State of the New York Rangers: A Positive Outlook on Glen Sather's Overhaul

Sather has made many changes, but they are the last in a top-to-bottom overhaul of the organization. Whatever the case, the Rangers have an excellent coach and the prerequisite for a Stanley Cup, a top-notch goaltender. Sather has made changes which I support. I will now review them.

Defense

We should not complain about the Wade Redden signing. Redden is not Brian Leetch, but he is a top pairing defenseman. The important point is that he’s something NOT to worry about. He will not give the puck away like Tom Poti or take dumb penalties like Marek Malik, both of whom were unfortunately plugged into primary roles in the past.

Redden is versatile and clearly a smart player if you look at his +/- ratings. With the cap rising by the year, his “high” price is much less worrisome than some ambulance chasers make it out to be.

The Kalinin signing could turn out to be a brilliant move. It is low risk (in that it’s a one year contract) and could pay dividends. Kalinin is still young and by no means should be judged by his performance last season.

Michal Roszival may well do even better on the power play, as he will no longer shake in his skates at the sight of Jaromir Jagr to his right and act like a “deer in the headlights.”

Dan Girardi and Marc Staal can only get better. Paul Mara is a solid player who is certainly nothing to sneer at, especially as a sixth defenseman.

By using four defensemen who have substantial offensive ability, the Rangers have made a pivotal organizational transition which has gone completely overlooked. They will now use a normal power play format with two defensemen on the point at all times, with Redden, Roszival, Kalinin, and Mara.

The power play will no longer be a muddle of Martin Straka and Roszival both constantly deferring to a shadowed Jagr. There will no longer be desperate stimulus strategies such as having Marek Malik shifting between the front of the net and the point.

It is easy to under estimate the stabilizing effect of having four defensemen who can play the point on the PP. The Rangers will head into the season prepared, with two set PP units.

Forwards

Rangers fans are worried about goal-scoring. While the defensive corps is certainly better established, the situation at forward is nowhere near as problematic as some claim.

Let’s recap: last season, Jaromir Jagr, Shanahan, and Straka declined. Avery missed many games and when he was in the lineup, he had trouble with the puck because of wrist problems.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?