The New York Rangers have leadership, they just have to step up to the plate

With the absence of a Tea, Captain since December 8, when Jacob Trouba was dealt to Anaheim, the New York Rangers have had a “lack” of leadership. But, with the veterans on this roster, that shouldn’t be the case. 

The leadership needed to push this team into the playoffs and have a deep playoff run cannot be acquired at the Trade Deadline. Instead, they need their current group to step up and get this team together. 

Who exactly are the leaders and what can they do to improve their standing for the playoffs? 

Zibanejad, Kreider and Shesterkin

Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Igor Shesterkin are the leadership group that needs to step up. These veteran players have been to the big dance before, and despite being unable to lift the Stanley Cup themselves, they have come close. 

The reason why these three should be highlighted is because they have been in the Rangers leadership group for several years. Zibanejad has been a voice to the media and in the locker room. Kreider has been a mentor for a lot of the younger players, like Alexis Lafreniere. And for Shesterkin, much like Henrik Lundqvist’s aura, he is a leader of this team without even speaking a word. 

Why is leadership the most important thing the Rangers need right now

Leadership is the only thing missing from giving this team a legitimate chance to be a Stanley Cup contender. Especially now, with the huge injury to star defenseman Adam Fox, this team is going to be in disarray for the last and most crucial part of the season. These previously mentioned leaders need to step up to the plate and keep the focus on the playoffs.

There is only so much General Manager Chris Drury and Head Coach Peter Laviolette can say to these guys to keep them motivated and in check. These players need to feed off of each other and listen to a fellow teammate, rather than a coach.