Yesterday, the boys were a little pessimistic when it came to the Rangers this season. There’s nothing wrong with some pessimism and I fully admit to being that way in April and May. (The less I expect, the less it hurts if they fail.) But in October, I tend to choose optimism. So here’s some predictions that have me feeling good going into game one of 82.
Youth is Served
In the past, when a young player makes the opening night roster it is because he was promised a spot. Were Vesey and Buchnevich promised spots? Maybe. But here’s the difference – they actually earned them with their play in preseason. I had no idea if Vesey would be able to make the jump as smoothly as he has seemed to so far. (Yes, everyone thought he would. They also thought Kevin Hayes would be able to and saying his first training camp was horrible would be an understatement.) I also didn’t think Buchnevich would have a spot on the team. But both have made sure Vigneault has to play them. Definitely a good sign if this keeps up.
As for my prediction…I think it will. Vesey might take some time to put points regularly on the board but he will have an above average season. Buchnevich will surprise all and be in the talk for the Calder all season. (He won’t get it unless Auston Matthews stops scoring four goals every game.)
There’s a new alternate captain in town
In case you missed the news, Rick Nash was given an A. I am convinced there is more to it than just the fact they wanted to tell everyone he wasn’t being moved. (The timing is really weird to me.) The good news is this should motivate him even more than he already was going into the season. Regular players can hide if they have a bad game. Guys with letters can’t. Nash doesn’t want to have to answer for bad games every night so my prediction is he comes out flying. And while he appears to be starting the season with Miller and Hayes, I don’t think he stays there long. I also think he doubles his production from last year. No matter what, this may be his last season as a blueshirt. But he is going to make it difficult for the Rangers to let him go.
Fresh blood means renewed energy
While everyone believed the defense was what brought last years’ team down, if we’re being honest most of the forwards weren’t much better. So since it’s easier to revamp that, that’s what Gorton did.
Out goes a bunch of players who did nothing to assist the team + Derick Brassard. In comes the two kids mentioned above plus Brandon Pirri, Michael Grabner and Mika Zibanejad. All three have something to prove. There is nothing better than having a player on a cheap contract with something to prove. While I’m still not sold on Grabner, I think Pirri will be a surprise offensive force. (Think along the lines of Benoit Pouliot.) And we already know Zibanejad will be great. In fact I expect him to surpass Brassard’s totals from last year.
Defense
Okay, we have to talk about the big, old elephant in the back of the room. Yes, it hasn’t changed much. But I’m going to let a cat out of the bag (and hope the elephant doesn’t eat it) – I don’t hate our defense.
I know, I know. They were horrible last year. Top to bottom. But there’s something about losing and being written off that brings out the best in players. And I think that will happen with our defense. Will they look like the defense everyone said was the best in the league a few years ago? Probably not. Will they be the worst defense in the league this year? Not even close. In fact, I say they will be in the top half rather than bottom half. And those two veterans everyone “loves” so much? Fans might actually remember they rooted for them not too long ago.
As for the biggest prediction – do I expect a parade down the cannon of heroes in June? I always hope for that. But for now I’ll just plan for the boys to be playing in late April. And once they’re in the playoffs, you never know what can happen.
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