For New York Rangers fans, last season was a disappointment. However, Blueshirt fans have a few reasons to be excited for the 2016-17 season.
Fans’ expectations for the New York Rangers have been at an all-time high over the past few years.High expectations are all well and good, but they also have a tendency to take the joy out of sports. I mean who really expected the Rangers to make the Stanley Cup Final back in 2014?
If you’re raising your hand right now, then you must have one powerful crystal ball.
While the team didn’t take home the ultimate prize that year, there were many, many memories that fans will cherish for years to come.
But following that fun spring, winning the Stanley Cup suddenly became an expectation.
But as we all know, the years that followed brought about nothing but frustration and disappointment.
Last year was a wake up call that had fans yearning for those special playoff moments. But with the changes that Jeff Gorton made over the summer, are those memories a possibility this year?
If only I could borrow that crystal ball. but I digress…
While it would be downright silly to predict whether or not this team will even make the playoffs, there are more than a few reasons to be excited for the 2016-17 season.
First up…
The New Guys
Gorton was a wizard this summer.
He somehow found a way to improve the Rangers’ roster while also making it younger in the process.
Pavel Buchnevich is a potential star in the making, Jimmy Vesey could revitalize the Rangers’ bottom six, and Mika Zibanejad is on the doorstep of his prime.
People will often bring up the fact that Michael Grabner struggles to finish, but his speed is just what the Broadway Blueshirt’s need.
To add to this equation, the Rangers have a plethora of fourth line depth which is something they haven’t been able to boast since 2014.
Josh Jooris, Nathan Gerbe, Tanner Glass (options people, options), and the aforementioned Grabner will add some much needed grit and energy to the team.
Much Needed Rest
Making deep playoff runs year after year will eventually erode any team over time.
It’s just not sustainable for a number of reasons.
For the past four years, players like Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, and Henrik Lundqvist haven’t had adequate rest.
That is, until this summer.
What some call an excuse for playing poorly, I call reality. Warriors like Girardi, who sacrifice their body on a nightly basis, simply cannot sustain a high level of play if their bodies are not provided with the proper amount of time they need to heal.
Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash would also agree with that statement.
While last spring was no fun for Rangers fans, it could be a blessing in disguise.
Henrik is Still King
Those who keep saying that Hank is past his prime are not paying attention.
Henrik’s 2015-16 numbers were almost identical to his 2013-14 numbers, and you’d probably agree that the team did pretty well in 2014.
Like the great Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek, and yes, even Martin Brodeur before him, Henrik Lundqvist is one of those goalies who will always give his team a chance to win as long as he’s on the ice.
Some may be concerned that Hank is participating in this year’s World Cup Tournament, but remember that he also participated in the Olympics back in 2014.
The tournament should give Lundqvist a chance to shave off some of that rust before the NHL season begins.
It’s better that Sweden suffers from an uncalibrated Hank than the Rangers if you ask me.
Healthy Competition
The problem with keeping a large core of players together over time is that complacency eventually sets in..
After all, it’s just human nature.
Gorton’s personnel moves will have more than a few players fighting to earn their spot on the opening night roster.
No matter what your occupation is, you will only achieve your very best when your back is up against the wall.
This is exactly why players like Nicklas Jensen will be vital for the Rangers’ during training camp. Those young players who are on the NHL/AHL fence will hopefully light a fire under the seat of those who under performed last season.
Kevin Hayes, we’re looking at you.
And while Pavel Buchnevich and Jimmy Vesey are exciting prospects, they will be handed nothing on this team.
Well, that is unless you’re Tanner Glass of course.