Going into the season, there were many question marks surrounding the New York Rangers. They had just lost a hard-fought series against their bitter rivals: the New Jersey Devils. This is even though they made a splash at the deadline, acquiring guys like Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane. This loss made many Rangers fans call for sweeping changes to the lineup. They thought drastic changes were needed for Rangers to get over the hump.
During the offseason, the Rangers didn’t make the roster-changing decisions everyone wanted them to. The only major move was the firing of head coach Gerad Gallant, replacing him with long-time NHL coach Peter Laviolette. Regarding roster moves, the Blue Shirts were quiet in free agency with Blake Wheeler being the only notable addition they brought in.
The hope was the players on the active roster would take a step up and continue to develop. There is also hope having a new voice behind the bench would be enough to spark the roster. So far, things have gone exactly the way the Rangers had hoped. They have 84 points second most in the NHL, and good for a 40-17-3 record. However, there are still areas of concern on this roster. Problems that could derail this team once the playoffs start. These issues need to be fixed at the deadline, and there are many reasons why the Rangers need to go all in.
The Drought 2.0
Whether you were alive to see it or not, 1994 means a lot to Rangers fans. It was the first time the Rangers faithful had experienced a Cup victory in 53 years. Before the Maple Leafs recent drought, this was the longest cup drought in NHL history. Many people never expected to see the Rangers lift the cup in their lifetime.
The problem with idolizing 1994 so much is that people aren’t realizing the current drought the Rangers are in. As hard as it is for some people to hear, 1994 was thirty years ago. This means the Rangers are over halfway to repeating the 53-year drought. This is a problem that many Rangers fans are not talking about. For the past 30 years, the Rangers have been doing the same thing they did during the drought. Wasting great player careers, and having deep playoff runs ending in heartbreak.
The last thing any Rangers fan wants is a repeat of 1941-1993. It would be a horrible look for the organization and earn the Rangers the title of the most cursed franchise. A title that nobody wants. Yes, 1994 will always be special for Rangers fans. But, it’s time to realize that they have returned to how the team was before.
Rangers Are Ready To Win Now
The Rangers’ window of contention has been open for several years now. Since 2022, the Rangers have been expecting to make the playoffs and compete for a Cup. It has not worked out the way they had hoped losing in the conference finals in 2022 and their embarrassing first-round exit last season. However, they have looked their best this season.
As mentioned before the Rangers have the second most points in NHL. They have found one of the best offensive lines they’ve had in a while with Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere. This line has arguably become one of the most dangerous in the league. The best in the Metro division. Igor Shesterkin is coming off the best month of his career. He won all seven games he started with a .953 save percentage and a 1.72 goals-against average.
The Rangers have a good core established. They have the main pieces of the roster all figured out. There are just a few small holes the Rangers have to fill before they can be considered legit Stanley Cup contenders.
What Do The Rangers Need?
So what holes could a team that has one of the best records in the NHL possibly have? Well, the one position that has been plaguing the Blue Shirts all season is a first-line right winger. You would think a line of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad would be all you need for a line to succeed. That has not been the case, as the top line has felt like something has been missing. Zibanejad looks lost on the ice, and needs someone on the wing to help break him out of this slump. If the Rangers can fix that top line, then their offense becomes much more dangerous. The Rangers have been connected to several players including Vladimir Tarasenko, Frank Vatrano, and Jason Zucker.
The other hole on the roster is at third-line center. Currently, Jonny Brodzinski is holding down that spot, but he’s not the answer in that position. He hasn’t been bad but the Blue Shirts could be getting a lot more out of that spot on the roster. Especially when you have a player like Kappo Kakko who has turned into a force on the third line. Players the Rangers have been connected to are Adam Henrique, Nico Sturm, and Dominik Kubalik.
These are the two main areas of concern with this team. Concerns that must be fixed to be true Cup contenders. It’s time to go all in and give the new generation of Rangers fans their own 1994.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my featured image goes to Bruce Bennett. You can find more NHL content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on X.
