New Season Preparations
As the New York Rangers gear up for the new season amidst their training camp, all eyes are on Artemi Panarin, who is expected to secure a lucrative deal, further solidifying his reputation as the ‘Breadman’. Meanwhile, the team faces critical decisions regarding their focus for the upcoming season.
Stanley Cup Aspirations
With star forward Mika Zibanejad‘s plus-minus currently sitting at zero, two crucial themes emerge: Should the objective be to aim for the Stanley Cup or simply strive for making the playoffs?
Looking at the odds provided by The Hockey News Yearbook, the Rangers are currently placed at 23-1 to win the Cup. This pales in comparison to the New Jersey Devils at 15-1 and the New York Islanders‘ distressing odds of 57-1. In contrast, the Florida Panthers are favored at 9-1, with the Vegas Golden Knights leading at 6-1. Yet, with the Rangers positioned as dark horses at 23-1, there’s potential for a surprising season—a hope reflected in the comeback story of Alexis Lafreniere‘s fitness journey.
Playoff Qualification
However, securing a playoff spot is a prerequisite to even contemplating a Cup run. In order to qualify, the Rangers must outperform strong competitors like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and more within the Eastern Conference. Many fans simply hope for the team to make the postseason, where they trust goaltender Igor Shesterkin to shine under pressure.
Leadership and Strategy
The Old Scout, a respected voice in the world of hockey, emphasizes the importance of newly appointed captain J.T. Miller, suggesting that his impact will be key to the Rangers’ success this season.
Miller’s ability to enhance both the offense and power play could be a game-changer, especially as the team adopts Mike Sullivan‘s defensive approach. Miller steps into a significant role, following in the footsteps of former captain Jake Trouba, as he leads a team that recorded an impressive 114-point season last year—a promising yet distant memory.
Milestone Season
This year marks a century since the Rangers’ inception, making it a particularly special season, and The Maven believes this milestone warrants an all-in mentality: the theme must be unequivocally “Stanley Cup or Bust!”
