From Bottom to Top: The Turnaround of New York Rangers in Recent NHL Seasons

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers, one of the oldest and most well-known teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), have had a rollercoaster of a journey in recent seasons. After a string of disappointing performances and unsuccessful attempts at making it to the playoffs, the Rangers finally turned things around in the 2019-2020 season, earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. This truly was a comeback story for the ages, proving that with determination, hard work, and strategic decision-making, any team can rise from the bottom to the top. In this article, we will delve into the journey of the New York Rangers and how they were able to turn their fortunes around in recent years.

Founded in 1926, the New York Rangers have been a major force in the NHL, having won the Stanley Cup four times and earning numerous division titles throughout their history. However, things took a downturn for the team in the 2017-2018 season when they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. This was followed by another disappointing season in 2018-2019, where they missed the playoffs yet again. The team’s performance had hit an all-time low, and it seemed like they were headed for a long and challenging journey back to the top.

One of the major factors contributing to the Rangers’ downfall was their aging core players. Players like Henrik Lundqvist, who had been with the team for over a decade, were now in their mid to late 30s and were no longer able to perform at the same level they once could. The team also lacked depth, with little to no young talent to fill the shoes of the aging veterans. As a result, the Rangers were struggling and unable to compete with the faster, younger, and more skilled teams in the league.

But then came a turning point for the Rangers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The team was awarded not one, but two top-ten picks, thanks to some strategic trades. This gave them the opportunity to revamp their roster and bring in fresh young talent. And that’s exactly what they did. With the second overall pick, the Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko, a highly skilled Finnish forward touted as one of the best prospects in the draft. With the ninth pick, they chose Vitali Kravtsov, a talented Russian winger known for his speed and playmaking abilities. These two picks signaled a new direction for the team, one that focused on speed, skill, and youth.

In addition to these top picks, the Rangers also made some key acquisitions in the offseason, including signing veteran free agent Artemi Panarin, who would become the team’s top scorer, and trading for defenseman Jacob Trouba, who would provide some much-needed stability on the blue line.

The 2019-2020 season began with a newfound energy and excitement for the Rangers. Thanks to their young talent and key acquisitions, the team had a new and improved roster, one that was faster, more skilled, and had more depth. This resulted in the Rangers finishing the season with a record of 37-28-5 and earning a spot in the qualifying rounds of the playoffs.

This newfound success for the Rangers can also be attributed to some strategic decisions made by the team’s management. This includes the decision to promote David Quinn as the head coach in 2018. Quinn’s approach has been to prioritize the development of young players, giving them ample ice time and the opportunity to grow and improve. This tactic has paid off, as young players like Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, and Ryan Lindgren have flourished under Quinn’s leadership, becoming crucial components of the team.

Another key decision made by the Rangers’ management was to rebuild the team’s defense. In the 2019-2020 season, the Rangers’ defense was ranked 17th in the league, a major improvement from the previous season where they ranked 28th. This was mainly due to the addition of players like Trouba and Fox, who provided much-needed stability and skill on the blue line.

As the Rangers’ journey from the bottom to the top continues, there is much to look forward to for the team and its fans. With a solid core of young talent, a strategic and progressive coach, and the right management decisions, the Rangers are well on their way to becoming a dominant force in the NHL once again.

The turnaround of the New York Rangers in recent NHL seasons is a testament to the resilience and determination of a team that was down on its luck. With a focused approach on youth, speed, and skill, coupled with smart management decisions and strategic coaching, the Rangers have been able to rise from the bottom and make their way back to the top. As we eagerly await the upcoming seasons, there is no doubt that the New York Rangers will continue to captivate and inspire fans with their never-give-up attitude and relentless pursuit of success.

Topics:

New York Rangers,

NHL,

Stanley Cup