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New York Rangers – Six Questions Going Into Round Two

By Ben Whitney

Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) prepares for the face-off against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) prepares for the face-off against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Key Forwards Provide More Offense?

The Rangers didn’t get much offense in the first round from several key forwards, including Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, JT Miller, and Kevin Hayes. These players were pressing and struggled to create scoring chances.

Kreider and Miller took bad penalties that could’ve cost the team. Miller tried too many high risk passes that did not connect. For much of the series, Stepan look indecisive and Hayes was too passive. All four had only one assist and no goals until Stepan’s empty netter.

In Game 6, Miller and Hayes played well and Stepan got the clinching empty net goal. This could give them some confidence going into the series against the Senators. They should have more open ice against Ottawa and the Rangers need more from them.

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