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3 Key Things the Rangers Need to Accomplish Before the Playoffs

The Rangers seemingly have the pieces to win the Stanley Cup, however prior to the playoffs there are a few things this team still needs to show.

By Nicholas Rome

Mar 17, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Jonny Brodzinski (22) celebrates his
Mar 17, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Jonny Brodzinski (22) celebrates his / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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1. Continued Improvement From the Top Line

Mika Zibanejad
New York Rangers v Boston Bruins / Richard T Gagnon/GettyImages

The storyline for the Rangers in the lead-up to the trade deadline was that the team would acquire a top-level scorer at right wing. The team passed on dealing for Jake Guentzel, Frank Vatrano, and the other scoring wings opting to instead add Jack Roslovic. The move wasn't the massive swing many wanted, however Chris Drury may have made the top line better than a scorer would have.

While not known as a top-tier scorer Jack Roslovic has brought a dynamic that Blake Wheeler lacked in his speed. Roslovic plays a straight-line game similar to that of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad which will be a nightmare for opponents in the playoffs. In nine games, with Roslovic the top line has scored four times in five-on-five play a positive trend specifically for Mika Zibanejad.

Zibanejad broke his even-strength goal drought that dated back to before Christmas against the Devils last week. Heading into the playoffs the Rangers could desperately use consistent scoring from the top line.

The Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere line has been dominant all season, however the team needs consistency out of its true top line. With just eleven games remaining in the Rangers regular season consistent play out of the Zibanejad line is important heading into the playoffs.

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