38-34-10: We Are Who We Thought We Were

The Rangers proved they were the team that we thought they were on Sunday afternoon: a team that just wasn't good enough for the playoffs. Despite a heroic performance by Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers couldn't score and ultimately fell to the Flyers 2-1 in a shootout. They were officially eliminated from the playoffs and did just what most of us dreaded: they made us believe in them before breaking everyone's hearts with failure.

The lesson here is that a team can't start playing three weeks before the end of the season and think they will make the playoffs and that we should never believe in the Blueshirts, at least not until they really give us a real team to believe in. This collection of mercenaries and not-ready-for-primetime players managed just 25 shots in 65 minutes and couldn't get more than one goal past Brian Boucher. Brian Boucher. And that one goal? It came off of a goon crashing the slot, not the superstar sniper, not the gritty kids, not the highly paid albatrosses who damn this team to sail the seas of mediocrity.

But there is plenty of time to pick apart the carcass of the 2009-10 Ranger season - make sure you check back for report cards and all sorts of fun offseason fare - so here are some notes on this match:

*The selections for the shootout pretty much says it all: waiver wire pickup Erik Christensen, minor leaguer P.A. Parenteau and Calgary cast-off Olli Jokinen. No matter their past successes in the skill competition, none of them are products of the system and none of them the big money free agents signed by the franchise.

*As I said prior to the game, Parenteau simply couldn't match up the bigger, stronger Flyers. It showed in his two penalties, the second of which was the equalizer.

*You would think that Tom Renney was still the head coach of the Rangers the way they took the early lead and sat back and tried to hold it.

*People's Champ Aaron Voros fought Ian Laperriere at the beginning of the second period apparently for the sole reason of electrifying the Flyer faithful even further.

*Vinny Prospal didn't manage a single shot against his former team and Gaborik managed just two. Brian Boyle had two shots and Brian Boyle is, well, Brian Boyle.

*Apparently Arty thought it wise to attempt a feed to Boyle and his mistake ended up in the Ranger net on the aforementioned power play goal. I'm still not sure what either one was doing out on the ice killing a penalty in the most important game of the year but that just goes back to coaching.

*Anders Eriksson was rock solid yet again. It'll be sad to see him go with R&R still on the payroll.

Is there anything else worth agonizing over on this one? Feel free to plug it in in the comments. As mentioned above, there will be more post-season posts where I'll do a postmortem.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Matt Carle - one goal.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 47 saves (46+1)
1-Claude Giroux - shootout goal.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Carle - Carle ate up the ice time and kept the Flyer offense pushing forward. Sure he wasn't as thuggish as some of his teammates but Carle, along with Timonen, didn't let their team dilly dally in their own end for long.
2-Peter Laviolette - The Flyer bench boss didn't have his team consistently giving up their own blue line or making line changes on rushes. He wanted them to put on the pressure and they did all game long.
1-Hank - The Rangers had no place being in this game and yet the King put on one of the best performances of his career to give them a chance. And they blew it.

 "38-34-10: We Are Who We Thought We Were - A Deep Dive into the 2020-21 New York Rangers Season"

The 2020-21 NHL season was a rollercoaster ride for the New York Rangers and their passionate fanbase. With a final regular-season record of 38 wins, 34 losses, and 10 overtime losses, the Rangers found themselves just outside the playoff picture. In this article, we take a deep dive into the ups and downs of the season, the standout moments, and the frequently asked questions that surrounded this campaign.

Chapter 1: A Season of Hope

The 2020-21 season began with high expectations. With a young and talented roster led by Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers aimed to make a strong playoff push. This chapter explores the optimism that filled the air as the season got underway.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What were the key offseason moves that set the stage for the Rangers' aspirations in the 2020-21 season?

A1: The Rangers made strategic acquisitions, including the signing of Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, to bolster their lineup.

Chapter 2: The Panarin Show

Artemi Panarin, often referred to as the "Bread Man," was a driving force behind the Rangers' success. This section highlights his remarkable season and his impact on the team's performance.

Chapter 3: Defensive Struggles

Despite their offensive prowess, the Rangers faced challenges on the defensive end. Inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses led to frustrating losses. This chapter examines the defensive struggles that plagued the team.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How did the Rangers address their defensive issues during the season, and were there any notable improvements in their play in their own zone?

A1: The Rangers made adjustments in their defensive strategy and saw some improvements as the season progressed, but it remained a work in progress.

Chapter 4: The Youth Movement

The Rangers' roster featured an influx of young talent, including Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and K'Andre Miller. This section explores the contributions of the team's emerging stars and their development throughout the season.

Chapter 5: The Playoff Push and Falling Just Short

As the season neared its conclusion, the Rangers found themselves in a tight playoff race. This chapter chronicles the thrilling moments and heartbreaking losses that defined their playoff push.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What were the factors that contributed to the Rangers falling just short of a playoff spot, and how did the team and fans react to missing the playoffs?

A1: Several factors, including a highly competitive East Division, contributed to the Rangers missing the playoffs. While there was disappointment, there was also optimism about the team's future.

Chapter 6: Looking Ahead

With the 2020-21 season in the rearview mirror, the Rangers and their fans looked ahead to the future. This section explores the team's plans for the offseason, potential roster changes, and the anticipation of the next season.

Conclusion

The 2020-21 New York Rangers season was a whirlwind of emotions, from the excitement of young stars making their mark to the frustration of falling just short of a playoff berth. It was a season that showcased the team's potential while highlighting areas in need of improvement. As Rangers fans, we are reminded that the journey to success is often filled with challenges and setbacks, but it's the resilience and unwavering support of the Blueshirts that keep us hopeful for the seasons to come. Whether it's a season of triumph or one that falls short, we are Rangers fans through and through, and we eagerly await the next chapter in the team's storied history.