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New York Rangers: Reasons not to Worry About the Defense in the Playoffs

By Alexandra Russo |
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) celebrates with Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) after defeating the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) celebrates with Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) after defeating the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

The postseason is right at the New York Rangers’ fingertips, and pressure is building. The defense has been at the forefront of concern for the team for a while and there are legitimate reasons for this concern. However, it is important to remember all they have been through and the talent they possess, despite not showing it every night.

Since the beginning of the regular season, the New York Rangers have considered themselves an offense-based team. They are right in stating this, but the NHL is not easy on teams without a solid defense.

What the Rangers don’t realize is that they do possess a hard-working defense. Their defense works in conjunction with their offensive mindset. Also, they pride themselves on being a fairly young team, which some of their defenders are. Here are a few reasons not to worry:

Mar 12, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Rangers players celebrate a goal by defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) as Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) reacts in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports.
Mar 12, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Rangers players celebrate a goal by defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) as Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) reacts in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports. /

5. Skilled Offense

What’s the best way to not be concerned about the defense? Concentrate on the offense, of course!

The New York Rangers are an offensive team, and there is no doubt about that. Their skill up front will definitely be able to take away from any insecurities on the back end.

The Rangers maintained a top five position in scoring throughout nearly the entire regular season. There were points when it wasn’t as productive, and the defense was able to keep the games at a low score. However, the most important thing to remember is that so long as the offense can maintain their high-scoring, the defense won’t have to work as hard.

Feb 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) is called for tripping on Calgary Flames left wing Micheal Ferland (79) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports.
Feb 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) is called for tripping on Calgary Flames left wing Micheal Ferland (79) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports. /

4. Blocked Shots

In a league of numerous chances and skilled forwards, one of the most important things to have is a defense that can block shots. Players such as Dan Girardi, who mainly receive a lot of negative attention, are surprisingly quite good at this.

Of course, the Rangers’ trusty Ryan McDonagh is at ninth in the league in blocked shots. Girardi is not far behind him in 14th place. This is a valuable asset to have, and it will come in handy come playoff time.

Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports. /

3. Brady Skjei

23-year-old Skjei has brought more to the table than the New York Rangers could have hoped for. He is consistent and is a solid defenseman that has the ability to produce a great amount of offense.

In 77 games played this season, he has recorded five goals and an impressive 33 assists for a grand total of 38 points. He is currently tied with Rick Nash in ninth place in points on the team. Nobody expected him to replace Keith Yandle’s offensive production on the back end and he has pretty much done that, while playing a much better defensive game. His young talent will bring the team far in the postseason.

Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports. /

2. Ryan McDonagh

Arguably the most valuable asset for the Rangers is their captain, Ryan McDonagh. He has been with the team through thick and thin and continues to help in every way possible.

Consistency, work ethic, and a considerable amount of ice time per night have earned him his impressive statistics. McDonagh is currently sixth on the team in points with 40. He has registered five goals and 35 assists, and if he continues his spectacular play, he will lead his team to greatness.

McDonagh has missed the last few games with an undisclosed injury, but Alain Vigneault has maintained the position that it isn’t too serious. He is day-to-day and will be ready to go for game one of the playoffs.

Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates with center Mika Zibanejad (93) and right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) after an open net goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. The Rangers won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports.
Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates with center Mika Zibanejad (93) and right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) after an open net goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. The Rangers won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports. /

1. Playoff Experience

The Rangers have made quite a few runs in the past few seasons, including to the Stanley Cup Finals against the team pictured above, the Kings. These extended playoff runs will help the defense in their pursuit for the ultimate prize this season.

To pinpoint one player in particular that will lead the team all the way is impossible, but the defense as a whole has known each other for many years for the most part. There is chemistry in the lineup because of this.

Next: New York Rangers: Will Tanner Glass Be In The Playoff Lineup?

Experience is key, and the Rangers have played more than enough postseason games recently for them to know how much it matters. It will lead them far because they have faith in each other that they know how to accomplish the Stanley Cup.

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