I'll save my apologies for not being more active on this site for now, as I hope it doesn't raise any questions about my passion and dedication to the team. While the site is still in its early statges, I will try to make a concerted effort to bring content to it daily.
Now on to the Blueshirts. With over 25% of the season now in the books, the Rangers sit atop the Atlantic Division, however, probably under different circumstances then we originally believed. The Penguins are in last, the Flyers are tied for first and the Islanders seem to have the Rangers number. The Devils seem to have found their game of late but 0-3 against the Rangers this year.
In the East, as expected Ottawa leads the way, it's hard though not to believe the Rangers could be right there with them had a few more pucks bounced our way. The next 59 games will see the Rangers distance themselves from the pack in the Atlantic as they make a serious effort for the top seed in the East.
Where they stand:
GOALTENDING:
What could you say about the King? This season has so far cemented his reputation as perhaps the best goaltender in the league. Personally, I can't see myself ranking any goalie higher then him so far this year, aside for maybe Mr. "DP", head to head against the Isles. All around Lundqvist has been stellar in net, keeping the Rangers in every game and undoubtedly the main reason why the team is in first place, giving up the second fewest goals in the entire league. Not to mention his impressive play in shootouts.
Stephen Valliquette has given the team all it could have ever wanted in the form of a backup. Sure he has only played in two games out of 23, but he's been impressive in both, going 1-0-1 and not sacrificing much when giving the King a rest from the throne he has built himself at the Garden. GRADE: A
DEFENSE:
Much to the bewilderment of the NHL, not Ranger fans, the D has been top class. The Rangers' blue liners have not only played smart in their own end, but have even showed offensive prowess of late which has undoubtedly helped to carry the struggling blueshirt offense. Sure having Lundqvist between the pipes is a great insurance policy for any defense, if you watch Rangers games you know that the relationship between Henk and the D is mutual, both picking each other up.
While Michael Rozsival has been solid, it's the play of the Rangers youngsters that has been impressive. Tyutin, Girardi and rookie Marc Staal have played smart, physical, and have shown a tendency to be able to find the back of the net. Even veteran Jason Strudwick has played a vital role, both with his play and his leadership on the ice. This core will only continue to improve, and when it does look out. GRADE: B
OFFENSE:
So the offense has been a little lack luster, not scoring as much as we originally anticipated. Jagr has often been invisible, and players like Drury, Gomez and Shanahan have not lit the lamp as often as we would have liked. This is all true, but the play has been good. We are not seeing a lack of effort, infact more often then not the Rangers out shoot their opponents by a wide margine, the finnishing is what needs to improve.
While Scott Gomez has not scored much, he has skated and carried the puck flawlessly, he has set up plays collecting assists, and for the most part has come as advertised. His play will only continue to improve as becomes more and more acustomed to linemates Brendan Shanahan and Sean Avery, undoubtedly the best Rangers line to this point.
What could you say about the play of Brandon Dubinsky. The young centerman has worked nicely with Jagr, he's been smart with the puck, he's been physical and has great vision on the ice. He has shown that he belongs in the NHL and with experience I think we will all be surprised with what he brings to the table. As early as July of this year I wrote on this site that the loss of Matt Cullen was a blessing in disquise because it provided Dubi the oppurtunity to make the first squad. With all that said, Chris Drury needs to be the first line center. I think overtime, Jagr now with a healthy Straka on the opposite flank will develop a chemistry with Drury that could develop into a dangerously good scoring line. Jagr has shown that he is more willing to pass and set plays up this year and I think that with Drury going to the net and Jagr deferring to him more often, both could be successful.
This is in no way to take away from the job that Dubinsky has done this year, I just think that up to this point we haven't seen enough of Jagr and Drury on the ice together to make a definitive judgement. Also, I think that when a healthy Ryan Callahan returns to the team, a third line consisting of Callahan, Dubinsky and Prucha could be extremely productive. With the experience Dubinsky has earned playing on the top line, he may be able to turn around and help establish the third line, which isn't short of fire power with Callahan and Prucha, into a force.
The fourth line is everything you want in a true cheching line. Blair Betts makes you feel comfortable when they're out there, and it isn't like they are just killing time or giving their teammates a rest. I've been impressed with Ryan Hollweg and I think he has really stepped up since the departure of Jed Ortmeyer. Even Colton Orr has been solid, although he may be on the bubble once Callahan returns, which may result in Marcel Hossa joining the fourth line. All in all, an excellent foundation that has the potential to be the most dangerous offense in the league. Only improvement from here on in. GRADE: C+
SPECIAL TEAMS:
The special teams has been some what of a double-edged sword so far this year. The penalty kill has been stellar, the committment to defense and the great two-way play by Drury, Gomez and Betts has helped the PK alot this year, even with the losses of Cullen and Ortmeyer. Also the great play of the Rangers defense and circus style saves by Lundqvist has all contributed to one of the top PK's in the league.
The powerplay however has been a different story. Not only have they not been able to finish, but they have surrendered far too many shorthanded oppurtunities against. You would think that the PP would be one of the best when looking at some of the names but this all goes back to the same problem with offense in general. We need some more stability upfront. If the forwards can consistently generate offense, the defense will be able to stay back more and guard the blue line from potentially back breaking break-aways. GRADE: B-
So while overall the Rangers have been a success so far this season, it's good to know that even while in first place, the team has no where else to go but up.
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