We spend a lot of time talking about the New York Rangers here (duh), but something important for the team and fans alike to do is to make sure we learn from other organizations and trends across the NHL. This is how we identify how teams find late round gems in the draft, or how an evolved 1-3-1 forecheck can be used in multiple scenarios. It’s not limited to on-ice things either, as there is a lot of value in seeing what other teams across the NHL do in light of the Rangers ranked as the second-worst run team across the NHL.
1. Across the NHL, inspiring hires have mattered
The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs this season with Todd McLellan behind the bench. This is not an indictment of McLellan, but hiring him was not exactly a progressive move. McLellan has had a long career to prove he can win a Stanley Cup and has failed to do so. Rather than hiring an up and comer, the Red Wings made the safe choice. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings, who will either squeak into the playoffs or miss it altogether, hired Ken Holland as General Manager.
On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders are having stunning seasons thanks to new hires of Dan Muse as Penguins coach and Mathieu Darche as Islanders General Manager, respectively.
Should the Rangers replace Chris Drury or Mike Sullivan any time soon, it’s essential they look to the future and not to the past.
2. Regarding the NHL standings
I am a huge proponent of returning the NHL to 1-8 standings rather than the Gary Bettman special. However, some of the complaining around the playoff format has completely missed the point. Yes, it’s terrible that Eastern Conference teams will miss the playoffs despite having more points than Western Conference teams. No, there has never been and never will be a realistic way to fix this.
Efforts should be focused on fixable issues, like returning to a true 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc. format.
3. The Rangers still need a generational player
As I continue to watch the season play out, a thought I’ve long had continues to be proven to me. The Rangers simply will never win a Stanley Cup without the generational player they’ve long been seeking. Adam Fox is maybe a generational defenseman. Igor Shesterkin is maybe a generational goalie. But the Rangers need someone who can single-handedly lift a team for a season, not just a game. I’m talking Connor McDavid, Macklin Celibrini, and yes, Matthew Schaefer.
This year’s draft feels like it will determine the future of the entire franchise for the Rangers. I don’t personally believe the Rangers will be a top-five pick team again next year. Hitting on this draft pick could completely change the trajectory of the organization as they try to rebuild or retool. No pressure!
4. On the potential Alexander Ovechkin retirement
Who knows if Alexander Ovechkin will actually retire, but I want to take a moment to talk about him. He’s a confusing player for me to evaluate, as I grew up watching him dominate the Rangers. He never felt like the best player in the entire league, Of course he was up there, but he never felt like the best.
Still, he’s of course one of the best goal scorers of all-time, and seeing him in his prime was absolutely terrifying for a fan of an opposing team. I don’t think I will speak of Ovechkin the same way I speak of Connor McDavid or a more well-rounded player, but Ovechkin had his lane, and he sure did fill it.
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