New York Rangers are built to last with young talent

On Monday, February 16^th, the New York Rangers beat the New York Islanders 6-5 in a come-from-behind victory to win their fourth straight game on the road, and first over the Islanders all season.

Over the course of that road trip, and including their recent overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks, they have scored 26 goals. They are now only five points behind their arch rivals for the lead in the Metropolitan Division with three games in hand.

What makes this team so good?

Their recent performance is indicative of the winning formula that drives their success. They’re balanced, deep, and built for long-term success.

This team can score. Leading the way this year is perennial all-star forward Rick Nash with 36 goals and a +/- 23. In his second full season under coach Alain Vigneault, he is healthy, productive and showing why they gave up so much to bring him to the New York.

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These Rangers are about so much more than one player. They have at least 10 players with over twenty points. Of the ten, two are defensemen, two play on their third line, and only two are in there thirties. In their last game, four different players scored goals.

This type of balance and depth are key for a team that looks primed for another deep run in the playoffs.

So far since Cam Talbot has taken over for Henrik Lundqvist; the returns are good with 5 wins since he started filling in. The 27-year-old backup is keeping the Rangers in a position to win every game.

The long-term future is bright. Chris Kreider has used his combination of size and speed to become an integral part of the team. The Rangers third line of J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, and Carl Hagelin have been playing very strong hockey this season. These players are emblematic of their depth and reason to be excited for the future. Haeglin is the oldest member of the third line at 26, while Miller is 21, Hayes 22, and Kreider, 23 years old.

And there is more on the way. Prospects Anthony Duclair, Pavel Buchnevich are two exciting wingers, who along with defenseman Brady Skje will continue to develop into the types of players that should sustain the Rangers success.

They’re fast, fun, and experienced. They reached the cup in Alain Vigneault’s first season while adjusting to his coaching style. Another season is showing further progress.

Watch out. The Rangers are good. It will only get better.

Next: Who are the Top 5 Rangers of all-time?

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