Sunday, September 20, 2009

Rangers on the Outside Looking In?

Lyle Richardson at Fox Sports takes a look at the seven Eastern Conference teams that could finish outside the playoff picture including the Rangers...

New York Rangers: They dumped center Scott Gomez and added talented but oft-injured winger Marian Gaborik via free agency. But in moving Gomez they now lack a skilled first-line center. Brandon Dubinsky is penciled into that role but it remains to be seen if he's ready for the responsibility -- or if he'll even be a Ranger, given his contract status. The performance of blueline veterans Michal Rozsival and Wade Redden has been cause for concern. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will keep the Rangers competitive but he could wear down over the course of the season if the Blueshirts defensive game doesn't improve. And the offense could suffer if Gaborik gets sidelined again by injury.

...see my comments on every preseason prediction counting the Rangers out. Keep them coming.

1 comment:

Brian said...

I think Gilroy will make up all that offense that Redden left in Ottawa. The way he has played so far in the preseason, I think he could definitely reach 45 points. With more offense coming from the defense, that will translate into more offense up front too. I honestly think this team will greatly outscore last season's team.