New York Rangers 2017-18 Season: Stanley Cup or just another bust?
The New York Rangers have made 14 playoff appearances in the last 23 years since they won the Stanley Cup in 1993 – 94. In fact, the Rangers have made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons — yet they have failed to come out with a title.
In these last seven seasons, the Rangers have lost in the first round twice, have lost in the Conference semi-finals twice, in the conference finals twice and in the Stanley Cup finals once.
There has been one season in Henrik Lundqvist’s 12 years on the team that the Rangers missed the playoffs. But despite this, they are still looking for their second title.
We all know Henrik Lundqvist deserves a Stanley Cup, but it’s about getting him one. The team improved drastically in some areas, while they lost some talent in others. The swapping of Kevin Shattenkirk in for Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi out should be an interesting storyline to watch. Regardless, the Rangers will look to make the postseason again, and if they do, they will have high hopes.
Every postseason starts out with hope, but ultimately the story ends the same.
Here we look at whether this will finally be the Rangers year or if they’ll fall short yet again.
What they’ve got going for them: Defense
This offseason brought a lot of change to the roster defensively. For the first time in years, it seems like the Rangers actually have too many options on the defensive end of the ice.
The buyout of Dan Girardi allowed the Rangers space to pick up a seasoned NHL defenseman with an offensive upside in Kevin Shattenkirk. He is a consistent player with good shot suppression numbers but can also generate offense. He is the type of player that the Rangers have needed for years.
The addition of Shattenkirk alongside players like Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei, and Brendan Smith has allowed the Rangers to create a core on their defense.
They also have promising young players that have stepped up this preseason. Defensively speaking, Neal Pionk played a great game against the New York Islanders, scoring the game-winning overtime goal for the Rangers.
Additionally players like Alexei Bereglazov, Sean Day and Ryan Gropp have also been talked about as options that are close to NHL ready (though Day was sent back down to the minors on Friday.
Also, Anthony DeAngelo, who was added to the roster this offseason, looked good in his first outing despite some concerns about his steadiness on the defensive end.
This gives the Rangers a lot of options. Options are always good. Options are especially good when you have two defensemen from last year’s roster who seem like they just can’t keep up anymore.
And these defensemen will be key if the Rangers want a shot at a title.
What they’ve got going for them: Youth
Last year’s offensive overhaul big impact on the number of young players in starting positions for the Rangers. Only three of the Rangers players who were on the roster last season are over the age of 30 (Mats Zuccarello, Marc Staal and Nick Holden).
The Rangers have a group of young players on their roster that have made multiple, consecutive playoff appearances. It will be key for those who have the experience to really step up and make an impact. These players have to drive the production and consistency needed in the playoffs.
Additionally, over the last few years, the Rangers have managed to create a solid foundation of young players currently coming through their system.
The aforementioned defensive prospects are one thing, but the Rangers two first round picks this season — Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil — have a chance of making the roster.
In the past, the Rangers have struggled to maintain a future that looks bright and were geared toward more of a win-now attitude. The more balanced approach they have taken in the last few seasons is something that will pay off for them.
The continued development of the young players on the roster — especially those who are taking on more responsibility — will lead to postseason success.
Where they could run into problems
There is no question that there are issues that the New York Rangers face when it comes to how the Rangers will structure their offense.
With questions as to how Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes will slot into the first and second center positions, respectively, and with questions as to who will fill the third and fourth, the Rangers need to address this as soon as possible.
In the past there have been times where the Rangers have been able to keep up with their opponents in the postseason. They are a team that time and time again shows resilience. Yet somehow they still manage to fall short.
If they want Establishing a strong offense that can produce in every round in the playoffs will be one of the most important aspects for the Rangers in the 2017-18 season.
The biggest problem in postseasons past
In the last few seasons, it seems that the Rangers biggest downfall has been not being able to maintain consistency in the playoffs.
There are games where they come out looking strong and others where they look flat. And this translates from just games into series.
The playoffs are obviously the time where the game gets the most greuling. The seven game series alongside the do-or-die circumstances lead to fast games, big hits and ultimately a toll on players’ performances.
However, confidence also plays a big part in the way a team looks on the ice. When a team is playing to win, they look like it.
The last two years, the Penguins have walked through the playoffs looking like they were going to make the finals, and at least potentially win the game.
The Rangers need to find this confidence, to avoid playing flat games. This will get them a title that they have been looking for for the last 23 years.
Final thoughts
The Rangers need to use the strengths this season. That is what is going to give them the biggest shot at a Stanley Cup.
There are teams in the past that have not always been completely balanced that have gone on to win Cups. The Blackhawks that won three titles in five years had an extremely strong defense with some stars who performed when they needed to. The Penguins have won two Cups in two years because of their offensive talent.
This could bode well for the Rangers. If they are extremely solid on the defensive end, they can be successful. Their defense is extremely important in not just stopping goals, but also in generating offense.
Having Henrik Lundqvist in net always gives them a shot at a cup. But this year with some pressure off his shoulders he will likely be even better.
The Rangers need to focus on maintaining momentum. This is something that in years past they have simply failed to do.
This aspect will stem from the players that Alain Vigneault chooses to put on the ice.
Next: Where is the offense coming from?
Whatever players, whatever pairings, whoever they opponent they need to step out with confidence and drive every game — even in those they lose — if they want to get their hands on a title.
The Rangers will absolutely contend for a Cup again this year. The success will come if they play their cards right.