NHL Predictions: Can Brad Richards & Marián Gáborík Lead Rangers to Playoffs?

The New York Rangers made a splash in free agency when they got their man in Brad Richards. He is an elite center with great hands, and is a catalyst and legitimate power play threat. In doing so, the Rangers gained the ire from critics, with the deep-pocked franchise once again getting labeled as "buying" wins and talent.

However, this was not the case, as Richards wanted to come to New York. It wasn't his relationship with coach John Tortorella orthe money he was offered—it was the opportunity of winning a Stanley Cup that made Richards bound for Broadway. And the reasons that Richards chose the Rangers doesn't change the great expectations placed on him. 

With great promotion and fanfare comes expectations. Many critics question his abilities and wonder if Richards will be blinded by the bright lights that accompany the Broadway stage of Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers acquired Richards in an attempt to mend two key holes in their lineup. The key word is "attempt." Adding Richards to the equation is no guarantee for sure-fire success, but he is a good solution for the Rangers' problem.

Marián Gáborík is a talented goal scorer who really has never played with a true No. 1 center before. This is no knock on on Mikko Koivu, but at the time, he wasn't the player he is now. 

There is no doubt that Richards will be under a lot of pressure to help Gáborík get back to his usual self. The question is, can Richards and Gáborík lead the Rangers to the playoffs?

When you look at the most recent playoff appearances by the Rangers, something stands out. The Rangers have relied on their defense and, most importantly, Henrik Lundqvist to keep them in games. Their scoring has often been a problem.

Players like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan were given unrealistic expectations for the playoffs last year. They were expected to carry the load and put up marquee numbers. Gáborík couldn't find a consistent center let alone the back of the net.

All this convinced the Rangers to make the move for Brad Richards. 

So far, the combination of Gáborík and Richards has looked spotty at best. To be frank, the Rangers, with the exception of Lundqvist, have been unimpressive. However, the Rangers' play in their first two regular season games can be blamed on the sudden change from the European ice surface to the North American NHL regulation size ice surface.

Still, this would be an obvious cop-out, and excuses are not tolerable. Richards and Gáborík have each found the back of the net and seem to be off to a good start when it comes to on-ice chemistry. Richards has been very able when it comes to skating with the puck through the neutral zone and up the ice. This allows Gaborik to skate into open ice.

If they can keep up this chemistry there is no reason why Richards can't put up at least 80 points. In doing so, Gáborík should be able to score 30-45 goals. These predictions are in line with each player's career averages.

Richards scored 77 points in 72 games last season, while Gáborík had a down year. The Slovak was nowhere near his career averages for points and goals. Gáborík's inaugural year in New York saw him put up 42 goals and 44 assists for 86 points with Vinny Prospal as his pivot.

It is widely known that Brad Richards is a playmaker first and shooter second. In Dallas, he had Loui Erikkson. In New York, he has Gáborík. The style of Erikkson and Gáborík are similar—both are speedy players with good wrist shots and thrive with a capable playmaker.

In short, the success of Gáborík and Richards will affect the Rangers' final standing in the Eastern Conference. Lundqvist will carry the team on his back like he always does, but Gáborík and Richards could lighten the load significantly if they can put up a lot of goals in front of him.

Right now there should be no cause for concern. Even though the Rangers are 0-0-2, they have played well considering their lapses in defensive depth. Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Michael Sauer have really stepped up in Marc Staal's absence. 

The season is very young and the outlook is very promising. Many fans hope Richards will continue to score goals like this and assist on many more as the season goes on. 

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist. For more NHL free agent news, updates and alerts about players: