Here’s the story of a team that was always a playoff contender. They made the playoffs in 17 out of 19 years including two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals. They were always competitive and never fell to the depths of the NHL. The team slipped lately, missing the playoffs twice in the last three years, but they are back as a contender this season. That team is the Philadelphia Flyers, but their story is familiar to Ranger fans.
The rebuilding Rangers should look at the Flyers as a great example of a team that has built itself into a contender without the benefit of a superstar top-five draft pick.