New York Rangers: Five thoughts following a huge weekend

New York, New York

Make no mistake about it. Kevin Shattenkirk would not be a Ranger if they played anywhere other than New York. It’s a stroke of tremendous luck for the Rangers, one that I’m thrilled they took advantage of. I like to look at it as karma for Eric Staal being related to Marc Staal. Regardless, the Rangers benefited big time from their location.

Now, it’s up to the Rangers to make the signing worthwhile. Not many teams receive opportunities like this, and fewer teams possess top fours like the top four the Rangers own now.

Ryan McDonagh is one of the premier two-way defensemen in the game. Kevin Shattenkirk is a power-play quarterback who excels in all areas of the game. Brady Skjei finished third in 5v5 assists among NHL defensemen in his first full season in the NHL. Brendan Smith is the shutdown defenseman the Rangers always thought they had in Dan Girardi.

Kevin Shattenkirk turned the Rangers from pretenders to contenders, all because he loves New York. Sing it, Frank.