What’s Next For the New York Rangers

   

    As a diehard Rangers fan, watching the last few days of hockey were tough. Poor defense, bad coaching, and an even worse powerplay (1 for 14). The playing was brutal, but on a positive note, there were many things that were there to look forward to. Kaapo Kakko looked like the player he was supposed to be, even getting promoted to the second line with Panarin and Strome for a couple shifts. Jacob Trouba actually made an offensive and defensive presence while on the ice, laying crushing checks and helping maintain offensive pressure. Panarin was Panarin, making plays and taking normal entries and turning them into dangerous opportunities, even if they all didn’t turn into points. Finally, the Rangers got some well needed experience in the postseason despite the quick departure. The point is, this is not the last time that the Rangers are going into the offseason.

    Another plus about the elimination is the possibility of getting superstar prospect Alexis Lafreniere at number 1 in the upcoming draft. Due to the unlikely landing of the lottery balls, and the odd format for the lottery, the Rangers are entered into the lottery part two. If the Rangers win it, it would be the second time in franchise history that they would have the number one pick overall. Lafreniere is a dangerous forward drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby with his vision and passing ability. He is one of, if not the most NHL ready player in the draft. Whoever gets him will certainly feel his impact immediately. He is that kind of generational talent. (Side question: Lafreniere played as number 11 for the most part of his career, what number would he choose for the Rangers? Messier had his number retired.)

    The New York Rangers lost a series that certainly looked pathetic to the normal fan, but once you analyze it and see all the deeper happenings, the losses don’t seem so bad. The Metropolitan Division is weakening. Accept it. The Rangers timed their rebuild perfectly with the crumble of the Capitals and Penguins, and that helps a lot. The Rangers are the youngest team in the league, giving them a bigger timeframe than other teams, and more talent could be coming. The point of this article is confusing, so let me just clarify quickly: The Rangers are not finished. Watch out.