NHL Preview: New York Rangers

The Rangers have been getting to the playoffs but not going much further – can they push on this year? Charlie Boccanegra reports.

This offseason GM Glen Sather signed highly touted free agent forward Brad Richards to try to take this team to the next level. I am not sure it will be quiet enough to take this team to Cup contender status but they will be much improved.

Most players take some time to acquaint themselves with the team’s new system and players but for Richards this should be an easier task because he’s played for coach Tortorella in Tampa Bay when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup.

The Rangers are third NHL betting favorites at +450 to win the Atlantic and that’s tremendous value. The Penguins have health issues and the Flyers have to integrate new players. The Atlantic is there to be won. Not only that, but if they win the division it will require at least 96 points. Over 95.5 regular season points is another good bet.

So what exactly has this Rangers organization done to improve itself to division contender?

It all starts in net with Henrik Lundqvist who’s been a top five goalie in the NHL for the last number of years. In past years when the offense went on prolonged scoring droughts he was the only reason this team made the post season. Look for him to continue this domination in the net.

The offense could take a big step forward with Brad Richards who is a top 20 NHL scorer. More importantly, star winger Marian Gaborik will finally have a center to feed him the puck. The former 40 goal scorer has been deprived of a playmaker the past few seasons which has caused his production to decrease. Look for him to get back on track and he and Richards to become one of the best scoring combinations in the NHL.

Following the two stars there is some solid depth with a wide range of skill and toughness. Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky are two good players who can play a shut down role and chip in offensively on the second line. In addition they have a great group of skilled young forwards in 2nd year player Derek Stapan, Artem Anisimiov, Wojtek Wolski and Ruslan Fedotenko.

They also have tremendous third liners who are some of the best agitators in the NHL but can still chip in offensively with Prust, Boyle and Avery. This gives them one the deepest four lines in the NHL.

On the back end there is some potential with a ton of youth in Staal, Girardi, 12th overall pick McDonagh and rookie stand out from two years ago Del Zotto. However, I do expect them to struggle at times against top-notch offensive teams. Furthemore, they don’t have any depth while lacking a quality veteran to help these youngsters.