Even though there's a bittersweet taste to go along with it, the Rangers are 5-0 and off to their best start since 1983.
But in the face of Prospect Alexei Cherepanov's death yesterday, the Rangers came out and stuck it to the rival New Jersey Devils, defeating them 4-1. With that win, the Rangers pushed their record to 5-0 - perfection in this early season.
In the early goings, the Rangers have racked up wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning (both games 2-1), the Chicago Blackhawks (4-2), the Philadelphia Flyers (4-3), and the Devils (4-1). That's 4 Eastern Conference opponents and 2 Atlantic Division opponents.
Exactly how you want to start a season, no?
So far, the Rangers have proven the critics wrong. Continuing the existing trend of smart, defensive hockey, the Rangers have infused a quicker, more relentless offensive attack lead by rising young stars and proven veterans.
The Blueshirts have outscored their opponents 16-8, and they've outshot their opponents 161-126; however, the Rangers have been outshot in all of the games except the Tampa Bay series, where the shot differential was heavily in favor of New York. The offensive attack has been much more effective this year, with the second line (Zherdev-Dubinsky-Voros) contributing the most.
The offseason additions of Redden, Nasland, Zherdev, Kalinin, and Voros now appear to be free-agent gems. The losses of Jagr, Avery, Straka, and Shanahan don't sting quite as badly as they did before. Voros has already contributed 7 points (3G, 4A, with two goals on the power play) and 9 PIM. The shoes of Sean Avery have apparently been filled, complete with the pestering of Martin Brodeur (minus stick waving, of course). Linemate Zherdev has contributed 5 points (2G, 3A), first-liner Naslund has 4 (1G, 3A), and star D-man Redden has 3 (2G, 1A, 1 goal on the powerplay). Kalinin has been a solid defensive force, making good plays on the third unit.
Add to that the success of returning 2nd line center Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A), defenseman Dan Girardi (0G, 5A), and 1st line center Scott Gomez (1G, 3A), and you have a very productive Rangers offense. The first line has yet to click as expected, but Drury, Gomez, and Naslund are looking more comfortable together with each game. Even the 3rd and 4th lines are contributing, with Betts, Callahan, Orr, and Sjostrom all contributing points.
Even more impressive than the offense have been the play of Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers special teams units. The powerplay has converted 20.8% of its chances, and the penalty kill has been perfect so far. And of course, the King has ascended his throne, taking over where he left off last year. Lundqvist has won all 4 of his matches, posting a GAA of 1.25 and a Sv% of .949. Very impressive numbers, even this early in the season.
Looking back to last year, Lundqvist had posted an equally impressive start to the season. The difference was the team around him. Now, he's surrounded by a more experienced defense, one that's not afraid to step up and make a hit, but also one that's not afraid to move the puck up ice. The offense in front of him is much more balanced, combining talent on all 4 lines with a solid, smart system implemented by coach Tom Renney.
Though the season is very young, the Rangers should undoubtedly continue proving the critics wrong. Will they win every game? No way. It's hockey, and a loss is bound to come soon. But can they keep the momentum going? I believe so.
The Rangers are a team with great talent, bolstered by a solid system and excellent chemistry. If the pieces continue to fall right, don't count the Blueshirt out of a Stanley Cup discussion.
Stars of the Games (1-5)
1st Star
Henrik Lundqvist (4-0, 1.25, .949%)
Expected solid play has Rangers off to great start
2nd Star
Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A, +2, 11PIM)
Rising star stepping up as leader all over ice (see fight v. Mike Richards)
3rd Star
Aaron Voros (3G, 4A, +2, 9PIM)
Pleasant surprise from offseason; looking like a real contributor
Biggest Spark
2nd Line
Voros, Dubinsky, and Zherdev have combined for 8 goals and 11 assists
Biggest Dud
Chris Drury
The newly anointed Captain has only registered 1 assist and a -1 rating so far.
Next Five Games: vs. Sabres, vs. Maple Leafs, @ Red Wings, vs. Stars, @ Blue Jackets
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