$5 Takeaways From New York Rangers\' Early-Season Play$

5 Takeaways From New York Rangers' Early-Season Play

By Brandon Fitzpatrick

5 Takeaways From Rangers' Early Play

Marc Staal New York Rangers — The New York Rangers are the defending Eastern Conference champions, but they haven't gotten off to the start they wanted to. Injuries and poor defensive play has hurt the Rangers' chances of gelling at times. However, a lot of their players are beginning to return, and they are starting to find their groove. Here are five takeaways from the early-season play of the Rangers.

5. Kevin Hayes Is NHL Ready

Kevin Hayes New York Rangers

5. Kevin Hayes Is NHL Ready

Kevin Hayes copy — One of the biggest question marks coming into the season was the Rangers' depth at center. They lost Brad Richards and Brian Boyle, and didn't sign or trade for a big name during the offseason. J.T. Miller was expected to be the fourth center, but he didn't impress early and Kevin Hayes took over. Hayes is only 22, but he is a big player with great hockey sense. He is definitely NHL-ready and should continue to play.

4. The Defensive Depth Isn't Great

Matt Hunwick New York Rangers

4. The Defensive Depth Isn't Great

Matt Hunwick New York Rangers — At one point, the Rangers were playing without four of their top six defensemen. Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Klein and Dan Boyle were out with various injuries and John Moore was suspended. When healthy, the Rangers' defense is one of the deepest in the game, but the depth, with players like Matt Hunwick, Mike Kostka, Dylan McIlrath and Conor Allen filling in, isn't as great as we thought it was.

3. The Rangers Are Resilient

Derek Stepan New York Rangers

3. The Rangers Are Resilient

Derek Stepan New York Rangers — With all of the injuries to the defense and missing key forwards like Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello at times, the Rangers found a way to get points and tread water. Their big players, like Martin St. Louis, Rick Nash and Derick Brassard, carried them throughout the stretch and other players like Lee Stempniak stepped up as well. The Rangers have shown that they are a resilient squad.

2. The Fourth Line Is A Problem

Tanner Glass New York Rangers

2. The Fourth Line Is A Problem

Tanner Glass New York Rangers — Alain Vigneault wants the Rangers to roll four lines and three defense pairings, but that will be a problem if he doesn't find a competent fourth line. Dominic Moore has been good, but Tanner Glass and a bunch of others have been sub-par, to put it nicely. Last year, especially during the playoffs, the fourth line was a huge strength for the Rangers because it could play in any situation. They need to fix it in order to make another deep run.

1. Rick Nash Wants To Prove People Wrong

Rick Nash New York Rangers

1. Rick Nash Wants To Prove People Wrong

Rick Nash New York Rangers — Everyone, including myself, was angry at Rick Nash for his brutal playoff performance. However, Nash has come into this season playing like a new man. He is leading the NHL in goals with 12, and has carried this team on his back at times. Nash will still be judged by what he does in April and May, but this is a great sign for everyone. Nash wants the puck and he wants to prove everyone wrong.

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New York Rangers

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