2013-14 record: 45-31-6 (96 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Stanley Cup Finals
Captain: TBA
The improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals for the New York Rangers should in theory, be a springboard to better things. However, a deflating five game loss to the Los Angeles Kings could say something different. A team that wasn't expected to advance very far in the playoffs, they exceeded expectations, and now that the Rangers have an idea of what to expect from Alain Vigneault, it will be up to the Rangers to put it all together to finish their business.
Offensively, the Rangers had a hard time in the regular season, as Mats Zuccarello led the team in scoring (of all the players that were there the entire season). Rick Nash scored 26 goals, but his disappearing act in the playoffs underscores the fact that he still hasn't done enough. 30-plus goals is where he should be, and that is a number he has not been at since coming over two summers ago. Martin St. Louis struggled when he came over in a mid-season trade, but found his way come playoff time, and he will be better for having a full season with the Rangers this season. A predominantly young group will have to step up, which means the likes of Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Carl Hagelin will need to improve their scoring totals.
Defense is no problem, as the Rangers can roll out three solid pairings. Ryan McDonagh is emerging as a superstar, and players such as Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, and Kevin Klein are a good supporting cast. Dan Boyle replaces Anton Stralman, and while Boyle isn't the defensive stalwart Stralman is, he does provide offense from the blue line. This unit plays in front of Henrik Lundqvist, who has plenty left in the tank. A less than sterling first half gave way to a stellar second half and carried over to the playoffs, where he kept the team in it most nights.
Prediction: 2nd in the Metropolitan Division
The Rangers have the pieces in place and now carry experience of a deep playoff run with them. but with that experience comes expectations. The Penguins and Bruins are still in the same Conference, and both will want the spot the Rangers occupied last season.
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