well as his discrepancy in trust between veterans and youth. This can cause some major problems down the stretch and into the playoffs.

If Alain Vigneault decides that veteran mistakes on a consistent basis are not punishable, while mistakes by young players are cause for benching, the Rangers will have a short playoff run. An optimal lineup cannot be compromised because Vigneault prefers particular players.

A major example of this was Vigneault replacing Pavel Buchnevich with Tanner Glass on the second line against Carolina. A move like this, especially late in a game, forces a less than optimal lineup, along with an enforcer playing with skill players and effectively killing all line chemistry on the ice.

Dec 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) reacts after stealing the puck from Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta (3) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries

The Rangers have been plagued by injuries this year, and if that pattern continues, it can be a major problem for them in the playoffs. While injuries are a totally random occurrence and can stop or start trend-wise very suddenly, it is still something the team needs to be aware of.

Should that pattern continue, the Rangers do not have adequate place savers in their “Black Aces”. Losing top line forwards would take away from the Rangers biggest strength and make their chances of winning in the playoffs much smaller.

There was a point where the Rangers played without five regulars in the lineup last week. If they seriously want to contend, they need to get healthy, and fast.

Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner (40) reacts after scoring a shorthanded goal on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) in the third period at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Scoring Trends

One of the biggest stories of the Rangers’ season has been Michael Grabner. The expected fourth liner and penalty killer has become the Rangers leading goal scorer this year with 27 goals.

Though he has been great all season, his scoring has waxed and waned and, while his scoring is almost exclusively at even strength–he does not have one power play goal this season–has been impressive all year, it cannot be expected to continue in a hostile playoff environment.

This is not only a concern with Grabner. The Rangers need to buckle down defensively to counteract any potential dips in scoring quality come postseason play. With a defense that is lackluster at best, this is not likely.

Mar 13, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Divisional Rivals Outclass Rangers

While the Rangers record indicates that they are a strong team, their playoff opponents are much stronger in most other aspects than they are.

The Rangers will have to get past the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Eastern Cup favorite Washington Capitals, and the surprisingly strong Columbus Blue Jackets. With all of the Rangers other concerns considered, these opponents seem twice as big and twice as hard.

Next: Rangers' Goaltending Coach Benoit Allaire is a Wizard

For this reason, many fans and analysts are hoping that the Rangers fall into the top wild card slot so they can go through the Atlantic Division route in the playoffs. Right now, they are 4 points clear of the third place Blue Jackets for the Wild Card position.

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