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Health & Fitness

Post-Mortem Thoughts from a New York Rangers Fan

Although the 2011-2012 New York Rangers had a great ride this year, they fell a little short of expectations in the playoffs. See why this season is a step towards future championship glory.

As the New York Rangers thrilling 2011-2012 season had come to a somewhat abrupt halt at the hands of the cross-Hudson rival New Jersey Devils during the Stanley Cup Semifinals, a lot of thoughts and memorable moments had flashed through my mind as the two teams shook hands after their game Friday night.

Even though the Rangers were among the NHL's elite all season this year, held the #1 seed going into the playoffs and made a key free agent signing of Brad Richards to bolster their sub-par offense, the thought of them getting knocked out of the Cup playoffs would deem this season a disappointment.

But, like the lyric from the old Steve Miller song "Jet Airliner" says - "you've got to go through hell before you get to heaven", there are a few things that the Rangers can look back on and take solace in as they retool themselves to get to the next level.

As the NHL's 9th youngest team, they gained the experience of a great regular season, winning a widely publicized Winter Classic road match versus the Philadelphia Flyers (whom they also swept during the regular season) and got 9 games away from the Stanley Cup championship.

The Rangers were also the winningest team on the road this year, going 24-5-5, not an easy feat, especially after starting the season in Europe in early October.

That considered, there are a few things that the team will need to improve on in order to be called a contender rather than a pretender for 2012-2013:

1) Finding Power in the Power Play - All season, the Rangers ranked near last in their power play rankings, and were middle of the road during the playoffs.  That lack of power was a key contributor to the demise of a team that struggles to find scoring.

It seems that more times than not, they wouldn't shoot enough or take advantage of high percentage scoring opportunities from the point.

Even though they do seem to have the personnel to get it done, they will need to improve mobility of their defense and shot accuracy from the point.

2) Help The King - As world-class goalie Henrik Lundqvist had an MVP, Vezina Trophy-type season this year, he will still hear whispers about not winning a championship and not even being the best goalie in the Devils series.

Granted the Rangers wouldn't have gotten this far if it weren't for Henrik's heroics against Ottawa and Washington, but he did give up questionable goals in a few games during the playoff run.

As the team was very good defensively this year with shot blocking and clogging lanes, they do need to become more proficient in man coverages.  The game winning goals by New Jersey in Games 5 and 6 were a direct testament to blown coverages which tilted the series in the Devils' favor.

3)  One Step Up - Outside of Captain Ryan Callahan as well as stars Marion Gaborik and Brad Richards, there are big opportunities for a number of forwards and defensemen to step up and increase their offensive production next year.

Young players like Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Carl Hagelin, John Mitchell and Chris Kreider all have chances to become that 25-30 goal scorer that the team is looking for to provide more offensive depth.  Most had tasted playoff success along this run, but need to provide a little more consistency.

Also, offensive-minded defenseman like Marc Staal, Ryan McDonough and Michael Del Zotto are still very young, and have a tremendous upside to them to help the team increase production.

4) Get Brandon Dubinsky Off of the Milk Carton -  As Rangers power forward Brandon Dubinsky comes off of a very disappointing season after his sixth season with the team and the first year of a 4 year, $16M contract, he will need to find an extra gear to show the team what mettle he has.

Ranger management stood by Dubinsky by not trading him for Columbus Blue Jacket star Rick Nash last March, so Dubinsky needs to work extra hard during the off-season and find his scoring hands.  Hopefully Captain Ryan Callahan will be in his ear during the summer to give his teammate an extra push.

5) If You Can't Beat Them, Get Them To Join You  - While scoring seems to be the buggaboo of the Rangers over the last couple of seasons, there are some players who would be attractive to them in the summer free-agent market which could put them over the top.

One of which is New Jersey Devil Zach Parise, who is a great team player, a perennial 30-40 goal scorer and plays a gritty, determined game much like Ryan Callahan does.

He may come at a big cost during free agency, which can present an issue for Ranger management that has limited salary cap room.  There may be other alternatives like Marco Sturm or Olli Jokkinen, but management has been a little wary of overloading on free agents rather than continuing the development of younger talent.

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Given that the landscape of the team is in good shape, a successful regular season is in the books and the bitter aftertaste of a playoff loss is fresh on their palates, Ranger fans can be hopeful that the team's development will continue for next year and reap bigger, better rewards.

Like hockey's Holy Grail with Lord Stanley's name on it, for example.

 

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