New York Rangers: Why lofty expectations can actually happen

There is a lot to expect from the New York Rangers this season. Many see them as a team that can build on progress, and that they are in the final steps of their accelerated rebuild that started in 2017. But, are they a Stanley Cup Contender? No, not yet.

The Rangers are still one of the youngest teams in the league, with a lack of postseason experience.  Even if the team makes it to the playoffs, which is the realistic expectation, May and June are a whole different animal, and the Blueshirts might find themselves at an experience gap with the likes of the Islanders, Hurricanes, Capitals, and Penguins, depending on which teams make the cut.

It’s also hard to predict how many Rangers will last the full season. Igor Shesterkin has struggled with lower body issues, and after signing the second-largest contract in NHL history for a goalie on his second deal, one can only hope for him to make it through the season without missing a serious amount of time. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider have both missed periods of time due to injuries and there is a question about whether they can stay healthy.

Also, Rangers fans, be aware of falling into the trap which is putting too much pressure on the young guys. A lot of people expect Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko to breakout this year and be the team’s “X-factors”, but at the same time if they start off slow, they will be the center of a lot of criticism.

The team went into the off-season with the mentality to get tougher, and some fear this will hurt the team, rather than help them. Also, can the team make up for off-season losses, such as Pavel Buchnevich?

There are a few fears going into this season, and a realistic expectation for the Rangers would be clinching a playoff spot. The team is too young and inexperienced to be called a contender for the Stanley Cup.

Lofty Expectations

New York should not be considered a Stanley Cup contender. But, if they make it to the playoffs, who says they can’t make a run. Three main reasons why they can:

1. It’s obvious that New York is loaded with talent. It came to fruition last season that on any night, the team can explode and put five plus goals on the board, and with serviceable goaltending from a hopefully elite goalie tandem along with an improved defense led by Adam Fox, this can get New York some wins in the playoffs if they get there.
2. What if the new, “tougher” acquisitions work out? Who says that Barclay Goodrow, Ryan Reaves, and Sammy Blais (who showed a lot of talent on his goal vs New Jersey) can’t produce some offense, make the team a bit tougher on the defensive side and do the “dirty work” that the Rangers missed last year. If they fill this role, New York can be formidable to play against.
3. It’s been done before, dark horse teams that make a deep run in the playoffs. You don’t have to look so far, the Montreal Canadiens, who had less points in the regular season than the Rangers last year, made the Stanley Cup Final. Why can’t the Rangers make a run if they get into the playoffs?

Are the Rangers a Cup contender? No. Would they be scary to play in meaningful games if they’re on the right stride? Yes.

Give it time and we’ll see how it all unfolds.