2011-12 record: 51-24-7 (109 points)
Lost to New Jersey in Conference Finals
Captain: Ryan Callahan
The 2011-12 season was almost the smash hit the Rangers were hoping for, but cross-river rivals New Jersey ruined the ending. This year, the Rangers are once again the prohibitive favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference. No Marian Gaborik for a month? No problem, as the Rangers have Rick Nash at the expense of Brandong Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixon, all of which were expendable by Rangers' standards. The middle is quite strong, with Brad Richards, Derek Stepan, and Brian Boyle manning the top three lines. Nash, Gaborik (when he returns from injury), Ryan Callahan, Carl Hagelin, and rookie Chris Kreider make for an equally strong wing. Despite losing Erixon, the Rangers are still good on depth on the blue line, as Ryan McDonagh has emerged as a solid option. Dan Girardi sets the tone with his shot blocking prowess, and Marc Staal and Michael Del Zotto are the table setters for the forwards. A solid blue line is not wasted thanks to Henrik Lundqvist, who was finally recognized as the best goaltender last year with a Vezina Trophy, and he finally put most of the "can't perform in the playoffs" voices to bed with his performance last year.
Prediction: 1st in the East
Band: Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a lot of flash, but it is the not so noticeable quirks that make up their staying power, which has lasted for a while. The Rangers hope for a similar length of success, and they have all the tools to make it happen.
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