New York Rangers: 5 ways to have successful season without a Cup title

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MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 20: The New York Rangers celebrate an overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 20, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Maintain the success seen in past seasons

Though this may be obvious, it should be mentioned.

Finishing this season in a similar position seen in years past is important. It establishes consistency, and being consistent is one of the most important aspects of hockey. This means that to be consistent, the Rangers should aim to reach the playoffs and make another run for a Cup.

The Rangers have made the playoffs for the past seven straight seasons, and this season meeting or exceeding what they accomplished last season will be even more important.

Being able to be a threat again will signify that the Rangers can be successful despite questions that have come with the changes management made to the roster this offseason. It will show that the Rangers can still play to the high standards they have set for the last four seasons under head coach Alain Vigneault.

One of the most important players in all of this will be Henrik Lundqvist. He will be looking for his 12th 30-win season in 13 years.

Lundqvist’s consistent play has a direct impact on the Rangers’ success. If he maintains the level of play seen in seasons past, he will Rangers lead his team to another run, as he has done so many times before.

Being able to reach these previously set milestones will be important for the Rangers to mark where they stand in relation to how they have performed in seasons past and to ensure they are not taking steps backwards.

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