Bon voyage, 2010.
First off, I hope everyone has a safe New Years Ever and Day.
Second of all, I would like to recap to Rangers over the year of 2010.
The year 2010 was turbulent for the Rangers like any year is. It was coach John Tortorellas first full year as the head coach, and ended in disappointing fashion unfortunately. But the key is to forget the past, and focus on the future. We saw three Rangers prospects in Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Ryan Bourque win the World Juniors. We also got to watch as Derek Stepan grew before our very eyes into an important player who is now a fixture in the Rangers lineup.
Another thing we got to watch was two Rangers go all the way to the gold medal game against Canada. Captain Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan managed to shake off Jeremy Roenicks criticism of them not being good enough to be in the lineup, and managed to be very important players on the ice for the USA. Unfortunately, the game did not end with a Ranger getting a gold medal, but the thrill of watching the Olympics sure was exhilarating.
Now, focusing on the Rangers in the 2010-2011 season. This season so far, the Rangers have a record of 22-14-2. They have 46 points, and are +20 in the goals for/goals against ratio. They sit at sixth place in the Eastern Conference, and eighth place in the entire league. We have seen them transform from a team that could not score goals outside of Marian Gaborik, to a team that is blazing the trail to a playoff spot.
The question that is on everyones mind though is this: Can the Rangers go all the way and win the Stanley Cup? We saw a 7th seeded Flyers team make it all the way, and win two games in the final. Is it possible for the same thing to happen to the Rangers?
The answer is: maybe.
The Rangers are playing with confidence, grit, determination, and cohesiveness these days. Those elements are the building block to a Cup winning team. But, are they ready yet? In my opinion, not yet.
The Rangers have quite a few rookies and sophomores on their team. And while there is quite a gabble of pluses around the Rangers lineup, there are still some flaws that can hurt this team in the playoffs. For one, the Rangers need an elite center. A playmaker who can play on all lines and is not afraid to pass, while at the same time is smart enough to know when to shoot. Also, some more maturing needs to happen on the defensive side of the puck. Players like Del Zotto and Gilroy still are growing into their own, and can be forces to be reckoned with if given the right amount of time.
In all, I am fairly happy with the way the Rangers have performed so far this season. I will continue to cheer them on, and will continue to support them through this great year they are having.
Enjoy your New Years everyone!
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