It appears Henrik Lundqvist wants another Vezina…
The Rangers couldn’t really have asked for much more after two games. Two road games brought two wins against the reigning Stanley Cup champion and one of the Eastern conference’s rising powers. The first two games also gave significant insight into how the Rangers will have sustained success this season: depth and Hank.
Depth wins in the NHL, wins for the Rangers
Mats Zuccarello aside, the Rangers top line hasn’t got started yet and despite this the Rangers have two victories to kick off their season. Six Rangers have at least two points after two games, with rookie Oscar Lindberg starting his first Rangers’ October in sensational style with two big goals and JT Miller showing his difference making ability with three assists in his first two games. Indeed, the Rangers third line (with Viktor Stalberg) has been the team’s best thus far. They’ve established offensive zone time, generated offense and have gotten in on the forecheck consistently.
When the Rangers lost Carl Hagelin and Marty St Louis, they hoped the changes they made would bring more balanced scoring and increased depth – but there was certainly no guarantees. The Rangers don’t have the same All Star, top end talent the way Pittsburgh and Tampa have, but two games in and the Rangers depth has made the difference. It will likely have to be this way more often than not.
The King reigns
Apparently Henrik Lundqvist is a slow starter. Not this season. Lundqvist is absolutely in midseason form and has arguably already stolen two games for the Rangers. At the very least, Lundqvist has been the reason the Rangers have been in both games this week and has already made several highlight reel stops (none more so than on Hawks star Jonathan Toews).
The Rangers most important player, Lundqvist has fought through traffic, displayed his usual patience and his positioning has been borderline flawless. With the changes to the roster and with a handful of core players coming back from significant injury the Rangers were at risk of a slow start, particularly as Alain Vigneault is known for early-season line tinkering. Thanks to Lundqvist the Rangers are off to a fast start.
The Kids are alright
As well as their best player being their best player (hello Hank) and their depth being crucial to success, the Rangers were counting on the younger players on the roster taking the next steps in their respective progression this season. Two games in, and the difference makers have largely been the kids. Lindberg has two crucial goals, J.T. Miller has been an impact player, Kevin Hayes has looked comfortable on the wing (and scored a huge goal Friday night) while Chris Kreider has arguably been the Rangers most consistent, imposing forward. If the kids can continue to contribute all season long, the pressure on Rick Nash and the veterans will lessen. That can never be a bad thing.
Two games do not a season make. Indeed, no one wins the Stanley Cup with a strong October (are you listening New York Brooklyn Islanders?) but the Rangers start has featured several promising and pleasing aspects to begin the New Year. Now, if only the top line would make an appearance…
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