A year ago, the Rangers were in the process of becoming Ryan McDonagh’s team.
Now, with Wednesday night in Chicago being the second regular-season opener with McDonagh as captain, the 26-year-old defenseman is more a leader than ever.
“It definitely feels a lot more like myself, a lot more natural in the role,” McDonagh told The Post after Tuesday’s practice in Westchester. “You know, the comforting thing is that a lot of these guys have been through a season with me, seeing me in that role, including the coaching staff. It’s understanding how to handle ups and downs, talking to guys when they’re in slumps, making sure when things get rolling that we’re not losing sight of what’s causing that and what’s creating that winning atmosphere.