Record: 24-19-7, 55 points Conference Rank: 6th Division Rank: 3rd Top Scorer: Marian Gaborik (29 goals, 32 assists, 61 points) Top Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist (22 wins, 2.26 GAA) Midseason Grade: C
Marian Gaborik turned out to be a great pickup, as the Rangers’ leading scorer has been an absolute monster offensively in his first season away from Minnesota. Other than Gaborik however, the Rangers have struggled to score. Only Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan have more than 10 goals. Gaborik is doing his part to keep the Rangers’ offense afloat, but they’ll need more than one scorer if they want to be competitive in the playoffs.
The Rangers have also been helped by their star keeper, Henrik Lundqvist, who remains one of the elite goalies in the league. Their young defensive corps is certainly loaded with promise, as well. Marc Staal, Matt Gilroy and Mike Del Zotto are three youngsters with very bright futures in this league, but veteran Wade Redden is costing the Rangers far more than he should be, and his salary keeps the Rangers from making any significant acquisitions. At 8 points and a +2 rating through 43 games, Redden’s $6.5 million contract is a killer.
Under ordinary circumstances, the Rangers would probably be looking to make a pickup or two at the deadline, but with their current salary obligations, they’ll have to work with what they’ve got. Unfortunately, what they have is not much offense and a defense that can’t be counted on to get the job done every night. They’re in the playoff discussion right now, but I don’t see them keeping it together through April.