Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Every team goes through their run of being a competitive hockey team in the NHL. The New York Rangers have been a contender over the last 4-5 seasons, but their window is beginning to close right before our eyes.
The biggest thing that the Rangers need to worry about is their star goaltender. Henrik Lundqvist is 31-years old and in a contract year. The Rangers and Lundqvist will reach a deal that will make him a Ranger for the rest of his career, barring a trade or release. Lundqvist only has 3-4 more years as an elite player in the league.
The Rangers’ core is also getting older. Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Rick Nash and Brad Richards aren’t getting younger. They are all either over 30 or will be that age within the next two years.
The Rangers need to make this season count. While every team should have the goal of Stanley Cup or bust, this goal is the only goal for the Rangers. There are no moral victories this year. Getting into the playoffs or getting to the conference finals just isn’t going to cut it. The Rangers need to win a Stanley Cup and they need to win it right now.
This is the 20th anniversary of the Rangers’ last Stanley Cup victory. While that one will always last a lifetime, I think its safe to say we are all tired of waiting. One more for a lifetime would certainly be appreciated by us fans.
