The times of this New York Rangers being a dominant force in the hotly contested Metropolitan Division are likely bound for a brief hiatus. The Rangers’ days since the sins of NYC hockey are probably over. Age and a lack of living room under the cap have been in the forefront of a transitional period for the Blueshirts that could possibly cause the 2016-17 season to become one of disappointment.
Henrik Lundqvist, the cornerstone of the franchise along with the goaltender laureate of many a season in Manhattan, is aging and regressing. He’s coming off a season in which he posted a 2.48 goals-against average — the highest of his magnificent career. Furthermore, those cap problems forced the group to let slick defenseman and power-play mainstay Keith Yandle walk, er, skate.
The power play took a double strike as last season’s top goal scorer, Derick Brassard, will even don brand new duds this year after being dealt with the Ottawa Senators for the oft-thrilling yet oft-infuriating Mika Zibanejad.
OK, the roster nevertheless showcases some superb talent such as Mats Zuccarello, Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider, but it is not enough to convince me that this group can hang with the likes of the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders or Washington Capitals — and that’s just inside their own division!
Following is a look at where the Rangers stand as far as the futures is worried.
Stanley Cup +2500
The Rangers got to the postseason by finishing third in the Metro with 101 points but were immediately dispatched by the Penguins in five games in the opening round. The penalty-killing unit, which really was the team’s Achilles heel this past year, was ridiculous at best from the series, killing just 61.9 percent of their penalties.
You play baseball like that, you become eliminated in five games. What have they done to address those particular teams needs? Well, not a lot. In +2500 at online publication BetOnline, the price will fetch some action from diehards, but this wager is a stay-away at this point. Maybe King Henrik regains a little that great form and maybe the team makes some moves ahead of the deadline, but until then, do not touch.
Eastern Conference +1200
The Rangers have two conference championships in their history (1993-94, 2013-14) and contemplating the teams above them and around them in the current NHL climate, they will have a tough time winning the East this season.
The Penguins will be back and firing on all cylinders as well as the Caps will be hungry to avenge a disappointing playoff run last year, just to mention a couple, let alone bring up the Atlantic Division.
The +1200 price is currently long enough to justify a bet on the Rangers within this spot.
Metropolitan Division +600
At this price? No thank you.
The Metropolitan is turning into a poor person’s version of the insanely deep Central. The aforementioned Pens, Caps and Islands will be fighting for the branch glory while teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers will be nipping at their heels and groups like the Columbus Blue Jackets are based on surprise.
Season Points OVER/UNDER 95.5
OK. So this one might not be too out of the realm of possibility. The Blueshirts finished with 101 points and also have resisted the 95.5 barrier in each season since 2011-12, save to the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.
A high-90s total does not mean that you’re winning the branch; it means you’re in a dogfight to sneak in the postseason, which is where the Rangers could be this year. If you believe NYR is postseason-bound, this is potentially your safest wager on the futures .
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