The New York Rangers have found the “it” factor

The New York Rangers need to watch for splinters

The growing chip on the current teams shoulder has brought them too unexpected heights so far this season. Many changes have occurred since the team headed into the final games of the season last year. John Davidson and Jeff Gorton are out and Chris Drury is in as President and General Manager. Following that change, Drury has taken to shake up the roster to make the team tougher. He also changed coaches, replacing David Quinn with Gerard Gallant.

All of these actions have shaped the team into who they are this season. Though, Many will point out that the teams analytics are poor and their continued success is unsustainable. That they are being held afloat by superior goaltending and special teams. These arguments are simultaneously both true and false. The Rangers are winning with excellent goaltending and special teams, but there is something more at play.

In comparison to last year, the team now surrenders more shots against and has scored fewer goals, on a game-by-game average. Yet, this team continues to secure win after win. Conversely, last years team fell apart when trailing and was unable to consistently mount comebacks. They also provided the fanbase with regular heart attacks while protecting a late lead. Though the team statistically played well for most of the year, they could not secure the results. They simply did not have “it”.