Rangers Report Card '09-10

After slogging through a player-by-player assessment in my NYR Facts of Life series, I figured it was finally time for my usual report card.

As I've done in the past, I graded each player based on expectations, performance all season long and performance when it counted. I am, admittedly, a tough grader. If you feel so inclined, you can refer back to the report cards for the last two seasons: '07-08 and '08-09. Explanations are brief, if only because I already hit upon each player in the Facts of Life.

Forwards

#42 Artem Anisimov: Rookie skated with his head down and didn't show up until end. C

#16 Sean Avery: Loved the fire when it flared, too often it was smoldering. C-

#22 Brian Boyle: He's tall. D

#87 Donald Brashear: Never forgive Sather. F

#36 Dane Byers: Slow but showed heart. INC

#24 Ryan Callahan: Didn't improve on the ice but accepted leadership role. A-

#26 Erik Christensen: Dude was on the waiver wire. B+

#23 Chris Drury: Good third liner and PKer. Terrible captain and contract. C-

#17 Brandon Dubinsky: Held out thinking he was something special. Never really proved it. B-

#10 Marian Gaborik: All-world talent was durable, but disappeared when needed most. A

#21 Chris Higgins: At least he tried. C-

#12 Olli Jokinen: Wasn't a savior but did add some offense. C

#12 Ales Kotalik: Defensive disaster was utter failure. F

#81 Enver Lisin: What speed! And, uh, did I mention speed? D

#84 Corey Locke: He's short. INC

#38 P.A. Parenteau: Shootout star mediocre during regulation. C+

#20 Vinny Prospal: Some great moments, but they were just moments - not a season. B-

#8 Brandon Prust: Can't believe Calgary gave him away. A

#45 Jody Shelley: Given a choice, I'd give him the C. A

#34 Aaron Voros: People's Champ tried, just wasn't that good. B-

Defensemen

#4 Michael Del Zotto: Rookie has great ice-sight, just blind in his own zone. C

#25 Anders Eriksson: Slow and steady on the blueline. A

#97 Matt Gilroy: Spent too much time with Wade Redden. D

#5 Dan Girardi: Solid on D but didn't defend Gabby. C-

#49 Ilkka Heikkinen: Quiet seven-game stint. INC

#44 Corey Potter: Deserves a NHL shot. INC

#6 Wade Redden: Actually had a better season than last, still got paid though. F

#33 Michal Rozsival: Never felt the wrath of accountability. Here he does. F

#54 Bobby Sanguinetti: When does "bust" enter the conversation? INC

#18 Marc Staal: Best blueliner still had bad moments, especially a slow start. A-

Goaltenders

#31 Alex Auld: Really was quite good for what little he played. INC

#29 Chad Johnson: Didn't earn the coach's trust. INC

#30 Henrik Lundqvist: All that stood between us and last-place Edmonton, even with soft goals. A

#40 Steve Valiquette: Nice guy, bad goalie. F

#31 Matt Zaba: Twitchy. INC

ChatGPT

Title: "Rangers Report Card '09-'10: Analyzing the New York Rangers' Season"

Introduction

The 2009-2010 NHL season was a memorable one for the New York Rangers and their fans. The team, led by head coach John Tortorella, featured a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars. In this report card, we will analyze the performance of the New York Rangers during the '09-'10 season and address frequently asked questions about this intriguing period in the team's history.

Chapter 1: Overview of the Season

The '09-'10 season was characterized by ups and downs for the New York Rangers. The team finished the regular season with a record of 38-33-11, securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Key Moments: The season featured thrilling moments, including Henrik Lundqvist's stellar goaltending, Marian Gaborik's goal-scoring prowess, and a memorable Winter Classic victory at Fenway Park.

Chapter 2: Player Performance

1. Henrik Lundqvist: The Rangers' star goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, had another outstanding season. His remarkable consistency in net earned him Vezina Trophy consideration.

2. Marian Gaborik: Gaborik was the offensive catalyst, leading the team with 42 goals and 44 assists. His offensive prowess was critical to the Rangers' success.

3. Emerging Stars: Young talents like Marc Staal, Michael Del Zotto, and Brandon Dubinsky showcased their potential, providing optimism for the team's future.

Chapter 3: Team Strengths

The Rangers excelled in several areas during the '09-'10 season:

1. Goaltending: Henrik Lundqvist's elite goaltending kept the team competitive in many games.

2. Penalty Kill: The Rangers boasted one of the league's top penalty-killing units, a testament to their defensive discipline.

3. Coaching: Head coach John Tortorella's leadership and tactical decisions helped the team secure crucial victories.

Chapter 4: Areas for Improvement

While the Rangers had their share of successes, there were areas that needed improvement:

1. Scoring Depth: The team relied heavily on Marian Gaborik for scoring, highlighting the need for more offensive contributors.

2. Power Play: The Rangers struggled with their power play, ranking near the bottom of the league. Improving this aspect was a season-long challenge.

3. Playoff Performance: The Rangers faced a disappointing exit in the first round of the playoffs, raising questions about their postseason capabilities.

FAQs About the '09-'10 Rangers Season:

Q1: Why was the Winter Classic victory at Fenway Park so significant?

A1: The Winter Classic is a prestigious outdoor game that captures the essence of hockey's heritage. The Rangers' victory at Fenway Park against the Boston Bruins was memorable and symbolized their place in hockey history.

Q2: What were the expectations for the Rangers in the playoffs?

A2: The Rangers entered the playoffs with high expectations, but their early exit raised questions about their ability to make a deep postseason run.

Q3: Did any rookies make significant contributions during the season?

A3: Yes, Michael Del Zotto, in particular, made a notable impact as a rookie defenseman, showcasing his offensive skills and future potential.

Conclusion

The '09-'10 NHL season was a mixed bag for the New York Rangers, marked by individual brilliance, promising young talents, and areas for improvement. While Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik shone brightly, the team's overall performance left room for growth. The Rangers' journey through the season, including their Winter Classic triumph and playoff challenges, is a reminder of the highs and lows that define a hockey season. As fans eagerly awaited the next season, the '09-'10 Rangers remained a memorable chapter in the team's storied history, providing valuable lessons for the future.