The New York Rangers 10th ranked power play in the NHL last season should be even more consistent due to new players
The New York Rangers have consistently made the playoffs for the past decade, only missing the playoffs once in the last ten years. But time after time, they’ve failed to win Stanley Cup for the same reason. When they’ve needed goals, they’ve come up with goose eggs. The Ranger power play has consistently been a sore spot in the playoffs.
But this season, the Rangers have the tools to give their power play a boost. Specifically, the power play will have better players to run the points, Kevin Shattenkirk and should he garner enough playing time, Anthony DeAngelo.
The Rangers power play int he past has lacked quality right handed shots . This often forced five left-handed shots on the ice at once, which limited playmaking opportunities. With both defenseman shooting from the starboard side, the power play should be less agonizing.
Now the team has two right-handed defensemen with above average puck handling ability in Shattenkirk and DeAngelo.
As with most usage issues the Rangers have, it will ultimately be head coach Alain Vigneault’s decision. Coach Vigneault will have to do what he hates, not leaning on “his guys.”
Although Ryan McDonagh is the best defenseman on the team, he doesn’t excel on the man advantage. McDonagh looks uncomfortable walking the blue line. McDonagh panics, either forcing a pass that gets intercepted or takes a low quality shot.
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The Shiny New Toys
This is where the shiny new toys come into play. Shattenkirk is a true power play specialist, who has had 25 points on the man advantage for four consecutive seasons. The right-handed defenseman from New Rochelle is a lock to start on the power play. The other point man, based on history will probably be Mats Zuccarello.
Now, for DeAngelo to be a member of the power play he has to actually crack the starting lineup. In the first pre-season game DeAngelo exhibited the traits that made him a first-round pick, his smooth skating, and fluidity with the puck was a breath of fresh air for a team that has struggled to transition from offense to defense.
Of course, as Ranger fans know, Vigneault’s lineup decisions are not always a science. DeAngelo could also fail to start 40 games and get marooned between the AHL and the press box like he did with Arizona.
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But, logic says the Rangers didn’t move Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta for a draft pick and a seventh defenseman. For the first time in recent memory, the power play should be a source of excitement, not dread. Someone cue up Master Of Puppets.