2012-13 record: 26-18-4 (56 points)
Lost to Boston in Conference semi-finals
Captain: Ryan Callahan
With John Tortorella coaching the Rangers, it was only a matter of time until the wheels came off the bus, and the shortened 2012-13 season was the time. The lowest point was a pitiful showing against Boston in the playoffs, which led to the ouster of Tortorella and the arrival of Alain Vigneault, who should provide a more up-tempo approach to the game. That's the good news for Henrik Lundqvist, who has had to steal games for the Rangers on a nightly basis and for the blue line that will benefit from having to block fewer shots. Offensively, Rick Nash scored, but was not nearly as present when the games counted the most, and now, he will have to score without Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin and possibly Derek Stepan if he isn't signed on time. Derrick Brassard played well after coming over in a mid-season trade, but he has to keep it going over a full season. All eyes are on Brad Richards, who had his worst season, as he was relegated to the fourth line and was a healthy scratch for most of the Boston series. Defense should be a strength once again, especially if Marc Staal can prove he's healthy after suffering an eye injury.
Prospects: With Stepan still unsigned as of press time, that could open the door for JT Miller to start the season with the team. Center is a sore point beyond Brassard, and Miller would be a leading candidate to fill the spot. Injuries to Callahan and Hagelin also mean openings for other forwards, meaning Danny Kristo and Jesper Fast are in line to fill those spots until they return from injury.
Prediction: 2nd in the Metro Division
Offense remains an issue, but a change in philosophy could help in that regard. Team defense should remain a strength and even benefit from having to block fewer shots. If the offense doesn't return, the Rangers could be in trouble, as they don't have the cap space to get a goal scorer.
No comments:
Post a Comment