Early in the season, a big problem for the New York Rangers was the second period. Out of the 28 goals they gave up in this series, 14 of them came in the second period. This is something that has to change in the future as one period can't hold a team back.
The fourth line of the Boston Bruins was dominant. It didn't matter who they were playing against, they were outworking everyone and scoring huge goals. In Game 5, Gregory Campbell had two goals, including the game winner. In Game 3, Daniel Paille scored the game-winning goal. The New York Rangers' fourth line did nothing in this series. No matter who was out, they were being dominated by the Bruins' fourth line. This is a depth issue that Glen Sather has to address this offseason.
The New York Rangers' once again had trouble scoring goals. They expected goalie Henrik Lundqvist to stand on his head every game and bail them out. The goalie can't stand on his head every game if you expect to win a Stanley Cup. The Rangers scored more than two goals only once this series, which is baffling given the amount of talent they have. They are either missing a key piece or the coaching is holding them back.
The special teams of the New York Rangers was a big problem in this series. The power play did not score a goal until late in Game 4. The penalty kill was not as good as it was last year, allowing the Boston Bruins to score big-time power play goals. They were the third-worst penalty killing team in the playoffs. The Rangers have to find a way to rebuild their abysmal power play if they want to go anywhere next year.
Rick Nash was supposed to be the missing piece for the New York Rangers. He was the one who was supposed to put them over the top by scoring timely goals in big playoff games. Instead, he shriveled up under the pressure and scored just one goal in 12 playoff games. Nash had better find a way to get his playoff demons out, or else the Rangers will be facing another early exit next season.
Get our content customized for you directly to your inbox!
