5 Bold Predictions For New York Rangers This Season
Bold Predictions For New York Rangers
Trying to look into a crystal ball and predict what will happen over the course of an 82 game NHL season is practically impossible. Sometimes you attempt to be realistic with your projections, and other times you let your mind run free. That’s what I have done here.
Certain things you hope to see may not seem completely realistic, but you can also make yourself buy into those ideas because of how badly you want to see them. With the New York Rangers, there are always Stanley Cup dreams, dreams of a player winning the Hart, Vezina or Norris Trophy, dreams of players scoring over 50 goals or winning the Art Ross Trophy; those are dreams every Blueshirts fan thinks about before the start of a season.
Bold predictions give fans the chance to dream and buy into things that you might only see in your NHL 14 GM mode happening in real life. There are a few things specifically to think about before looking at the predictions.
Alain Vigneault’s emphasis on defensemen joining the offensive rush should lead to an increase in offensive production for certain players on defense.
With two good playmaking centers in Derek Stepan and Derick Brassard, we should see wingers have successful seasons.
It’s almost impossible for the Rangers' power play to be worse this season than it was last year.
With those three thoughts in mind, enjoy reading these bold predictions and hope they come true, Rangers fans.
Martin Burns covers the New York Rangers for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter for more thoughts on the team and the NHL!
5. Ryan McDonagh Will Score 50 Points
Ryan McDonagh is maturing at a fast pace and seemingly improving each game. The young defenseman is one of the best skaters in the NHL and has tremendous offensive upside, but up until this point in his career, has not been able to breakout. With an emphasis on joining the rush from the coaching staff, we could see McDonagh have a Norris Candidate type of season if things go well.
4. Derick Brassard Will Score 30 Goals
This one may be more than just bold, but Derick Brassard seems ready to take over as the Rangers No. 2 center. Brassard has playmaking ability and a good wrist shot. If he really has a terrific season, 30 goals may be within reach.
3. Mats Zuccarello Will Score 25 Goals
Already a fan favorite, if Mats Zuccarello nets 25 goals this season, he will be a God in New York. I wouldn't put money on it, but Zuccarello, who Brad Richards referred to as a "Martin St. Louis type of player," has plenty of skill and scoring ability.
2. The Rangers Power Play Will Be Top 10 In The NHL
Don't laugh too hard. Although "Rangers" and "Top 10 Power Play" may seem like they should never be uttered in the same sentence, the Blueshirts' special teams unit actually looked improved in the preseason. With a new coaching staff and strong personnel, the team has potential to bounce back and have a strong season on the power play.
1. The Rangers Will Win The Metropolitan Division
This may not seem "bold" to some, but I look at Pittsburgh Penguins as a team that is head and shoulders above all other teams in the Metropolitan Division. Certainly there's a chance another team could win the division, and if that were to happen, I believe the Rangers have the strongest chance to do so.
