Title: Evaluating the Future of the New York Rangers’ Core
The New York Rangers’ 2023-24 season came to an end with a sense of disappointment and uncertainty. General Manager Chris Drury, known for his reserved nature, provided some insightful comments during a recent conference call with reporters who have followed the team closely. When asked about the core group of players that has been with the team for several seasons, Drury expressed belief in their individual abilities. However, he emphasized the need to assess whether this group can collectively bring the Rangers to the next level.
The Rangers’ success during the regular season cannot be dismissed. They had the most wins and points and achieved the third-best points percentage in franchise history. They even won the Presidents’ Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the best record in the NHL. It’s important to consider these accomplishments when evaluating their overall performance.
There is a misconception that this season should be considered a failure. However, this viewpoint fails to acknowledge the team’s achievements and the passion and dedication of its fans. It’s clear that the Rangers played an exciting brand of hockey and displayed impressive skill throughout the season. The Devils, Penguins, Sabres, Flames, and Wild faced significant challenges and experienced true failure. The Rangers, on the other hand, showcased their talent and finished with the best record in the league.
It’s crucial to debunk the notion that culture is the issue within the team. The problem lies in their physicality and toughness. The Rangers need players who can withstand the demands of playoff hockey and contribute consistently. Mika Zibanejad’s performance in the playoffs demonstrates his commitment, battling against formidable opponents despite injury setbacks. However, as a whole, the team lacks the physical presence needed to secure 16 wins in the playoffs.
Critics may point out the one-goal losses in the Florida series, but it’s important to note that both of the Rangers’ victories came in overtime. They could have easily been swept. The team struggled to regain their momentum after going up 3-0 against Carolina, ultimately winning just two games in regulation in their last nine outings. This inconsistency raises concerns about their ability to perform at a high level consistently.
Zibanejad and Kreider are undeniably crucial to the Rangers’ core group of players. Zibanejad has been the team’s best center since Mark Messier, and Kreider has evolved into one of the NHL’s top goal scorers. However, the question arises: can Drury and the management team strengthen the core by adding physicality around them?
One challenge lies in the composition of the team’s top three centers. If Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and Filip Chytil make up this group, there is a lack of physicality in the lineup. It is reminiscent of a past scenario when the Rangers signed Bobby Holik, a menacing matchup player, only to utilize him on the first line. The team needs to strike a balance between constructing scoring lines and incorporating physicality.
Drury acknowledged that the team is exploring various options to achieve their goals. Nothing is off the table in terms of potential changes or additions to the roster. While finding a right wing to play alongside Kreider and Zibanejad may not be their immediate priority, it remains an area to address in the future.
In conclusion, the New York Rangers have experienced both success and disappointment during the 2023-24 season. The core group of players has displayed individual talent, but their collective ability to perform at a high level in the playoffs remains questionable. The team’s priorities should include adding physicality to their lineup while maintaining a balance between scoring prowess and toughness. With Drury at the helm, the Rangers have an opportunity to assess and strengthen their core, ensuring a more competitive future for the franchise.
