(This picture has nothing to do with the article, but I had to post it.)
That's the record I believe the New York Rangers will end up with. I'm not bashing the team by any means. I'm not disregarding the great training camp they had. I'm not ignoring how rookie C Derek Stepan stepped up, showed amazing poise for a 20 year old rookie, and could potentially end up being the No. 1 Center in a few months. I'm not withholding how good the signing of Alexander Frolov has looked so far and could go down as the best bargain signing of the entire NHL offseason. I'm not forgetting that this team still has arguably the best goalie in Henrik Lundqvist, and best pure sniper in Marian Gaborik. I'm not intentionally bypassing the young core of Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, and Girardi, who may be the key to the Rangers season this year.
But what I am concerned with is, despite the team's improvements, I don't see them THAT MUCH better than last year's squad. Is Steve Eminger the answer to our 7th defenseman prayers? No. If Christensen and Stepan struggle as the No. 1 centers, then the Rangers will still be without one. Will the defense be more physical, and clear the crease more this year? I'm not sold on that. A lot of pieces will have to fall into place for the Rangers to be successful this season, however any team could make that argument.
My biggest concern is how other teams in the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division have improved MORE, virtually across the board. If the Rangers find a way to get off to a hot start AND stay consistent through the middle part of the season, then their record will be much better.
Until then, the numbers remain.
I agree, the Rangers over the last 4 years have been hot start-mediocre-great finish.....last year it caught up to them....my darkhorse pick is Michael Del Zotto: 11-41 52 points.
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