A New York Rangers team with championship aspirations is on its third coach in four years after Gerard Gallant was fired following two 100-point seasons.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
STRENGTHS: Shesterkin gives the Rangers a strong chance to win most nights. He is 73-13-12 with nine shutouts, a 2.29 GAA and 0.925 save-percentage while making 110 starts the last two seasons. The Rangers have the potential to be a high-scoring team again after averaging 3.33 goals per game last season, ninth in the league. Artemi Panarin will be looked to boost his goal-scoring after falling one goal short of joining Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider in the 30-goal club.
WEAKNESSES: The top two lines account for the bulk of the scoring, and when they struggle the team has a hard time producing. Always looking for the perfect extra pass, the Rangers find it hard to generate chances when the lanes are clogged. Gallant urged more shots on net to create opportunities, something that Laviolette will also be looking to encourage.
WHAT TO EXPECT: A handful of newcomers were brought in to bolster depth, but a team with championship aspirations has its third coach in four years after Laviolette replaced the fired Gallant. Laviolette will be tasked with find a better scoring balance, with the Kid Line of Kappo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil likely to be broken up with all three getting chances on the top two lines.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Chytil took a big step forward a year ago, nearly doubling his previous career high for points — 23 in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The energetic 24-year-old Czech could see time centering the second line with Kakko and Kreider.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rangers aim to hit smart, play aggressive in Peter Laviolette’s systemMuch like the speed and pace of playoff hockey, the grit and physicality required to compete in the postseason has to become habitual early. That has been Peter Laviolette’s mantra coming int…
Read more »
New York City's heavy rain is 'new normal' due to climate change, governor saysTorrential downpours after a week of mostly steady rainfall that brought flash flooding to New York City on Friday was an impact of climate change and likely reflects a 'new normal,' New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Saturday.
Read more »
New York Got Game: Previewing a new show all about basketball in the Big AppleAll Hoops, all Big Apple! New York Got Game is a brand new show from Dexter Henry featuring all things basketball in the big city from Rucker Park to Madison Square Garden. Catch new episodes every…
Read more »
Meet Pat Kaufman, New York City's new Commissioner of Media and EntertainmentWe spoke with her about her background and coming into the role amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Read more »