On Windows, and Such
For the last 4 years or so, the New York Rangers have quite enjoyed their accommodations on the bus that is the National Hockey League- sitting up front in First Class, just behind the yellow line that separates the passengers from the driver's seat and the door out to Paradise. Keeping them cool amid the ups and downs, sharp turns and bumps in the road on their journey has been a window- one thats view has symbolized the hope and belief that the time will come when they will reach their desired destination. In that time they have come close, but for one reason or another they ran out of gas prematurely.
But now the window that symbolized their belief and opportunity is slowly closing on them. Henrik Lundqvist, while still extremely handsome, is 33. The salary cap has already squeezed a fan favorite out of town. The core pieces are still in place to hold it open a while longer, but there are younger, hungry passengers (Islanders, Capitals, Blue Jackets) around them, ready to pounce on their open seat because the Blueshirts didn't call Fives.
I don't believe that this is the last gasp for this group. The majority of the group is still in, or just entering, their prime. This is a team that has largely remained entact, and has plenty of experience winning big hockey games. Still, salary cap restrictions and some up and coming teams around the league will surely make the Rangers' road to the Canyon of Heroes that much more daunting.
Your 2015-2016 New York Rangers
ADDITIONS: RW Emerson Etem, C Oscar Lindberg, LW Viktor Stalberg, C Jarrett Stoll, D Dylan McIlrath, G Antti Raanta
SUBTRACTIONS: RW Martin St. Louis, LW Carl Hagelin, D Matt Hunwick, C James Sheppard, G Cam Talbot, LW Tanner Glass (Shit.)
Thoughts: Well, I was right last year when I said that the idea of a "crippling roster turnover" was ridiculous. I stand by the same statement again this year.
- Sure, Marty St. Louis went 21/31/52 last season. Those are nearly identical numbers to what Brad Richards put up in his last season on Broadway (Beaver put up 20/31/51). Like Brad, MSL's loss will be felt more in the locker room than on the ice.
- I understand the need to move Hagelin, but it still hurts.
- Just as I said before last season, secondary scoring will be enormous in replacing the production that was let go. Further steps in development taken by Kreider, Miller, Hayes, Fast, and Lindberg will go a long way in determining how NYR does this season.
- Shout out to Cam "Goalbuster" Talbot for taking the reigns the way he did last season when Hank went down. Nobody could have anticipated that he'd backbone the Rangers toward a President's Trophy. Well deserving winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.
FORWARDS
Lines (when healthy)
Zuccarello-Brassard-Nash
Kreider-Stepan-Hayes
Stalberg-Lindberg-Miller
Fast-Moore-Stoll
Extras- Tanner Glass, Brian Gibbons
Note: The links in my analysis are clickable. Clicking them will take you places.
#16 Derick Brassard
14/15 stats: (19 G, 41 A)= 60 points
Projected 15-16 stats: (20 G, 38 A) = 58 points
Brass starting things off? That works. Derek took another big step forward last season, notching 60 points for the first time in his career. He accomplished this with consistent efforts each and every game during the year- something he was much maligned for NOT doing during his time in Columbus. Even without his Bash Brother, Zuc, for the majority of the playoffs, Brass still put up a team-leading 16 points in 19 postseason games, highlighted by a hat-trick in game 6 of the East Finals. The question of who will flank him along with Zuccarello, whether it be Hayes, Miller, or someone else, remains to be seen. Still very much in his prime at 28, the Rangers need another season of clutch goals, winning attitude, and 1C play from #16.
#96 Emerson Etem
14/15 stats: 45 GP (5 G, 5 A) = 10 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (8 G 10 A) = 18 points
The former first rounder (#29 overall in 2010), was acquired at the draft along with a 2nd round pick for Carl Hagelin. Etem lacks the hockey mind, speed, grinding skills, and flow of #62, and is not expected to step into Hag's role on the ice. Sather Gorton and Co. are investing in the raw skills of the youngster in the hopes that he can put his skill-set together and become the offensive weapon that he has shown flashes of. (Ok but seriously, click that link and watch that goal. Filthy.) An extremely underwhelming preseason had EE on the cusp of being cut from the roster, and it remains to be seen if he'll be a factor this season- or ever- for NYR.
#19 Jesper Fast
14/15 stats: 58 GP (6 G 8 A) = 14 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (10 G, 14 A) = 24 points
After struggling for consistent playing time early last season, Quickie soon became on of AV's most reliable defensive players, seeing the ice regularly to kill off penalties (he had an unbelievable streak without allowing a PPG while on the ice for the majority of the year) and protect leads late in games. An extremely smart, 2-way forward, Jesper's offense also began to kick in as he got more and more confident. He made key plays that led directly to the OT winners in both game 5 (knocks puck out of mid-air, great cross ice pass to Step) and game 7 (his help on the faceoff knocks the puck back to Yandle) against Washington. Jesper will be looked at to step into Hagelin's role this season.
#15 Tanner Glass
14/15 stats: (1 G, 5 A) = 6 points, -12
Projected 15/16 stats: (0 G, 1 A) = 1 point
He was a -12. And one time he scored a goal which is so rare that the coach laughed. He is really bad at hockey. My statement is backed by statistics.
#13 Kevin Hayes
14/15 stats: (17 G, 28 A) = 45 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (18 G, 35 A) = 53 points
I very much underestimated Kevin Hayes before last season. I won't do it again. Hayes may not be fleet of foot, but his puck skills are way above average, and I'm impressed with how he uses his big frame to protect the puck and maintain possession (very Jagr-like in the use of his ass to box-out defenders). Kevin was among the Rangers top point producers after the all-star break, but seemed to lose a step in the post season. Brutal on faceoffs (36.3%), and not exactly a defensive stalwart, AV is still trying to decide whether Hayes will be of more use down the middle on the 3rd line, or on the wing in the top-6. It looks like he will begin the season on the right side with Stepan and Kreider (3 nice American boys), but whether that sticks remains to be seen (I see him as a better fit down the middle, for now). Here's to hoping he can avoid the Sophomore slump and take the next step.
#20 Chris Kreider
14/15 stats: (21 G 25 A) = 46 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (31 G, 30A) = 61 points
Pundits around the league are point to CK as the breakout candidate on this team, and I don't disagree. The question is not whether Kreider has the tools to be a dominating force in this league, but rather if he can hone his talents and use them consistently in order to become a premier power forward. With a penchant for scoring big goals , the Rangers want to see CK use his rare combination of elite size and speed to wreck havoc on opposing defenses. AV will try to get him to harness some of his recklessness, but they certainly don't want him to lose his edge (see what I did there???). Look for #20 to put it all together this season, hitting 30 goals for the first (and definitely not the last) time.
#24 Oscar Lindberg
14/15 stats: Hartford (AHL) (28 G, 28 A)= 56 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (11 G, 14 A) = 25 points
My third favorite Oscar (behind him, and him), Lindberg came into training camp knowing that this was a make-or-break opportunity for him within this organization. Had he not earned a spot on the roster, Lindberg would have been subject to waivers upon his demotion, where he almost certainly would have been claimed by another club. Instead, Lindberg was a standout all pre-season long, showing excellent defensive poise along with some unexpected and impressive offensive instincts on his way to winning the Lars-Erik Sjoberg award (as chosen by NYR writers) as the best rookie in training camp. A former Swedish Elite League playoff MVP, and still only 23, Oscar will step into a bottom-6 role on this roster, and will be relied upon to provide some depth scoring.
#10 JT Miller
14/15 stats: 58 GP (10 G, 13 A) = 23 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (15 G, 18 A) = 33 points
I'm still not completely sure what to make of JT Miller. On some days he looks like he gets it- he's strong on the puck, skates well, and can make some top-notch plays in big moments. Other times he can look disinterested and disengaged, making some egregious turnovers in his own zone, and struggling to get involved in the flow of the game. Often in AV's doghouse, (as opposed to SOME PEOPLE), JT was expected to claim a top-6 role in alongside Stepan and Kreider coming out of training camp. However, some underwhelming play has miller currently slotted on the wing on the 3rd line instead. Look for JT to reclaim a top-6 role and improve on his all-around game.
#28 Dominic Moore
14/15 stats: (10 G. 17 A) = 18 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (8 G, 8 A) = 16 points
The unheralded Dominic Moore just keeps doing his thing. He is the kind of 4th liner that championship teams deploy with confidence. A solid penalty killer, good face-off man, and excellent forechecker, Moore had some rough stretches last year, due in large part to having to overcompensate for #15's miscues at both ends of the rink. Yet, Dom still managed to put up very respectable numbers from the 4C spot. The addition of Jarrett Stoll will take some of the PK and faceoff pressure off of his shoulders, and together (likely with Fast), they should make for a very reliable 4th line.
#61 Rick Nash
14/15 stats: (42 G, 27 A) = 69 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (35 G, 30 A) = 65 points
To start, can we stop the "Nash doesn't score in the playoffs" narrative? He had a gritty 14 points in 19 games while consistently matched up with each team's top D pairing. He went hard to the net, was a consistent threat offensively, and continued his stellar play in the defensive zone throughout. His regular season was certainly one to remember, lighting the lamp 42 times, many times in spectacular fashion. He is lethal on the penalty kill, but NYR would like some more production from him with the man advantage. Now 31, but with plenty left in the tank, the Blueshirts can't afford to have Nasher slow down any time soon. He is still the main scoring threat on this roster, and he will be asked to carry the load again this season, as he did for much of last year. A full season alongside Brassard and Zuccarello should help him maintain his scoring prowess.
#25 Viktor Stalberg
14/15 stats: (2 G 8 A) = 10 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (9 G, 14 A) = 25 points
Stalberg comes to NY after two disappointing and injury-ridden seasons in Nashville. A 22-goal scorer and Stanley Cup winner in 2011 with the Blackhawks, Stalberg was very impressive in training camp and preseason games in September. He has good wheels, is very solid on the PK, and has some offensive pop. He will fit very nicely into a bottom-6 role at the Garden this season, if he can stay healthy.
#21 Derek Stepan (A)
14/15 stats: 68 GP, (16 G, 39 A) = 55 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (21g G, 44 A) = 65 points
I'll just leave this here. Definitely one of the most memorable NYR goals I've seen.
Meanwhile, Derek started last season on the LTIR, but came back to post decent numbers in 68 games played. Still just 25 years old, Step is just at the beginning of his prime years, and should continue to get better. I have always likened his career trajectory to that of Marc Savard (very similar player), and Savard didn't really hit his peak until 27 or 28. Derek thinks the game a few moves ahead of the competition, has great vision, and an underrated shot. The kind of 1st line player who plays in all situations (PP, PK), I expect Stepan to be the catalyst for Kreider's breakout season.
OK, one more time.
OK, one more time.
#26 Jarrett Stoll
14/15 stats: (6 G. 11 A) = 17 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (6 G, 12 A) = 18 points
Keeping with the Rangers' pattern of signing one substance abuse arrestee per offseason (see: Malone, Ryan), the Rangers signed the veteran Stoll to a low-risk one year deal for $800,000. A premier faceoff taker and penalty killer, Stoll has 2 rings on his fingers for his contributions to the LA Kings' recent championships. Best known as "that hockey player who's dating Erin Andrews", Stoll has lost some of the speed and offensive production that made him an above average player in Edmonton, and later LA. Still, he can be counted on to win key faceoffs (a rare area in which NYR struggled last season) and provide some experienced leadership that left with Marty St Louis.
#36 Mats Zuccarello
14/15 stats: (15 G. 34 A) = 49 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (18 G, 39 A) = 57 points
As the Rangers season ended with a punchless 2-0 game 7 loss to the Lightning at Madison Square Garden, one couldn't help but wonder how different the outcome may have been had Mats Zuccarello not been hit in the head with a Ryan McDonagh shot in game 5 of the first round against Pittsburgh. The injury left Frodo in the hospital for three days with a fractured skull, and stories of his inability to regain his speech left the hockey community worrying about the Norwegian's life, let alone his hockey career. Five months later, Zuuuuuuuc was on time for training camp, uninhabited by any concerns or fears about his health. #36 was back to his old, feisty, play-making self in the preseason, and looks primed to continue his offensive wizardry alongside good friend Derick Brassard.
CALL UPS: Brian Gibbons, Adam Tambellini, Marek Hrvik
DEFENSE
Pairings
McDonagh - Girardi
Staal - Boyle
Yandle - Klein
Extras: Dylan McIlrath, Mat Bodie, Brady Skjei
It is rare in this salary-cap era for a team to retain all top-6 defensemen from season to season. The Rangers have managed to do so, keeping one of the league's top units completely intact, with a couple of quality youngsters waiting in the wings.
#22 Dan Boyle
14/15 stats: (9 G. 11 A) = 20 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (6 G, 17 A) = 25 points
Boyle's first season on Broadway was marred from the beginning with a broken hand sustained in game 1 of the season. Upon his return, the veteran was less than stellar, struggling with the puck in all 3 zones, and looking a few steps too slow for the pace of the game. The area in which he was supposed to help most, the Power Play, struggled for consistency for most of the year. In a move that seemed to signify NY's admittance that signing Boyle at the expense of Anton Stralman (oof) was a mistake, Keith Yandle was brought in at the trade deadline, taking Boyle's spot on the first PP unit. Boyle picked up his game in the postseason, however, and chipped in 10 points in 19 playoff contests. AV will monitor the 39-year old's minutes this year, but there's still hope that he has some juice left in those legs.
#5 Dan Girardi (A)
14/15 stats: (6 G. 14 A) = 20 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (7 G, 22) = 29 points
This was my Girardi breakdown from last year's preview. It has not changed. Some hate his contract, but tell me who you're getting for cheaper that plays the hard minutes that G does every night. Nobody, that's who. Oh, and he played through a Grade 1 MCL sprain in the East Final. The dude is a warrior.
"The Blueshirt Faithful are all over the board when it comes to their faith in Dan Girardi. Some say he makes poor reads and doesn't skate well enough to be a first pairing defenseman. Other people, who are actually watching the games, see the value that a player like G has to a winning team. He's an absolute workhorse, often playing hurt while going up against every team's top players night in and night out. He is physical and fearless in his own zone, and has a decent offensive skill set (as long as he's not on the Power Play). G is a steady force, allowing a blossoming Ryan Mcdonagh to feel confident enough to take chances and push his boundaries. He is part of this team's core, and will wear an "A" on his jersey this season."
#8 Kevin Klein
14/15 stats: (9 G. 17 A) = 26 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (5 G, 16 A) = 21 points
Before Alex Ovechkin broke his arm with a slapshot, Kevin Klein was enjoying a breakout season at The Garden. He more than doubled his previous career high in goals (9), including 4 game winners, and posted a +26 rating in 65 games. Probably rushed back into the lineup for the Washington series, Klein was not the same upon his return, posting a -1 rating, and not looking like his usual, steady self in his own zone in 14 playoff games. Klein has a reasonable cap it and is locked up for a few more years, making him on of the best 3rd pairing defensemen in the league. Look for Klein's offensive prowess to regress, but he will remain a steady presence on the Rangers' back line.
#27 Ryan McDonagh (C)
14/15 stats: (8 G. 25 A) = 33 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (14 G, 34 A) = 48 points
A year after appearing on the brink of NHL stardom, Mac Truck took a small step back last season. The captain missed some time with a shoulder injury, and appeared to take some time getting used to the weight of the "C" sewn into his jersey. An elite skater and defender who goes up against the opponent's top line every night, McD's offensive production took a hit as he seemed to overthink his play on the ice at times. A player who leads by example (and played 4 games in the playoffs with a fractured foot), #27 will get back on track this year, as the team will be counting on him to provide some scoring from the back line, much like this.
#6 Dylan McIlrath
14/15 stats: (6 G. 11 A) = 15 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (2 G, 10A) = 12 points
We know Dylan McIlrath can fight. The coaching staff knows Dylan McIlrath can fight. What the brass needed to see was whether Dylan McIlrath can play hockey. Early indications during his brief showing last season were not good. He was slow, indecisive, and had this happen. (By Vlad Tarasenko no less.. the player the Rangers should have selected instead of Dylan in the 2010 draft. OK, in fairness that wasn't really his fault as Michael Kostka AND Tanner Glass were on the ice at the same time... how does that even happen?) Anyway, The Undertaker came into camp with the same "Rangers or Waivers" (I just made that up) situation that Oscar Lindberg faced, and he did not disappoint. Dylan relied on his feet instead of his fists, looking much faster on the ice. He made confident, decisive plays on defense, and even look the pill deep into the O-zone a few times. He will start the season as the 7th defenseman, but he certainly looks ready for a regular role on the blueline.
#18 Marc Staal (A)
14/15 stats: (5 G. 15 A) = 20 points
Projected 15/16 stats: (7 G, 16 A) = 23 points
Make no mistake, Marc Staal has not been the same player since his gruesome eye injury in March 2013. He plays a bit more timid, gets caught flat-footed a bit more often, and has not rediscovered the potential offensive instincts he had once upon a time. Staal, who was a team worst-8 in the playoffs, played through a fractured ankle, which certainly had a lot to do with his poor showing. Nonetheless, Marc is a steady presence on the 2nd pairing, and the Rangers rewarded him with a 6-year deal worth $5.7 million per. While that is a large figure for a #3D, the Rangers like to view him as more of a #2B. Had Staal departed, there would have been a very large hole to fill in the top-4. Instead, the hope is that the comfort and security of his contract will help Staal rekindle the confidence in his game.
#93 Keith Yandle
14/15 stats: 21 GP (2 G. 9 A) = 11 points.
Projected 15/16 stats: (10 G, 42 A) = 52 points
Keith Yandle has been a top point-producing defenseman in this league for some time now. However, in his past 2 seasons he has a combined -49 rating (including a +6 in 21 games with NYR). Reading into that, part of his offensive prowess in Arizona came from a lack of responsibility in his own zone. In his time with the Blueshirts, Yandle will be mostly sheltered on the 3rd pair defensively, and let loose with the man advantage. Yandle is a premium PMD (puck-moving defenseman), who makes a great first pass out of the zone and has the instincts to read a play and join the rush at the appropriate time. He took some time to adjust to his new surroundings last season, but settled in nicely with 11 points in 19 playoff games playing with a sprained shoulder. A full season with him on the blueline should bode well for NY, and for Yandle- who is in a contract year. (Notice how I made it through that entire post without mentioning Anthony Duclair. SHIT!)
Next: Dylan McIlrath, Mat Bodie, Brady Skjei
GOALTENDING
#32 Antti Raanta
14/15 stats: 14 GP, 7-4-1, 1.89 GAA, .936 SV%, 2 SO
Projected 15/16 stats: 22 GP 12-7-3, 2.71 GAA, .919 SV%, 2 SO
While the Rangers will certainly miss the steadiness and consistency of Cam Talbot, it is unlikely that his replacement, Antti Raanta, will be thrust into the position of importance that Cam was last season. Still, NYR needs a quality backup in order to give The King the rest he needs during the season in order to be in top form come Spring. Raanta, who has a 20-9-5 career record in two seasons with Chicago, should be a option on the nights Hank is off.
#30 Henrik Lundqvist
14/15 stats: 46 GP, 30-13-3, 2.38 GAA, .921 SV%, 5 SO
Projected 15/16 stats: 60 GP 32-22-6, 2.38 GAA, .922SV%, 5 SO
He is STILL The King. But now, at age 33, the question of Henrik's regression becomes a viable topic. Is this year or next year the season where the reflexes that he relies upon so much get a little too slow? Or is he a rare goaltender like Dominic Hasek who can play the game at a top-level into his late 30's? I believe and hope he's the latter, but this question will be answered sooner rather than later. For now, he remains at the top of his game, and he is more motivated than ever to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.
CALL UPS: Magnus Hellberg, Mackenzie Skapski
PREDICTION: 44-29-9, 97 points, 2nd in Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference Finals.
