Keys To Success in 2009 For The New York Rangers

Brandon Dubinsky

Dubie had all the fans going nuts after his hot start. But the sophomore slump has hit him, big time. With just one goal in 29 games, Dubinsky's offense has struggled just as the team's has. He has chipped in with a few assists, but it is not enough.

He has gone up to six games in a row without registering a point, and that can't happen from a guy who was expected to take the first line center spot. Dubie still has the support of the fans, he just needs to find the net more to be seen as a legitimate threat in this league.

Scott Gomez

For a guy that was always known as being a responsible 2-way player, a -11 rating is not going to cut it for a guy who learned to play defensively in the most well executed defensive systems in recent memory. Scott Gomez is capable of being an offensive leader on this team, and it its about time he shows it.

Defensive Play

Call it boring, say what you will, but it is damn effective. The Rangers went 10-2-1 in the month of October giving up about 2.4 goals per game. They went 6-5-1 in December giving up an average of 3.5 per game. Obviously a huge drop off.

Let's face it people, maybe you feel it isn't as fun to watch, but this team is at it's best when they can play 2-1. 3-2 games. The simple fact is that this team can't consistently win the back and forth, goal for goal games.

It is easy to blame defensive struggles on guys like Redden and Rozsival and Kalinin, but it is the responsibility of all five skaters to play defense.

The Rangers face a big second half to this season. In a year that at first had many fans dreaming of a Stanley Cup, we are now not sure of a playoff spot. But with a few key players stepping up, 2009 could become a dream year for Rangers fans.

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