Benoit Pouliot (center) is congratulated by Mats Zuccarello (left) and Anton Stralman (right) following his goal.
Getty Images/Gene J. Buskar
At times, it’s been an unpredictable season for the Rangers. Perhaps that should’ve been expected with new bench boss Alain Vigneault taking over. Despite first half struggles, they have overcome a rough start and find themselves second in the Metro Division at the Olympic break.
Getting an emotional bounce back win at Eastern Conference leader Pittsburgh was huge. They had been playing excellent hockey before a season best four-game win streak was snapped by of all teams, Edmonton. The Oilers got a late goal from Nail Yakupov to win 2-1 at MSG. It would’ve been easy for them to drop the final two games before Sochi. Especially against the Pens. Instead, they emerged victorious with a 4-3 shootout win in enemy territory to remain in front of the Flyers by a point for second. Each club has 23 games remaining. Our team is 32-24-3 with 67 points. They also hold the all important first tiebreaker with 28 regulation and overtime wins. The Flyers have 27.
With everyone racking up points, it was crucial for the Blueshirts to get a victory against a top team. Three different times, they blew one-goal leads against the Pens. That included James Neal’s tying marker that forced overtime. Luckily, they didn’t lose in OT controlled by Pittsburgh. Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves and then outdueled Marc-Andre Fleury in four rounds to end the Pens’ shootout mastery at nine. Brad Richards beat Fleury in Round Four allowing teammates to be all smiles.
It’s the kind of character building win that should benefit them the rest of the way. Of course, the two-week break comes at an inconvenient time. But as Vigneault has repeatedly said, it’s the same for all 30 teams. There will be many players in Russia taking part in the Winter Games. Olympic hockey starts Wednesday. That doesn’t give Lundqvist, Carl Hagelin, Rick Nash, Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello much time.
Most notably, the team has played itself into playoff position. At 67 points, they’re second with the Flyers third. The top three in each division automatically qualify. The Metro is far from decided with the Blue Jackets and Capitals each having 63 while the Hurricanes and Devils are tied with 61. Six total points separates second from seventh. Only the Islanders are in dire straits sitting last with 52.
The best aspect for our team is they’ve managed to find the right balance. While no Ranger is even close to the league scoring leaders, they boast nine different players who have at least 10 goals. Nash leads them with 18 followed by Richards and Zuccarello (15 each), Chris Kreider (13), Hagelin (12), Callahan, Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot (11 apiece) followed by Stepan (10).
Six Blueshirts have registered at least 30 points including team leader Zuccarello (43), Richards (42), Stepan (35), Brassard (34) followed by McDonagh and Kreider (30 each). Unlike John Tortorella’s teams, this one is a total unit from top to bottom. That isn’t as much a criticism as it is a difference in philosophy. Under the leadership of Vigneault and key assistant Scott Arniel, they have a dependable power play that’s ranked ninth (20.1 percent) which allows them to breathe. There isn’t as much pressure to score at even strength.
With Vigneault able to settle on four lines and three defense pairs, it’s given the team consistency. Five on five, the third line of Brassard, Pouliot and Zuccarello have been the catalyst. In many ways, they’re the top line who have the most cohesiveness. Their ability to combine speed in transition along with strong forechecking has made them a go to line. Where would they be without Zuccarello? The Norwegian dynamo has been brilliant since a benching in Detroit. Ironically, that was the first turning point. For Pouliot, it took longer with a healthy scratch finally awakening the former first round pick. He’s been a different player as has Brassard since Vigneault put the trio together.
For a stretch in January, Nash carried the load with Stepan and Kreider. They cooled off the final week and will have to rediscover the mojo when play resumes. Perhaps the Olympics will get Nash and Stepan back on track. Kreider can use the time off as he had gone cold with no points over his last seven. Outside of a three-point effort (1-2-3) in a win over the Islanders, he’s without a point in 11 of the last 12. Perhaps the rookie has hit a wall. It’s affected his defensive play with him blowing coverage that led to goals against.
Vigneault has also kept Richards intact with Hagelin and Callahan. They were coming on at the break. Hagelin had been more noticeable on the cycle and Callahan silenced trade rumors with a two-goal, assist performance in a recent win. Richards has remained consistent. For all the discussion focused on him being amnestied after the season, he’s let his play do the talking.
Another bright spot has been the emergence of the fourth line. Following Daniel Carcillo’s addition, that line featuring Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore have been reliable enough for Vigneault to send them out without hesitation. A stark contrast from Tortorella. Both Boyle and Moore are solid faceoff men who are integral parts of the penalty kill. Carcillo has done nothing but add a physical element providing energy. He hasn’t taken any foolish penalties and even notched the emotional winner against the Islanders in the Stadium Series. It doesn’t look like Derek Dorsett will replace him if he returns.
A balance on the back end has seen a rejuvenated Dan Girardi round into form in a contract year. Though nothing is done yet, he’s expected to re-sign. Considering what the Maple Leafs gave Dion Phaneuf, it’ll take in excess of $6 million over six years for him to stay. For now, let’s just focus on the hockey end of it. He’s more valuable to the Rangers due to his defensive commitment. There isn’t anything he won’t do to help them win. Whether it’s laying out to block a shot or diving to break up a play, he’ll do it. Finally, his offense has picked up. With four goals and 17 points, he’s even contributed on the power play netting a PPG and assist in the win over the Pens.
McDonagh has been a constant pumping in eight goals and 22 assists while continuing to excel in his end. So dependable is the young American that one day, he could become a Norris contender. For now, Mac Truck remains the club’s best defenseman. Even better, Marc Staal has rediscovered his game following setbacks. Finally playing with confidence, he’s been a stalwart while teamed with overlooked staple Anton Stralman. They’ve been a strong tandem since Tortorella put them together. Even Vigneault has noticed. So, why change what works? Early in the year when Mike Del Zotto was still here, it was more of a mix and match. With Kevin Klein settling into the third pair with John Moore, things are looking up. The only question is what if someone gets hurt. Is Justin Falk really enough? Conor Allen remains in Hartford.
Now that Lundqvist has overcome his worst stretch as a Ranger, the goaltending is as steady as ever. Especially with 26-year old rookie Cam Talbot (10 wins 1.79 GAA .935 Save Percentage) being a large contributor. Look for him to play a role down the stretch.
Overall, there’s much to like about this team. They have come together and don’t panic. Good characteristics. Though you do wonder how far they can go in the playoffs. If it ended today, they’d face the Flyers. A better offensive team with questions in net and on D. I’d take my chances. However, barring a major upset they’ll have to go through the Pens to reach the Conference Final. Right now, at least they’ve put themselves in a good spot. We’ll see where it goes from here.
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