For the past six years, the New York Rangers have made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They’ve made it as far as the Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings in the 2013-2014 season, and lost four games to one. However, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round? A first round loss hasn’t happened since the the 2011 playoffs, in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.
Henrik Lundqvist didn’t help the Rangers situation at all. Considering he let in 15 goals on 104 shots, he hasn’t been “The King” that we know and love from previous years. He even got pulled in Game 4 after letting in four straight goals, which ended up in a 5-0 loss. He also got pulled during Game 5 after the second period, when he let in six goals.
‘Hank’ could also be one to go during the offseason, in efforts to have prospects come in, or have backup goalie Antti Raanta take over for the prestigious Rangers.
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With fantastic passing from JT Miller who had three assists, he seemed to be the only decently productive player – besides from Derek Stepan and Rick Nash, who both had two goals.
From a coaching standpoint, there doesn’t seem to be any need for a immediate change, considering head coach Alain Vigneault has led the Rangers to two past successful playoffs (Stanley Cup Final – Loss; Eastern Conference Final – Loss).
After trades within the Rangers, they don’t have a draft pick until the third round, unless of course, they keep trading picks. This puts them in a tough position, considering Lundqvist is getting up there in age, a new prospect goaltender could be beneficial to the future of the Rangers.
After losing Martin St. Louis last year, as well as Ryan Callahan two years ago, offense has had two main leaders during the regular season within Mats Zuccarello (26 G, 35 A – 61 P) and Derick Brassard (27 G, 31 A – 58 P) – so offense isn’t a problem. A couple new, fresh young defenders could also help – which will only happen if they trade up, to get a semi-decent defender. They could shoot for Olli Juolevi or Charles McAvoy if they were willing to trade big to get some help on the blue line.
The Ending
The Rangers lost in a tough five game series to the Penguins, after losing Game 5, 6-3. A disappointing performance all series, was capped off by Lundqvist letting in six goals, and with a save percentage of .739%.
The three goals were scored by Rick Nash, with his second goal; Dominic Moore, with his first goal; and Chris Kreider, with his second goal: all to cap off a mediocre season from a Rangers standpoint.
Rangers fans can always look forward to next year.
