Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Though faced with a 3-1 game deficit that they were able to overcome in the past, this year held very different results, and the Rangers left the race for the Cup earlier than expected.  The team, aside from disappointing their fans, disappointed themselves due to the low level of play that they put forward. The Rangers, usually a strong postseason team, fell this post-season, partially attributed to a lack of confidence.

The Rangers’ only victory came in game 2, a 4-2 win in Pittsburgh, though it still wasn’t an accurate representation of their best play. All in all, the team simply didn’t seem to have it together this year. Now that the postseason has ended for the team, many are apprehensive about what will happen this off-season.

This postseason struggle, though not reflective of their regular season play, was a similar picture to some weaker play the team has put forward this season. Some inconsistencies through the regular season seem to have eased their way into their playoff mindset. Between the injuries sustained by players and the inconsistent lines put forward by coach Alain Vigneault, it was difficult for the Rangers to find their footing.  It seemed that Vigneault wasn’t using rookie, and younger players, optimally. Between the coach’s decision to bench Kevin Hayes in an effort to motivate him and later sitting rookie Oscar Lingberg for much of the tail end of the season, Vigneault didn’t seem to be handling his younger players in just the right way.  All of the younger players this season brought their own strengths to the table, including Jesper Fast, J.T Miller, and Dylan McIlrath. Though the line juggling probably didn’t help the players grow too much or get too comfortable this season, each player improved in some aspect and proved more of their abilities.

A concern fans might have moving forward is the Rangers’ responsibility towards a few players who are approaching free agency this offseason. The team was anticipating playoff success, and without it are facing these problems much earlier than expected.  Unrestricted free agents this offseason include: newest Ranger Eric Staal, possible retiree Dan Boyle, Keith Yandle, Dominic Moore, Viktor Stalberg, and Antti Raanta. As for restricted free agents, they are: Chris Kreider, Hayes, Miller, and McIlrath.

Fans have already expressed their hope for resigning a handful of the upcoming free agents and have pointed out how beneficial they would be to keep on the team. Though the team might be due for a face lift, some of these players shouldn’t go overlooked when it comes to re-signing. E. Staal was a good chance for the Rangers, and though he hadn’t joined the team as a scoring machine he brought many faceoff wins, good puck movement, good opportunities, and another veteran ice presence.  Stalberg also provided a lot of speed and physical play for the team, he became a solid and vital component of the fourth line.

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Fan-favorite, Yandle, who recently published an article in the Players’ Tribune that won fans’ hearts over even more, has been a very important aspect on defense this season. With Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh out to injuries, Yandle was able to step up and play to the best of his abilities. He had an amazing season and fans are dying to see the d-man in a blueshirt again come this fall.

Kreider, Hayes, Miller, and McIlrath, coming out of the season as restricted free agents, are also worth re-siging. Kreider, though he had, and overcame, a few lows, is still productive and skilled as always. Keeping the speedy forward would keep some speed on the team, which the Rangers do need.

As for Hayes and Miller, two centers who also play well on the wing, are both very skilled players. Though Hayes didn’t reach new heights in scoring, his puck handling is unlike any other and sometimes he manages the impossible. He is a very skilled forward who, with the right line and motivation from his coach,, will reach the very high potential that he has.  Miller, on the other hand, had a vibrant season in terms of scoring and had several streaks of very good and effective play. He  is an effective puck mover who has become a great winger that was able to benefit each line. The two have also increased their physical play and which has helped them improve this season. Giving them the opportunity to continue to grow and reach their potential would be a good move for the Rangers’ future.

This leads to McIlrath. Though the rookie defenseman didn’t get as much play in the playoffs as previous AHL player Brady Skjei, he had a great season of growth and was able to step up when needed. When faced with d-man injuries during the season, McIlrath was able to step up and fill in for much bigger shoes. He also brings great size and strength to the ice, and a big body by the net is never a bad thing. The rookie d-man is also worth re-signing due to his potential and the need for some younger defensemen. He has proved he has what it takes to join the defense’s top six. He has also proved himself to be a little bit of a fan-favorite due to his tough ice presence and inclination to fight and defend teammates on the ice.

That being said, the need of to re-sign all of the players that will lead the team back to a deep playoff run will give the Rangers a tough time this offseason. With pressure to rebuild and bring together a more solid team, it will be difficult for the organization to decide who might be more of a priority. Perhaps there needs to be a change in what brings and keeps the team together.

All in all, the Rangers have some tough decisions to make. They’ll have to decide who to keep and how to use the play of  young players to their advantage to bring the team to new heights next season.  Until then, there will be a new Stanley Cup Champion soon as the playoffs head into the second round.

 

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