New year, new me … right?
Everyone in the world seems to have made New Year’s resolutions for a plethora of reasons; it happens every year. The New York Rangers have had flashes of something potentially great, but they’ve been mired in mediocrity. It was forgivable last season because of the “rebuild,” but this season, the Rangers still seem content with one step forward and two steps back. Perhaps even three or four. Then you’ll see five or six steps forward, God reaches down and blesses them, and they look like a non-rebuild team.
Rinse and repeat.
So, it’s no wonder consistency has been an issue for this team.
In 2018, for Christmas and the 2019 New Year, all Ranger fans wanted was to get a good spot in the draft lottery. God smiled again and gave them the No. 2 spot, and now they have Kaapo Kakko.
For 2020, here are five New Year’s resolutions the Rangers will make.
1. Talk Henrik Lundqvist into waiving his no-movement clause
While no one can deny he’s been an outstanding goalie for the Rangers, his play seems to be not so fabulous lately. Age always cates up to you in the end, as well as defenders sometimes not doing their jobs. It’s highly doubtful this will happen because Lundqvist has one more season on his contract, and he’s made it clear he wants to stay. Fans want him to stay, at least those who follow their idol.
A buyout of his contract is not ideal, but retaining part of his contract should he be traded would be a viable solution as well.
2. They name a captain for next season
Starting with the 2020-21 season, a case could be made for Mika Zibanejad to be named the captain of the Rangers. Many believe he would be a great choice for the role. Perhaps even Artemi Panarin or Jacob Trouba might be candidates to possibly take into consideration. It’s understandable if no one stands out on the team enough to be captain, and so we just have alternate captains. However, the lack of a captain could account for a small part of the inconsistency and lack of discipline at times. If they want to truly succeed, there needs to be a player in charge to hold everyone accountable.
3. Find a way to make players take more shots on net
The Rangers have one of the worst shot rates in the NHL. If you’ve watched more than a few games, it’s obvious they consistently give up more shots on goal than they attempt. It’s been an issue for a while now, long before David Quinn became the coach. No major improvement seems to have been made in this area. Either they can’t see the shot or they are too busy looking for the perfect pass. Both options are disheartening.
4. They will be more careful before drafting players
Two words: Lias Andersson. He might have every right to feel the way he does, but really, did anyone not see this coming? Throwing his silver medal into the crowd, while a statement, should have been a red flag. Is it any wonder that since he feels he’s not getting a fair deal or what he wants from the Rangers, he asks for a trade and decides not to show for practice? No matter the issue, whether it’s his performance or the Rangers’ incompetence in developing him, the Rangers need to do a better job of assessing the psychological state of every potential draftee.
5. Follow the plan they set in motion with the rebuild
They have one, right? Despite what might be thought of as a tenuous one-and-a-half seasons, there have been bright spots. They’ve acquired high-profile players such as Panarin and Trouba and are working to develop their young players. As with all things, people are impatient, and at times you see it in the Rangers’ fanbase. They want it all and they want it now. The Rangers need to keep on keeping and now worry too much about outside influences, even their fanbase. Remember: consistency is key.
Making these resolutions might not bring a Stanley Cup anytime soon, but it will put them on the road to achieving it. By being precise and resolute in any actions stemming from these resolutions, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
