New York Rangers: Possible Weakness(es)

In this column, I complete the series of articles focusing on one or two weaknesses or areas of need for each of the three NY Metro Division and local squads. The first article last Sunday focused on the Devils. Tuesday’s column covered the Islanders. I wrap up the series today with the Rangers.

Neutral and own zone coverage: The easy answer here would have been top-nine right wingers but I am going in a different direction. All Rangers’ fans know the “kids” need to produce; that means Kaapo Kakko, the likely first-line RW,  Filip Chytil, the possible 2C, and Alexis Lafreniere, recently inked to a two-year deal with a $2.325 mil AVV, first or third line LW. In addition, Blake Wheeler might be the 2RW, and Barclay Goodrow the 3RW. Unless the Rangers find some unavailable cap money, importing a veteran right winger – a name known to all – seems unlikely. While concerns exist here, they are not the primary ones for this team.

If you watched the team – not just last year but for many seasons – defense appears to be a dirty word and optional. The lack of consistent coverage in both zones, including the forwards failure to back check, coupled with an inability to communicate properly, seen in handoffs and having two players behind the net and none in front and slot, have been hallmarks of this team. The hope is that Peter Laviolette‘s puck-possession and forecheck system will remediate some of the ills. In addition, the hiring of Phil Housley and his focus on the blueline but possibly defense as a whole can also help fix what’s been broken.

Back-up goalie: Last year, after a slow start, Jaroslav Halak rounded into form and provided the Rangers with a solid backup to Igor Shesterkin. As Arthur Staple noted in his recent column on Jonathan Quick. Halak posted a .903 save percentage and 7.87 goals saved above expectation (stat courtesy Clear Sight Hockey), which ranked 19th out of all 106 goalies who made an NHL appearance last season. Halak made $1.5 million last season and is still looking for a job, but New York opted to sign Quick, who grew up a Rangers fan in Connecticut, for $800K.