Summary of the New York Rangers’ last season
The New York Rangers had an impressive season, finishing third in the Metro division behind Carolina and New Jersey. They had a strong defense, only allowing 219 goals, and were particularly dominant on the road, earning 56 of their 107 points away from home. However, their first-round playoff run was cut short when they blew a 2-0 lead against New Jersey. Despite this, they had a successful record against Western Conference opponents, with a 21-6-5 overall record. Their power play unit was one of the best in the Eastern Conference, converting on 24.1% of their opportunities, and their penalty kill was solid, successfully defending against 81.2% of opponent power plays.
Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad were standout players for the Rangers, with Panarin leading the team in assists and Zibanejad leading in goals. Defenseman Adam Fox also had an impressive season, ranking among the top blueliners in the league. Viktor Trocheck and Chris Kreider also contributed significantly to the team’s offense. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin performed excellently, with a save percentage of .916 and allowing just 2.48 goals per game.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, let’s assess what we can expect from the New York Rangers:
Key Additions and Losses
The Rangers did lose Tarasenko to free agency, but their overall roster remains largely unchanged. They made a notable addition by signing veteran forward Blake Wheeler, who recorded 55 points with Winnipeg last season.
X-Factors to Watch
Health: The Rangers’ offensive capabilities and depth could be affected if Filip Chytil and Artemi Panarin are unable to start the season due to health concerns.
Mika Zibanejad: As the team’s best player, Zibanejad’s performance will be crucial. The Rangers rely on him to lead the team to success, and at 30 years old, this season may be pivotal for him to reach his full potential.
Goalie Outlook
Igor Shesterkin is expected to be the team’s primary goaltender, and he is considered a top contender for the Vezina Trophy. The Rangers also added experienced goalie Jonathan Quick as a backup, providing valuable depth. However, any injuries to either goaltender could pose a significant challenge for New York.
Grade: B
Key Schedule Stretch
October 21st-November 24th: The Rangers face a demanding stretch, with a five-game road trip followed by another road trip consisting of four games. These matchups include challenging opponents such as Seattle, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, New Jersey, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. This stretch will test the Rangers’ road success from the previous season.
Notable Odds
- Stanley Cup Champions – +1300
- Conference Winner – +750
- Division Winner – +330
- Hart Trophy- Mika Zibanejad- +10000
Prediction
Considering the Rangers’ offensive improvements with the addition of Blake Wheeler and the return of their top offensive players, it is likely that they will surpass 103.5 team points this season. As long as their goaltending remains solid, the Rangers should secure a playoff spot and potentially outperform the Penguins.
Over 103.5 Team Total Points
Stanley Cup 2023/24 Odds
Outright
Carolina Hurricanes +900
Toronto Maple Leafs +1000
Colorado Avalanche +900
Edmonton Oilers +900
New Jersey Devils +900
Vegas Golden Knights +1200
Boston Bruins +1500
Dallas Stars +1400
New York Rangers +1400
Florida Panthers +1600
Los Angeles Kings +2000
Tampa Bay Lightning +2000
Minnesota Wild +3300
Buffalo Sabres +3300
Calgary Flames +3300
Pittsburgh Penguins +2800
Seattle Kraken +2800
Ottawa Senators +4000
New York Islanders +5000
Vancouver Canucks +5000
Detroit Red Wings +6600
Nashville Predators +6600
St. Louis Blues +5000
Washington Capitals +8000
Winnipeg Jets +5000
Chicago Blackhawks +15000
Columbus Blue Jackets +10000
Anaheim Ducks +15000
Philadelphia Flyers +15000
Arizona Coyotes +25000
Montreal Canadiens +25000
San Jose Sharks +25000
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
