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y Brandon Landry
Top Three Surprises
1. Brian Boyle – The Boston College graduate will see an upgrade in line mates, likely seeing shifts
with Pyatt and Hagelin this year compared to seeing the majority of shifts the past few years
with Fedotenko and Prust. He is coming off a tremendous postseason and end of the year run.
Boyle was the MVP of the Senators series and finished the regular season with five goals in his
last nine games.
2. Chris Kreider – Another former Boston College Eagle will have the opportunity to start the year
with top-six minutes next to the talent of Brad Richards, Rick Nash, Ryan Callahan and Derek
Stepan, with Marian Gaborik being on the shelf. The Rangers rookie uses his blazing speed and a
quick release to defeat the opposition on most plays, which will play as the perfect complement
to Brad Richards creative playmaking.
3. Marc Staal – After returning halfway through the season last year, Marc’s offensive
totals saw a significant dip, as did his play in the defensive end. After suffering a
concussion, a player is unable to commit to a strict cardio and workout plan, which
was likely a great reason for Staal’s off-year. However, in the last month of the
season and into the playoffs, the Thunder Bay defender played smart hockey in his
own end and put up six points in 20 postseason games. Not overwhelming totals, but
his increase in confidence was evident each and every time he touched the puck.
Top Three Letdowns
1. Carl Hagelin – Looking as if he was shot out of a cannon each time he skates down the wing, the
speedy Swede saw plenty of time in the Rangers top six last season while virtually coming out of
nowhere. He showed a sharp mentality, years beyond his age, making him an easy play in any
role. Because of this, Hagelin will likely see the majority of minutes in an energy role with the
abundance of offensive talent in New York. The addition of Nash and emergence of Kreider will
make it very difficult for the sophomore to repeat his rookie totals.
2. Marian Gaborik – Coming off his second forty goal campaign in New York in three years, Gaborik
suffered a shoulder injury late in the playoffs and will need at least until December to return. As
a player who loves to snap off wristers from all over the ice, it may be difficult to squeak through
any goaltenders pads with a loss in velocity for at least the first few months of his return.
Although, his powerplay totals should see a slight rise when he returns, due to the Rangers
having a second source of firing the rubber in Rick Nash.
3. Martin Biron – Not much should be expected from a backup goaltender, but Biron’s totals last
season were above and beyond anyone’s expectations. The former Buffalo Sabres starter came
off to a scorching start with seven wins in his first eight starts, but finished the year off with
some troubling totals. Biron’s last nine starts accumulated a 3-4-2 record, .874 save percentage
and a 3.22 goals against average.
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