A Tale of Two Seasons

It was the best of times it was the worst of times.

The New York Rangers have completed 41 games and are, therefore at the midseason mark. It’s been a remarkable run in many ways for the blue shirts. The season began with 3 wins in the first four but then the team completely fell apart. They posted a 3 and 7 record in their first 10 and were already looking at the distinct possibility of missing the playoffs.

At the 20 game mark the team was in absolute turmoil. Reports of infighting amongst teammates were coming out of the dressing room and the team was ranked second in the league in penalty minutes – a sign of the incredibly undisciplined hockey they were playing.

Rangers GM David Burns blew a gasket in Toronto after a 5-1 loss to the Maple Leafs, had to be talked off a window ledge, and was eventually sedated by a sniper with a tranquilizer dart.

Burns began to remake the team in earnest. The Rangers shipped out skilled but hot headed Ossi Vaananen and young future star goaltender Kari Lehtonen to the Lightning for proven goaltender Jocelyn Thilbault and young defensive phenom Jonathan Girard.

It didn’t stop there as Burns gutted the team and turned it from undisciplined run and gun team into a defensive juggernaut.

Burns landed superstar defenceman Wade Redden in a monster deal. The Rangers parted with young mega star Martin Erat – formerly untouchable – Brendan Morrow and defenceman Brooks Orpik while the Rangers got Redden young star Taylor Pyatt, and Radek Dvorak.

The turn around has been remarkable as the team has shot up the standings.

The team went 8-2 from games 21-30 including a team building victory over the undefeated-in-16 Hurricanes that may prove to be the turning point in their season.

Interestingly enough the arrival of Joecelyn Thilbault has sparked the competitive fires of Mike Dunham who, after his last victory, is firmly entrenched as the teams #1.

Of some concern to the teams is lack of scoring. They don’t have a single player putting up a point a game. The team boasts a balanced attack across 3 lines however which seems to be doing the trick. When one looks at the team it starts to become clear that the Rangers offensive may be more potent that is apparent at first glance though. They have at least two snipers on every line and, though they don’t get a lot of shots, they bury them when they do.

Thumbs Up:

Mike Dunham: Dunham for the Vezina?? It could happen as he currently sits in 4th position in Vezina points and is only 1.35 points behind the leader. The veteran ‘tender was stellar in camp but stumbled in the first 10 – 15 games. The team lost faith in him but when he had the chance to play he proved himself again. Currently second in the league in save percentage at .907, second in shutouts with 3 and 5th in star points with 42 he’s been key in turning the team around.

Pavel Bure: The blazing right winger has been everything the teams wanted. On pace for 42 goals with speed and stick handling that intimidates the opposition. His goal scoring has dried up a bit of late and he IS one dimensional but he leads the team with 21 goals.

Wade Redden: Arguably the key to the team right now. Redden solidified and stabilized a young defence. Absolutely snake bit on offence but producing huge numbers of shots and chances. The team’s defensive prowness can be attributed to his calm demeanor and leadership

Taylor Pyatt: 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points in 16 games since coming over from the Blues. This dynamic 23 year old has impressed and has management really excited.

Thumbs Down:

Jocelyn Thilbault: An absolute bust. Inconsistent play and poor numbers have led to his demotion to number 2 behind Dunham. If he’s had an impact it was to light Dunham’s fire but that’s not why he was brought in.

JP Dumont: Sure, the captain leads the team in points but the captain only has 36 points in 41 games. The team needs more offence from this talented player. The defensive system is hurting his output but they still need more from him.

Mike Ribeiro: Second in team scoring but only 30 points in 41 games. Hardly #1 centre type production. Ribeiro is still young at only 25 but needs to step it up and make this a breakout year.

Tomas Kloucek: Hard hitting and solid defensively he should be exciting the team due to the fact that he’s only 25. Rumours of a bad attitude and conflicts with other players have management actively shopping the youngster.

The Rangers are enjoying a great season thanks to the tremendous turnaround at about the game 20 mark. They’re keeping their fingers crossed and hoping it continues so they achieve their goal of making the playoffs this season.