New York Rangers: The post lockout march madness bracket region 1

New York Rangers: The post lockout march madness bracket building block region

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 19: Brett Howden #21, Vladislav Namestnikov #90 and Vinni Lettieri #95 of the New York Rangers talk during a break in the action against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on March 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Building blocks

So, in the building block region, we have players that came to prominence within the Rangers organization since the 2013 lockout-shortened season. This region has the most heavy-hitters and some of the most important players in the team’s history. This is the group that were the backbone of the team’s success this decade.

Number 1 seed Ryan McDonagh VS Number 16 seed Brian Boyle

When it comes to the Rangers success, no skater was more important than defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Without the University of Wisconsin product, the team’s defense would’ve had little in the way of high-end talent as it does now. With the former captain, the Rangers had a defenseman to rely on for close to 30 minutes per night in the postseason.

As a drastic uphill battle as possible, former Ranger and current Nashville Predator Brian Boyle played the better part of five seasons in New York as a depth forward. In key situations, the center could be depended on to take important faceoffs and was the focal point of the team’s fourth line when it went to the 2014 Stanley Cup final.

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