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New York Rangers: Five things the Rangers need to go their way

By Nicholas Zararis

VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 9: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on from the bench from the bench during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena December 9, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 9: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on from the bench from the bench during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena December 9, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 09: Brady Skjei
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 09: Brady Skjei /

Brady Skjei doesn’t regress-

Brady Skjei’s rookie season in New York was a splendid opening act. However Skjei’s new roomate, Kevin Hayes, could tell him that the sophomore season isn’t a picnic.

The former Minnesota Gopher defenseman forced his way up the depth chart with his solid defensive play and offensive touch. The rookie had 39 points in 80 games and did so with limited power play time.

Furthermore, he will definitely have a better defensive partner than he did for a majority of last season. As part of the defensive corps overhaul, Skjei should slide in with his partner from the playoffs last year, Brendan Smith.

Smith told SNY last spring “Skjei makes his game a lot easier,” and that ” he’s wiser than his age.”

With a full season working together, the most consistent defensive pair from last year’s playoffs should only improve.

If Skjei embraces his inner Michael Del Zotto, all bets are off.

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