Three Rangers with a lot to prove

Heading into the second half of the season, the Rangers are of course riding the momentum of some impressive recent form but not all Rangers have played up to expectations this season, nor has every player shown the consistency that was expected of them. With that said, here are three key players that have a lot to prove and a lot to play for, as each game becomes increasingly important from here on in.

Mats Zuccarello

Right now, things seem rosy for the little Norwegian, and he has indeed been much better of late with eight points in his last seven games but more importantly, he’s been a consistent creative spark – much like last year. However, thanks to last year, more is expected from Zuccarello and looking at his season to date as a whole, he hasn’t delivered enough. Having led the Rangers in scoring last year with 59 points, Zuccarello’s production is well down with just 18 points to date.

With Alain Vigneault sending out more consistent lines thanks to better health up front, Zuccarello should benefit from that stability. Zuccarello has a lot on the line – he’s playing to justify his hefty one year raise but more importantly he’s playing for his long term future. If Zuccarello can show the type of consistency from last year was no one year fluke, the Rangers will be much more dangerous (and successful) for it.

Chris Kreider

Kreider has been consistent; consistently underwhelming. The talented American winger has a lot of upside and is trying to live up to pretty significant expectations. His development (or lack of it) will significantly influence the direction of the organisation given the lack of high end draft picks and skilled forward talent in the organisation following several asset stripping trades. That said, Kreider’s importance and future in the organisation is also influenced by a handful of other prospects. Although very different players, if Anthony Duclair, Pavel Buchnevich and (of most relevance) Kevin Hayes develop into productive NHL players Kreider’s long term future may be elsewhere if he cannot develop into the player he’s expected to become.

Last year, his first full year in New York, Kreider scored 17 goals, 37 points and as the year grew on, displayed consistency and a physical presence that suggested he would be a star and an important Ranger for a long time. So far, it hasn’t happened. With 5 goals and 15 points (and zero production on the powerplay) Kreider is an afterthought on a club that’s looking for their young players to step up. Kreider needs to cut down on the careless penalties, finish his chances and develop some consistency. He’s proven he can take over games when he’s at his best and the Rangers would love nothing more than to spread the wealth up front and have to rely less on Rick Nash.

Dan Boyle

Dave has discussed the Rangers choosing Boyle over retaining Anton Stralman a lot. It’s something that certainly creates debate. Long term, you would imagine Stralman would have been the wiser choice but the Rangers were looking for Boyle to address a glaring need when they chose the veteran puck mover over the younger (and popular) Swede. So far, Boyle hasn’t helped the powerplay as hoped. He has hardly been a feature player given all the time he has missed but against the Capitals just before the Christmas break we saw a small glimpse of what Boyle can do on the powerplay.

A confident puck mover and a veteran with strong hockey smarts, Boyle’s presence and production are more important as the year goes on. He has the opportunity to make his indifferent start forgotten. A player such as Boyle could be a difference maker in the playoffs where goals become scarcer and when powerplay production can be the difference between going deep in the playoffs or booking tee times on the golf course. If Boyle stays healthy and makes an impact in the second half of the year – but especially in the playoffs – all will be forgiven and the clamour for Stralman will lessen. If he continues to struggle then fans will accuse Glen Sather of another failed foray into free agency. Boyle will be closely watched as the Rangers playoff push gathers pace.