New York Rangers 2017-18 Season: Stanley Cup or just another bust?

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 22: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers looks on against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2017 in New York City. The New York Islanders won 3-2. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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.

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