Blog Playoff edition #7: Plenty of problems in the "Big Apple"

For the second year in a row, the New York Rangers were eliminated on home ice, and it now has been 22 years since they last won the Cup. Henrik Lundqvist will take his fair share of blame for the loss, as he should. He was very hot and cold during the playoffs, and he is not getting any younger. However their are BIGGER issues at hand here.

First of all, the Rangers leaders, didn't score! J.T Miller, Kevin Hayes,Chris Kreider, Jim Vessey, Rick Nash, and Derek Stepan had a total of 9 goals in 12 games. Those are some very talented players, who didn't product. The Rangers have been know for incredible depth, but they really don't have a superstar that can take control of the game. Rick Nash, was very hot and cold during the playoff. At the end of the 2017-18 season, Nash will be a UFA, so the Rangers should try to move hi, during the offseason. The Rangers best player, Mika Zibanejad is an RFA and their is a good chance he will won't be back.

The one area that the Rangers are doing well with, is there defense. Giradi, McDonaugh, and Staal provide the Rangers with a very talented top 3, and Brady Skej has quickly become a factor. So the Rangers still will be competitive. However, that is bit of a problem with the Rangers. They are a good team, but they are not a GREAT team. They can easily make the playoffs, and maybe go far, but they will never win the Cup. Not at least with the current team that they have. The Rangers have really shot themselves in the foot over the years. They have traded draft pick after draft pick. The last time they had a first round pick was in 2012. Also no Ranger pick from 2014-2016 has played in the NHL. So the Ranger will need to re-tool things, or they will be in trouble.

I don't think that Alain Vigneualt is the problem, but he good be the one that takes the fall. Glen Sather has known to have a short lease, and he could cut Vigneault lose,which would be a shame. Is should an interesting offseason in New York. Will the Ranger totally revamp the team? Blow things up, and start over? I high doubt that will occur, even if it should be the case. Which means many good years, and even great years, but no Stanley Cup for the team in the near future.