Winter Classic 2012: Rangers' Resiliency Proves They're Stanley Cup Contenders

The New York Rangers' resiliency to remain focused in the Winter Classic despite falling behind 2-0 was critical to their ability to rally and beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park.

One of the reasons the Rangers are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season is because of their resiliency and refusal to quite when the going gets tough.

It also doesn't hurt to have a goaltender as talented as Henrik Lundqvist, who also didn't fold after allowing the first two goals of the game.

Often underrated, Lundqvist is too often not regarded as a top three goaltender in the NHL. The fact he hasn't won or received more Vezina Trophy consideration throughout his career is an absolute joke.

The Swedish star didn't get fazed when the Flyers took the lead in the second period, and the confidence and poise from their goalie really helped the Rangers focus on getting back into the game.

They now sit atop the Eastern Conference standings and there are no secrets to their success. They defend well, they score a lot of goals, and they are a tough team that stands up for one another.

They remind me a lot of the Boston Bruins of last season.

Boston rode good goaltending, strong defense and timely goal-scoring to a Stanley Cup title last year, and the Rangers are capable of making that kind of run this season.

Lundqvist could certainly have a playoffs as good as Tim Thomas had for the Bruins last season, and with the addition of Brad Richards, the Rangers have another veteran forward who has Stanley Cup-winning experience.

The Bruins and Rangers are the two best teams in the NHL right now, and their resiliency is a major reason why.

They don't get rattled by adversity, and they are strong enough mentally to overcome problems that would cause mentally weak teams to succumb.

The Rangers have a complete team, and they are a squad every NHL team will fear as the playoffs near.

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