New York Rangers: The more things change the more they stay the same
For the New York Rangers, the more things change the more they stay the same.
The time is now for the New York Rangers. They are centered around a goalie and a core that has been together for several years. That window to win the cup is closing. So after a couple of higher scoring loss, the most recent 2-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens was encouraging. The Rangers looked to improve on defense and this was the first game we saw that on the ice.
It is only three games into the season and there is a long way to go. However, these early games also bring forward an interesting trend that has been true for quite some time. You ever hear the old saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”? It couldn’t be more true than with the Rangers. Let me tell you about why.
What have the results been so far? 4-2 loss, 8-5 loss and 2-0 win. Who has been the starting goalie in each of the first three games? Henrik Lundqvist. In game two, he gave up five goals and got benched. In game three he pitched his first shutout of the season. Whether or not the team is working on offense, Lundqvist has been the difference maker for this team.
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Go back through the years. Who have the Rangers been dependent on? Henrik Lundqvist. Going back as far as Tom Renney, through John Tortorella and right through Alain Vigneault, the results have been the same.
Where’s the scoring? Where’s the defense? I don’t know about you guys but I have had these questions for a long time. Despite the constant presence of Dan Girardi (gone now), the defense constantly faltered in front of Lundqvist, leaving him tough chances and ultimately giving up goals.
The personnel has changed over the years. Guys like Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis have come and gone, with the likes of Ryan McDonagh and Michael Grabner in their place. But through the years, it has come down to Henrik Lundqvist. When he is good, so are the Rangers. When he isn’t, neither are the Rangers.
Next: Familiar pairings to start the Rangers season
At the start of the season, it has been more of the same. When Henrik is on the Rangers win. If he needs help he doesn’t always get it. It’s early like we said before but it deserves watching. Could this be what holds the Rangers up from winning the Cup?