New York Rangers

Although most teams in the NHL do not consider the rangers much of a playoff threat. That is all about to change. With the new acquisitions made in the offseason, starting from the Tim Erixon trade to the signing of most sought after free agent Brad Richards. The New York Rangers have boosted there defense and their offense. The club has established the identity of being a hard working team that will come and grind out the victory no matter the cost. Last year was a year full of significant man loses, to most of the teams leaders and talent. This is when the club showed its resiliency and its will to win. Although most of the NHL saw the rangers first round exit of last years Stanley Cup playoffs as a failure in five games. It was much more than that. The club was full of young players most have which never before experienced Stanley Cup playoffs before. This was a learning experience to all. The rangers found out what it takes to compete in the playoffs. So during the offseason the clubs addressed some of it's concerns. Finding a replacement for the late and great "Boogie man". By signing Mike Rupp to a 3 year contract in hopes to protect its star players and, to take some pressure off of a fan favorite Brandon Prust. The club realized that it also needed more talent to bring them back to successful playoffs experiences. Brad Richards bring a plethora of talent and leadership to the rangers. He is expected to center the first line with Marian Gaborik to his wing. Being the elite player maker that he is there is no reason he should not reach atleast 80 points this season. With Gaborik getting about 80 himself. With secondary scoring coming from the wolf pack line, and a solid checking line. The ranger fowards should be set for the challenge next season. On defense the team is stacked with youth and talent. With Marc Staal and Dan Girardi being a proven first pair, able to take on all of the oppositions top players, leading the way the team is looking better. Then the second defensive pairing most likely being Ryan McDonagh and Michael Sauer now the team in looking great. Plus with the signing of youngster Tim Erixon and a veteran like Steve Eminger its just getting better. Hopefully with a bounce back season from Michael DelZotto the rangers can truly make a deep playoff run. And as all ranger fans know we can always count on "king" Henrik to give everything he has to keep us in any game, and his backup Martan Biron (aka shootout coach), the team is looking truly gifted. With the new acquisitions and King Henrik between the pipes the rangers will truly be a dangerous team next year and should not in anyway be overlooked, or underrated. They are ready to make a deep playoff run.