Long gone are the defensive anchors of the New York Rangers past. Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein have departed, one to play Tampa Bay, the other to retire (probably in Tampa Bay).
Now, the team has a new, shiny toy in Kevin Shattenkirk. Alongside the team captain, Ryan McDonagh, Shattenkirk figures to slot in as the Rangers’ top two defenders. After years of struggling to compete against the evolving NHL’s speed and skill, the Rangers are in position to contend immediately.
However, their path to the playoffs and Stanley Cup is no easier in a stacked Metropolitan Division.