Eight Predictions for the New York Rangers' 2008-09 Season

However, wasn't Jagr the same when we traded for him?  Wasn't Straka?  I remember reading the Hockey News when they were both acquired a few years back, and they laughed at Glen Sather. 

Man, were they proven wrong.  The team was turning towards Czech players, and those two helped rebuild the Rangers.  Maybe now we're looking at Swedes.  Naslund, Sjostrom, and Lundqvist are three fine Swedish players who all bring a lot to the table. 

I will admit a mistake was made on Backman, though. 

Looking at Naslund—what if he assumes the role that Jagr had?  I don't think he's a potential 50-goal scorer anymore... but is 30 out of the question?  Imagine how he could teach Nigel Dawes. 

If anyone is a potential breakout star on this team, it might be Dawes.  Let Naslund, one of the best snipers in the game, teach one of the up-and-coming snipers the Rangers have. 

I know that Naslund's career suddenly bottomed out around the same time Alain Vigneault was hired.  Coincedence?  We'll see. 

However I don't think he's such as waste as others feel.  He'll give us two, maybe three solid seasons, and will be looked at as a quality elder statesman, similar to Marty Straka.  In fact, look for an "A" to be on his chest by the end of the preseason.

8. The Forgotten Scott Gomez

I haven't heard him discussed once all summer.  I do believe people expected him to be a 30-goal scorer, and were disappointed. 

He's not a goal scorer people! 

I was shocked to see the money he got from Sather, and all last summer I tried to figure out why.  I think I figured it out during this year when I saw him play game in and game out—he's electric. 

He's not the biggest scorer in the world, but he can do something few others can—make his linemates better. 

The guy averages about 50 assists a year, and that's not easy.  Last year he struggled to find chemistry, especially with Jagr, but this year I have a gut feeling that'll all change.

Gomez does well with north-south type players.  Dawes I liked on his wing.  They'll try Zherdev, and if that works, we might see a big payoff. 

However, I could see him really being successful with a guy like Sjostrom—a rugged player who goes to the net and collects the garbage.  That's what Gomez needs!  Speedy, rough and tumble wingers—he did great with Brian Gionta on his wing, sitting in front of the net—are perfect for the guy. 

I think Gomez will continue his underrated play, and if he can amass numbers like 20-50-70, all of a sudden you'll start seeing number 19 jerseys.  He hasn't been discussed whatsoever all offseason, but I see him finally getting comfortable on Broadway.

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