Internet Hotstove is a series where Last Word On Sports asks the opinions of respected bloggers from around the internet about their team’s chances in the 2013-14 NHL Playoffs. The goal is to get a broad view of opinion from around the league as an alternative to other playoff previews.
In the summer of 2013 the New York Rangers decided on a completely new direction by hiring Alain Vigneault. While it took some time to adjust to the new coach’s system, ultimately the Rangers enter the playoffs as a team with plenty of confidence. The team has a lot of underachieving pieces, and should they start to show their potential once again they could be the contender that they were built to be. The midseason loss of Ryan Callahan adds an interesting dynamic to the locker room situation, but the team seems to have taken it in stride.
Meet the Blogger:
Jared Sexton- Contributor at RangersUnlimited.Com @NYRUnlimited
1. Who is the x-factor for the Rangers in the playoffs?
Rick Nash. The Rangers paid a big price to get him after their 2011-12 playoff run, and he’s been the goalscorer the Rangers have needed, but he’s been a polarizing figure for Ranger fans so far. He has 47 goals in 108 games regular season games for the Rangers, but had only one goal in 12 games in his first post-season with the team. It’s a small sample, but obviously the Rangers are expecting more.
2. What factors does Vigneault bring that Tortorella didn’t?
The Rangers have the puck a lot more under Vigneault than Tortorella. Tortorella stressed shot blocking, but having your forwards clogging up the slot makes it awfully difficult to break out of the zone with possession. In 2011-12, the Rangers had 48.5% of a shot attempts, compared to 52.3% this season. That 8% difference may not seem like much, but that’s all the more opportunities for them to get a lucky bounce in the offensive zone and less opportunities for them to make a mistake in their own end.
3. Which Eastern Conference opposition would you least like the Ranger to meet in the playoffs?
Definitely the Boston Bruins. The East isn’t as deep as the West. I think Boston stands alone as the team to beat in the East. Their defense took a big hit with the loss of Seidenberg, but they’re so deep up front and strong in net. Patrice Bergeron represents a terrifying matchup for any Ranger line.
4. What dynamic does Martin St. Louis bring to the Rangers cup run?
He’s been there before, obviously that’s a plus for any team in a deep playoff run. But the biggest thing he brings is his offensive potential. He’s the leading point getter in the NHL in the past five seasons. It was a slow start to his Ranger career, but he’s finished the season strong. He’s now playing with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash, and the Rangers need that trio to produce.
5. How far do you see the Rangers going?
I could see them going out in Round one. I could see them representing the East in the Stanley Cup Finals. Such is the playoffs. I do think the Rangers’ chances deserve more credit than they are getting. They are third in the East this season in both regulation record and goal differential, measures I feel are more indicative of playoff potential than straight points. If I had to pinpoint a guess, I’d say the Rangers bow out in the Conference Finals.
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