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New York Rangers: Midterm report card

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: The New York Rangers salute the crowd after defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: The New York Rangers salute the crowd after defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden /

We are halfway through the 2019-20 season for the New York Rangers.  That means it’s time to grade the players on their 41 game performance.

Halfway into the season and there have been numerous storylines.  The relative youth of this team has been reflected in the games they have played.  There have been pond hockey goal explosions, diligent defensive efforts, stirring comebacks and total disasters. The New York Rangers have won games they should have lost and lost games they should have won. It’s been an interesting season to say the least.

These grades are very subjective.  Age and experience has to be taken into account.  Expectations going into the season are a factor, but not the determining one.

Goalies

Alexandar Georgiev, Grade B-  

Quarter season grade B: 5-4-1 record, 3.42 GAA, .903 Save Percentage, 309 shots against
Midseason record:  10-9-1 record, 3.17 GAA, .909 Save Percentage, 639 shots against

Georgiev continues to grow as a goaltender.  His numbers have improved from the quarter mark, but he has been more inconsistent.  He’s starting to show some frustration over the lack of defensive support combined with the spectre of Igor Shesterkin looming. When he is at his best, he is a top NHL goalie.  At his worst, he is susceptible to bad goals.  Is he trade bait?  Not until after the season is over.

Henrik Lundqvist, Grade B

Quarter season grade B+: 5-5-1 record, 3.37 GAA, . 909 Save Percentage, 450 shots against
Midseason record:  9-9-3 record, 3.10 GAA, .910 Save Percentage, 774 shots against

Henrik Lundqvist is in the twilight of his career, yet he is still one of the better goalies in the NHL and can steal games. He’s facing over 30 shots a game and every game is a struggle considering the team in front of him.  With the arrival of Igor Shesterkin, he will be facing even more questions moving forward.   He has clearly benefited from the lighter workload, but with a three goal system, how will he respond to an even lighter load?

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