30 in 30 with the New York Rangers

DP · Aug 19, 2011

NHL.com

The New York Rangers didn't clinch a 2011 playoff spot until hours after they finished their regular-season schedule with an afternoon victory, as they needed a loss by the Carolina Hurricanes later that night to sneak into the postseason.

With the improvements the Rangers made during the offseason, they probably won't require any help in reaching the playoffs for a second straight season.

Brad Richards was the crown jewel of this summer's free-agent frenzy, and the Rangers beat out the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames for his services. They added toughness and playoff experience by signing free-agent winger Mike Rupp. They also retained all of their restricted free agents.

The Rangers were hampered throughout the 2010-11 season by injuries and inconsistent scoring. Nearly every key member of the team missed significant time with an ailment, and while the Rangers finished 14th in the League in goals, they had a hard time scoring three in a game most nights.

Playing a grind-it-out style, the Rangers clawed their way into the playoffs before being knocked out in the first round by the Washington Capitals.

The major reason for optimism in New York goes beyond the addition of Richards, a Stanley Cup winner and playoff MVP in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and coach John Tortorella. The Rangers are a young team on the rise and return their 12 leading scorers from last season.

The combination of new veteran talent and emerging youngsters could have the Rangers poised to deliver their first division title since they won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
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If the Rangers can avoid half the injuries they suffered last season, not only will they be a lock for the playoffs, but they'll contend for the Atlantic Division. They have a solid group of young defensemen who showed improvement throughout last season and a world-class goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist there to cover up any mistakes.

Consistency from the offense will be key. If the Rangers have it, they could find themselves in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Follow Dave Lozo on Twitter: @DaveLozo
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30 in 30 with the New York Rangers

DP He shoots, he scores!

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30 in 30 with the New York Rangers

DP He shoots, he scores!

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