5 NHL teams that missed the 2019 playoffs but will clinch in 2020
By Kyle McKenna
3. New York Rangers
Yes, the New York Rangers missed back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time during the Henrik Lundqvist era (2005-present), but don’t expect that trend to continue in the future – with or without Hank between the pipes.
The Broadway Blueshirts have a commendable mix of youthful talent and superstar prowess.
Keep in mind that the Rangers have 11 first-round draft-picks on this year’s roster. While not all of those skaters were drafted by New York, that’s still a number of former picks that a majority of NHL teams would love to have.
The Rangers began this season off to a sub-par start, but you can bet that forward Mika Zibanejad and company will be in the Eastern Conference’s top eight by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. Zibanejad, 26, has proven that he’s worthy to put in the same conversation with all-star caliber centers such as Nathan MacKinnon and everyone’s favorite Boston Bruin, Brad Marchand.
While fans should expect to enjoy playoff hockey on Broadway this spring, New York is in need to improve its special teams’ department. The Rangers’ power play and penalty are both below average, which rank 18th in the league.
The power play should fix itself, especially with the Russian sniper Artemi Panarin leading the way on the man advantage. The two-time 80-point scorer already has two power-play goals on the year in just six games played.
Playoff hockey just isn’t the same without the Rangers, but that will change once Madison Square Garden is rocking again late into this April.