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New York Rangers: What’s missing from the rebuild

By Steve Paulus

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Lias Andersson #50 of the New York Rangers skates against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 17, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Lias Andersson #50 of the New York Rangers skates against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 17, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers lifts the Stanley Cup aloft after his team defeated the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, June 14, 1994. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
Hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers lifts the Stanley Cup aloft after his team defeated the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, June 14, 1994. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

What’s missing?

There is one common denominator if you look at Stanley Cup winning teams. Every championship team has had at least one superstar, a player who can put the team on his shoulders and get to the next level.

In 1994 it was Mark Messier.  Who can ever forget his hat trick in game six against the Devils? Messier, along with Brian Leetch and Mike Richter elevated their play and brought the Cup home to Broadway.

Just look at the teams that have won the Stanley Cup over the last ten years.  Every team has had at least two players who warrant consideration for the Hall of Fame.

  • 2018 – Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom
  • 2016 & 2017 – Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel
  • 2015 – Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa
  • 2014 – Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Quick
  • 2013 – Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa
  • 2012 – Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Quick
  • 2011 – Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, Marc Savard
  • 2010 – Jonathan Toews,Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa
  • 2009 – Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin

The simple fact is that the New York Rangers have one sure Hall of Famer in an aging Henrik Lundqvist.  After that, no one is even close to be considered a candidate.

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