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NHL Playoffs: 5 reasons why New York Rangers won’t win Stanley Cup

By Dave Stevenson

May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts on the bench with teammates Tanner Glass (15) , Kevin Klein (8) and Dan Girardi (5) as the Rangers play with an empty net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts on the bench with teammates Tanner Glass (15) , Kevin Klein (8) and Dan Girardi (5) as the Rangers play with an empty net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images /

1. Pitiful Puck Possession

While advanced stats in hockey cannot paint the whole picture since hockey is a game with countless variables, looking at a team’s even strength shot attempts for and against paints a mighty fine background. The Rangers struggle mightily at puck possession, which does not bode well for their playoff chances.

Their 48.22 percent even strength CorsiFor percentage (score, zone, and venue adjusted) is the 10th worst in the NHL. The last team to win the Stanley Cup with a rating of under 50 percent was the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008-2009. Even then, they had strong possession numbers once they hired Dan Bylsma and they had two elite centers to rely on. While the Rangers have the ultimate wild card in Henrik Lundqvist, he can only do so much.

The Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks have proven that when teams suppress shot attempts against efficiently while creating shot attempts, that’s a pretty good recipe for success. Is Lundqvist capable of stealing games in the playoffs? Absolutely. Is that a reliable way to win and should New York fans expect to win the Stanley Cup if Lundqvist has to stand on his head every night? No. That will be the eventual downfall of the Rangers.

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