New York Rangers: It's Time For the Blueshirts to Insert a Speedy Power Forward

After several weeks of mediocre play, the New York Rangers have shown themselves to be, if anything, predictable.  Regardless of who is in net, or how well stars like Gaborik or Kotalik perform, this team is too easy to play against.

Trading for a hitting defenseman at this time of the season would be very difficult since many teams have major injuries on the blueline.

Acquiring a top calibre defender who would protect the goalies from crease crashers and overzealous rebound attempts would command a heavy price in trade talks.

As for trade partners, the Blackhawks, Oilers, Ducks, Coyotes, and Maple Leafs are all teams that could upgrade the Rangers Frontline without needing a star forward in return.  

With McDonagh, Sanguinetti, Michael Sauer, and Potter, the Blueshirts have the necessary depth to plug in on defense if they choose to swap one of their defensemen for some more power forwards up front.

But the trade route isn't the only option for improving the team.  Another way of strengthening the team while simultaneously improving competitiveness within the organization is to call up a young power center like Evgeny Gratchev, who has been rated as the organization's top prospect by several scouting services.

Although listed as a Winger, Gratchev was originally a pivot with excellent versatility and size at 6'4", 220 pounds.

Another key move would be to pair the giant 6'7" Brian Boyle with two speedy wingers like Higgins and Callahan or Avery and Lisin to maximize his reach and size while offsetting his mediocre acceleration.

Handing more playing time to Grinder/Enforcer D. Byers or D. Brashear could also be useful if they could minimize their non-fighting penalties and play a smart effective game.

But the most important thing is to find speedy power forwards that can score regularly.  Players like Voros have value in this league but for the NYR the value is minimal since he doesn't play a high speed style.

Although the team is struggling in the Faceoff Dot, its the lack of strength in front of the net that prevents them from scoring goals from tips, rebounds and screens  on the power play. 

They started hot with a 26 percent PP effectiveness for the first few weeks and once teams scouted the NYR Power play, they didn't change up the second unit to offer a different look.

I'd look into acquiring either A. Ladd or D. Byfuglien of the Hawks, or the Ducks' E. Artukhin to help solidify the lineup.

Promoting Gratchev could also have the intended effect of increasing the "power" quotient of the team.

Just a hypothetical 4 lines without trades could have

Gratchev---Prospal---Gaborik

Avery------Anisimov---Lisin

Kotalik-----Higgins----Parenteau

Brashear---Boyle-----Callahan

Eventually, when Dubinsky returns, the focus will be on assembling a line with three larger forwards who can skate, pass, and overwhelm opposition defensive schemes with their hustle and strength.

e.g.

Gratchev--Dubinsky--Callahan

Avery-----Prospal-----Gaborik

Kotalik----Anisimov--Lisin

Brashear--Boyle----Parenteau

(At this point, Higgins could become either a spare or trade piece)

The team's needs are many, but a strong fourth line and improved power forwards that can score aren't going to be solved by underplaying Brashear or by inserting experimental grinders like Voros into the lineup. 

The team needs more grit, yes...but the grit must be matched with size AND acceleration. 

Then, even if the fourth line plays only 12 minutes a match, they will force the opposing team to match lines because the NYR fourth line will be a threat instead of a liability.