As I've done in the past, I graded each of the 2013 New York Rangers based on expectations, performance all season long and performance when it counted - NOT performance compared to other players. I am, admittedly, a tough grader. Guys with less than five games received incompletes.
If you feel so inclined, you can refer back to the report cards for the last few seasons: '07-08, '08-09, '09-10, '10-11 and '11-12.
By my math this season's grades worked out to a 1.95 GPA, which is a C. Yes, I'm well aware that the team made it to the conference semifinal but they barely made the playoffs, barely beat a bad Washington squad and were blown out by a Boston team that wasn't playing to their ability. Mediocrity, thy name is New York.
Forwards
#45 Arron Asham: Stupid penalties, senseless fights, zero intimidation, a spot in the press box right when his experience was supposed to help most. His four goals and the enjoyment I get from our banter on Twitter saved him from failure. D
#22 Brian Boyle: Same number of points in the playoffs as he had in the regular season - five. Reluctance to use his size physically or offensively outweighs occasional faceoff success. D
#16 Derick Brassard: What a difference a new zip code makes. After underwhelming in Columbus, came to New York and showed the skills that made him the sixth overall pick in '06. A-
#24 Ryan Callahan: Unquestioned work ethic and willingness to leave it all on the ice. Leadership by example not exactly working. A-
#29 Ryane Clowe: Nine points and two fights in 14 games wasn't bad, but rushing back from his concussion was a mistake. B
#15 Derek Dorsett: Jumped into the active roster in playoffs so it isn't exactly fair to judge him based solely on his stupid penalties or wrestling matches. Even though he played more than five games, going with an INC.
#36 Benn Ferriero: Was stuck with some sad-sack linemates most of the time but four shots in four games while averaging over nine minutes per were not enough. INC
#10 Marian Gaborik: Coming off of shoulder surgery the Slovak sniper potted just nine goals in 35 games and was publicly humiliated by his coach. No matter what Torts said to the media, it was clear he didn't trust Gabby and Gabby didn't want to play for him anymore. D
#62 Carl Hagelin: Bork! For all of his speed, Hags had a hard time scoring. Points per game average went down and had goal droughts lasting six or more games four times this season. C+
#32 Micheal Haley: Former Islander toughie hit plenty but had just two fights in 12 games. D
#15 Jeff Halpern: The one assist in 30 games wouldn't be a big deal if he won all faceoffs and killed all penalties. Sadly Super Jew got a poor start after the lockout and was an easy waive. D
#20 Chris Kreider: Started the season like he was entitled to a spot and was understandably banished to the bus league but another playoff performance raised his grade. C
#40 Brandon Mashinter: Hoped he'd be a physical power during his callup, instead he was slow and sloppy. INC
#47 J.T. Miller: Not yet ready for primetime player showed some potential. C
#61 Rick Nash: Nearly a point per game through the regular season but his lack of heart in crunch time cost the Rangers a real playoff run. B
#45 Kris Newbury: A typical AAAA player, great for the AHL but unable to play with the big boys. Add to that his penchant for stupid penalties and... F
#8 Darroll Powe: Blair Betts Mark II defensively accountable, offensively absent until he was injured. C+
#14 Taylor Pyatt: Great start, solid end to the season. It was the 35+ games in the middle that underwhelmed. C-
#19 Brad Richard$: Had 11 of his 34 points in the six games against sad sack teams at the end of the regular season but had no legs all year long. Helping people after Sandy saved him from outright failure. D
#71 Mike Rupp: Eight games, two fights, two losses, no hockey ability at all. F
#42 Brandon Segal: One game, one bad penalty. INC
#21 Derek Stepan: Had a tough time shaking the bad habits he gained from playing in Finland but afterwards took the next step in his development into a top line talent. A
#58 Christian Thomas: One game wasn't enough to see if he is more Corey Locke or post-Rangers P.A. Parenteau. INC
#36 Mats Zuccarello: A season under Paul Maurice in Magnitogorsk added defense and a willingness to shoot to his tenacity. B+
Defensemen
#41 Stu Bickel: Stuuuu-pid mistakes and Stuuuuuu-pid penalties cost him any trust of the head coach and he was banished to the bus league. D
#4 Michael Del Zotto: Another season of no development and Del Zastrous defense. F
#44 Steve Eminger: Solid work for a seventh defenseman, poor work as a fourth defenseman. C-
#97 Matt Gilroy: No hope for Hobey. Slow, poor decision making and no physical presence. F
#5 Dan Girardi: The milage hurt and there were occasional gaffes along the way but another solid season by the cornerstone of the defense. A-
#40 Roman Hamrlik: Old, slow and awful, singularly responsible for several Ranger losses. F
#27 Ryan McDonagh: Like Girardi, McD showed the milage at times but was the best Blueshirt blueliner and he is only getting better. A
#17 John Moore: Part of the Gabby deal, Moore was more than just a throw-in. The youngster showed all-around ability and rarely made costly mistakes. B+
#18 Marc Staal: A puck to the eye derailed another solid season from the stalwart. Hopefully it won't cost him the rest of his career too. B+
#32 Anton Stralman: Inconsistent, mediocre play. C-
Goaltenders
#43 Marty Biron: His GAA and save percentage actually improved from last season and yet he was still so horrendous that Hank had to play every night for the team to have a chance to win. But he's good in the room ... D
#30 Henrik Lundqvist: Yep, still the King. Sadly had a few nights when he was human but the Blueshirts woulda given Columbus the first overall pick of this summer's draft without him. A-
By my math this season's grades worked out to a 1.95 GPA, which is a C. Yes, I'm well aware that the team made it to the conference semifinal but they barely made the playoffs, barely beat a bad Washington squad and were blown out by a Boston team that wasn't playing to their ability. Mediocrity, thy name is New York.
Forwards
#45 Arron Asham: Stupid penalties, senseless fights, zero intimidation, a spot in the press box right when his experience was supposed to help most. His four goals and the enjoyment I get from our banter on Twitter saved him from failure. D
#22 Brian Boyle: Same number of points in the playoffs as he had in the regular season - five. Reluctance to use his size physically or offensively outweighs occasional faceoff success. D
#16 Derick Brassard: What a difference a new zip code makes. After underwhelming in Columbus, came to New York and showed the skills that made him the sixth overall pick in '06. A-
#24 Ryan Callahan: Unquestioned work ethic and willingness to leave it all on the ice. Leadership by example not exactly working. A-
#29 Ryane Clowe: Nine points and two fights in 14 games wasn't bad, but rushing back from his concussion was a mistake. B
#15 Derek Dorsett: Jumped into the active roster in playoffs so it isn't exactly fair to judge him based solely on his stupid penalties or wrestling matches. Even though he played more than five games, going with an INC.
#36 Benn Ferriero: Was stuck with some sad-sack linemates most of the time but four shots in four games while averaging over nine minutes per were not enough. INC
#10 Marian Gaborik: Coming off of shoulder surgery the Slovak sniper potted just nine goals in 35 games and was publicly humiliated by his coach. No matter what Torts said to the media, it was clear he didn't trust Gabby and Gabby didn't want to play for him anymore. D
#62 Carl Hagelin: Bork! For all of his speed, Hags had a hard time scoring. Points per game average went down and had goal droughts lasting six or more games four times this season. C+
#32 Micheal Haley: Former Islander toughie hit plenty but had just two fights in 12 games. D
#15 Jeff Halpern: The one assist in 30 games wouldn't be a big deal if he won all faceoffs and killed all penalties. Sadly Super Jew got a poor start after the lockout and was an easy waive. D
#20 Chris Kreider: Started the season like he was entitled to a spot and was understandably banished to the bus league but another playoff performance raised his grade. C
#40 Brandon Mashinter: Hoped he'd be a physical power during his callup, instead he was slow and sloppy. INC
#47 J.T. Miller: Not yet ready for primetime player showed some potential. C
#61 Rick Nash: Nearly a point per game through the regular season but his lack of heart in crunch time cost the Rangers a real playoff run. B
#45 Kris Newbury: A typical AAAA player, great for the AHL but unable to play with the big boys. Add to that his penchant for stupid penalties and... F
#8 Darroll Powe: Blair Betts Mark II defensively accountable, offensively absent until he was injured. C+
#14 Taylor Pyatt: Great start, solid end to the season. It was the 35+ games in the middle that underwhelmed. C-
#19 Brad Richard$: Had 11 of his 34 points in the six games against sad sack teams at the end of the regular season but had no legs all year long. Helping people after Sandy saved him from outright failure. D
#71 Mike Rupp: Eight games, two fights, two losses, no hockey ability at all. F
#42 Brandon Segal: One game, one bad penalty. INC
#21 Derek Stepan: Had a tough time shaking the bad habits he gained from playing in Finland but afterwards took the next step in his development into a top line talent. A
#58 Christian Thomas: One game wasn't enough to see if he is more Corey Locke or post-Rangers P.A. Parenteau. INC
#36 Mats Zuccarello: A season under Paul Maurice in Magnitogorsk added defense and a willingness to shoot to his tenacity. B+
Defensemen
#41 Stu Bickel: Stuuuu-pid mistakes and Stuuuuuu-pid penalties cost him any trust of the head coach and he was banished to the bus league. D
#4 Michael Del Zotto: Another season of no development and Del Zastrous defense. F
#44 Steve Eminger: Solid work for a seventh defenseman, poor work as a fourth defenseman. C-
#97 Matt Gilroy: No hope for Hobey. Slow, poor decision making and no physical presence. F
#5 Dan Girardi: The milage hurt and there were occasional gaffes along the way but another solid season by the cornerstone of the defense. A-
#40 Roman Hamrlik: Old, slow and awful, singularly responsible for several Ranger losses. F
#27 Ryan McDonagh: Like Girardi, McD showed the milage at times but was the best Blueshirt blueliner and he is only getting better. A
#17 John Moore: Part of the Gabby deal, Moore was more than just a throw-in. The youngster showed all-around ability and rarely made costly mistakes. B+
#18 Marc Staal: A puck to the eye derailed another solid season from the stalwart. Hopefully it won't cost him the rest of his career too. B+
#32 Anton Stralman: Inconsistent, mediocre play. C-
Goaltenders
#43 Marty Biron: His GAA and save percentage actually improved from last season and yet he was still so horrendous that Hank had to play every night for the team to have a chance to win. But he's good in the room ... D
#30 Henrik Lundqvist: Yep, still the King. Sadly had a few nights when he was human but the Blueshirts woulda given Columbus the first overall pick of this summer's draft without him. A-
ChatGPT
Title: "Rangers Report Card 2013: A Season of Ups and Downs"
Introduction
The New York Rangers have a storied history in the NHL, with each season offering a unique set of challenges and triumphs. In 2013, the Rangers embarked on a journey that would test their resilience and determination. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive report card for the New York Rangers' 2013 season, breaking down their performance, key players, and memorable moments. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this pivotal season in Rangers history.
Chapter 1: The 2013 NHL Season - A Unique Challenge
The Lockout Effect
The 2013 NHL season was unlike any other, marked by a lockout that delayed its start until January. As a result, it was a condensed season with a shortened 48-game schedule.
High Expectations
The Rangers entered the season with high expectations, bolstered by a strong roster and the determination to make a deep playoff run.
Chapter 2: Rangers Report Card 2013 - Player Performance
Let's break down the Rangers' performance during the 2013 season, grading key players and highlighting their contributions.
Henrik Lundqvist (A+)
Henrik Lundqvist, often referred to as "King Henrik," was the backbone of the team. His exceptional goaltending skills earned him an A+ grade. He consistently kept the Rangers in games and was a Vezina Trophy finalist.
Ryan Callahan (A)
Ryan Callahan, the team's captain, led by example with his gritty play and leadership. He earned an A grade for his dedication and work ethic.
Rick Nash (B)
Rick Nash, the star forward acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, had a solid season, contributing offensively. However, there were expectations for more, which is why he received a B grade.
Derek Stepan (A-)
Derek Stepan emerged as a key playmaker and center for the Rangers, earning an A- grade for his consistency and offensive contributions.
Michael Del Zotto (C)
Michael Del Zotto, a young defenseman, had an up-and-down season. While he showed promise, his overall performance was inconsistent, resulting in a C grade.
Marian Gaborik (B-)
Marian Gaborik, a talented scorer, struggled at times during the season. He was eventually traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a move that brought Derick Brassard, John Moore, and Derek Dorsett to the Rangers.
Chapter 3: Memorable Moments and Challenges
The Playoff Push
The Rangers faced adversity during the regular season but managed to secure a playoff spot. Their late-season push showcased their resilience.
The Playoff Run
In the 2013 playoffs, the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they faced the Boston Bruins. Despite a valiant effort, they were eliminated in a thrilling series.
The Departure of Marian Gaborik
The trade of Marian Gaborik was a significant moment in the season, signaling a shift in the team's roster and dynamics.
Chapter 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions about the Rangers' 2013 season:
Q1: Why was the 2013 NHL season shortened?
A1: The 2013 NHL season was shortened due to a lockout that delayed the start of the season. The lockout was a result of a labor dispute between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA).
Q2: How did the Rangers perform in the 2013 playoffs?
A2: The Rangers made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2013 playoffs but were eliminated by the Boston Bruins in a competitive series.
Q3: What impact did the trade of Marian Gaborik have on the team?
A3: The trade of Marian Gaborik signaled a change in the team's roster and style of play. It brought in players like Derick Brassard, John Moore, and Derek Dorsett, who played important roles in the team's future.
Q4: Did Henrik Lundqvist win any awards during the 2013 season?
A4: Yes, Henrik Lundqvist was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's best goaltender. While he didn't win, his performance earned him recognition as one of the league's top goaltenders.
Q5: What were the expectations for the Rangers in the 2013 season?
A5: The Rangers had high expectations for the 2013 season, aiming to make a deep playoff run and compete for the Stanley Cup. Despite facing challenges, they managed to secure a playoff spot and make it to the second round.
Chapter 5: Conclusion - A Season of Resilience
The 2013 season was a test of the Rangers' resilience and determination. While it had its share of challenges and ups and downs, it showcased the team's ability to overcome adversity and make a playoff push. Henrik Lundqvist's stellar goaltending, Ryan Callahan's leadership, and the contributions of key players were instrumental in the team's success. Although they fell short of the ultimate goal, the 2013 season remains a memorable chapter in Rangers history, and fans continue to support their team with unwavering passion.
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