5 reasons why the New York Rangers can win Stanley Cup

Jan 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Derick Brassard (16) leads teammates back to the bench after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. With Henrik Lundqvist in goal, the Rangers are always a contender

For the last decade, the common denominator for the New York Rangers’ success has been the man wearing jersey number 30 and squatting between the pipes in goal. For the blueshirts, all hopes of winning another title rest on the shoulders of their big goalie from Sweden.

During the last two playoff runs, Lundqvist has actually been better in the playoffs than he was in the regular season, having a lower goals against average in both seasons. That’s not to say he hasn’t had moments of weakness during those runs, but there haven’t been many other goalies who have been as dependable over the span (if any at all).

With the Rangers facing players like Sidney Crosby in the opening round and possibly Alex Ovechkin in the second round, having Lundqvist on his game is even more important than anything from the rest of the New York defense. If King Henrik plays like royalty and keeps the Rangers from getting into too deep of a hole, it will be the New York Rangers hoisting the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in franchise history.

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