Reviewing the Rangers

Approaching January, we’ve arrived at a natural point in the season to check in on the Rangers’ roster and highlight some positive and negative performances. The Rangers entered the Christmas break with a much needed win over the Ducks following a dismal December. With that said, the overall record is still a solid one especially given the Rangers have been traditionally slow starters in recent seasons. Let’s check out a few ‘winners and losers’ from the Rangers’ first three months of the 15/16 season.

Oscar Lindberg

Initially considered a defensive forward, but coming off two strong seasons in the AHL, people weren’t sure what to expect from Lindberg as he entered his first season with the Rangers. Despite cooling off considerably and taking several unnecessary penalties Lindberg has been a revelation. At one stage Lindberg – alongside Henrik Lundqvist – was the Rangers best player. Second in goals amongst all rookies (at time of writing), fifth in points and sporting a solid 50.6 faceoff winning % (an area where the Rangers traditionally struggle) Lindberg is putting up solid numbers across the board. Lindberg is on course for a 20+ goal rookie season and has been a good find for the Rangers. The team’s patient development has been rewarded.

Keith Yandle

On a team that has played uncharacteristically bad defense all year long, Yandle has been one of the better defenseman on the Rangers blueline, slowly but surely justifying his acquisition. Yandle will never be a Norris trophy calibre defenseman in his own end but he’s comfortably been the Rangers best offensive blueliner over the season’s first three months also being a solid driver of puck possession. With a bit more puck luck Yandle should be able to improve his meagre goal total while Yandle has been credited with helping bring along rookie blueliner Dylan McIlrath. The pair has arguably been the Rangers steadiest pair since being paired together.

Rick Nash

When you’re regarded as a contending team’s best skater, command a $7.8m cap hit, have been through several ups and downs – particularly in the playoffs – scrutiny and expectations were always going to be intense for Rick Nash this year. Unfortunately Nash hasn’t been good enough. He’s been typically streaky but untypically inconsistent in his own end. Usually when Nash has been on a cold streak his teamwork and defensive play have compensated for any lack of production. That hasn’t always been the case this year. If the Rangers are going to battle for a top seed in the Metropolitan division and subsequently go deep in the playoffs it goes without saying Nash will need to produce more. Nash has all the ability in the world but 10 goals entering January isn’t enough.

Dylan McIlrath

Another rookie who has been a pleasant surprise, there was legitimate concern starting the year whether McIlrath would make the Rangers at all. He barely played the first six weeks but since he’s broken into the line-up (thanks to injuries) he has grown on a game by game basis. Always physical, McIlrath’s positioning, decision making, first pass and even his shot have all noticeably improved in a short space of time. No longer a question mark to just stick with the Rangers; the question now surely focuses on who will miss out (when every blueliner is healthy) to accommodate McIlrath.

Kevin Hayes

Is it a sophomore slump? Hayes has been pretty ordinary at best. He still holds on to the puck too long and he has yet to find a permanent position, flitting between center and wing as the Rangers have struggled to develop a reliable third line this season. Hayes always had a tough act to follow following an increasingly strong rookie season last year and while he has flashed his undoubted ability again during this season more was expected (and needed) from Hayes, particularly when Derek Stepan missed a prolonged stretch of games. How Hayes plays in 2016 will have a pretty significant say on the Rangers’ season given the need for the team to find more (consistent) secondary scoring.