5 Bold Predictions for the New York Rangers in the New Year

The New York Rangers have won 12 of their last 13 games and are one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Expectations for this season have been high, especially because the Rangers went to the Stanley Cup Final last season.

The NHL season is just about at the halfway mark, so it is a great time to prognosticate for the remainder of the season. Without further ado, here are five bold predictions for the rest of the season.

Derick Brassard Finishes with 75 Points

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Derick Brassard has had an amazing season to date, and he is on pace to demolish his career high in points and goals this season. With half a season to go, he has 11 goals and 31 points.

His career best in each category is 18 and 47, respectively, and he can eclipse both those totals in February if his hot streak continues.

While Brassard has never finished with more than 47 points, this will be the year he makes history and tallies 75 points. It is a lofty goal, but he has shown that he is up for the challenge.

Kevin Klein Finishes with 35 or More Points

Kevin Klein has emerged this season as one of the Blueshirts' top defenders in unexpected fashion. The former Nashville Predator blueliner got off to a rough start when he was acquired last season, but he's developed into a steady top-four defender who can contribute offensively.

Klein's career high in points is 21, and he already has 14 points this season. He has found a way to score goals and make big plays, and for that reason I can see him finishing the season with 35 or more points.

Rick Nash Scores 50-Plus Goals, Wins Rocket Richard Trophy

Rick Nash has never scored more than 41 goals in his NHL career during a single season. He's doing it this year. No matter how you slice it, 2014-15 has been his season. He's second in the NHL in goals, second in short-handed goals and fourth in game-winning goals.

At this rate, Nash seems unstoppable, but look for him to find ways to score goals on the power play, usurp Tyler Seguin and run away with the Rocket Richard Trophy in the process.

Ryan McDonagh Records Second 40-Point Season in a Row

Ryan McDonagh missed 11 games earlier this season with a shoulder injury and looked rusty after returning to the lineup. In his last four games, however, the New York captain has four points, and he is finally starting to look like himself.

With 14 points in 26 games, it is unlikely McDonagh finishes with 50 points like many had originally thought. However, despite missing time earlier this year, he will finish the year on a tear that enables him to record his second consecutive 40-point season.

Carl Hagelin Records His First 40-Point Season

Carl Hagelin is such an underrated New York Ranger that he is almost always included in projected trades on Twitter and various message boards. He is looked at as a simple third-line penalty-killer who could be replaced with ease.

The former Michigan Wolverine is a solid two-way player. He not only kills penalties, but is a creative offensive player who can score in the regular season and playoffs. Last season Hagelin was second in goal scoring among Ranger forwards in the playoffs, and he finished sixth in points. 

Hagelin has 16 points in 37 games this season, and it would appear that this will be another average season for him. While that may be the case, I predict that Hagelin will go on an impressive run that allows him to finish with 40 points and then go on another impressive run during the playoffs.

He is a restricted free agent after this season, and Hagelin is going to do everything in his power to make sure he remains a Ranger for the foreseeable future.

All stats via NHL.com.