Bright Lights, Not So Bright Future

The 2010-11 New York Rangers once again, rode their star goaltender to a playoff spot, but had to wait until the last day to find out.  Once there, they were promptly taken out in five games in the first round. Great goaltending can only go so far, but without a decent offensive output, the Rangers are doomed.  The goaltending in question?  Henrik Lundqvist, and on an elite team, he can put a team over the top.  On the Rangers, he has been the only reason the Rangers are even in the playoff race annually.  To fix what ails the offense, the Rangers went out and got the big fish in this year's free agent pool in Brad Richards.  If healthy, he could be a major help in that regard.  The problem?  He hasn't always been healthy, which is to say that Rangers fans will undoubtedly be rubbing rabbit's feet twice as much with Richards and Marian Gaborik.  That, more than the pressure, will be something to watch for with Richards, who does bring big game experience with him, having won a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe in 2004.  Derek Stepan was a revelation as a rookie last year, and certainly, he will be under pressure to increase production this year.  However, with Richards on board, Stepan won't have to shoulder the load alone, which should help in furthering his development.

Prediction: 8th in East

Movie: The New York Ripper

New York is a much different place at night, and certainly, the Rangers are a much different team this year, with Richards and Michael Rupp on board, as well as (gasp) the Rangers spending wisely.