NYR Regular Season Re-Cap and Team Grades

[Commish Bub(NYR)]

2009-10 Final Analysis and Report Card

Record: 53-22-7, 113 points (3rd in the East, 4th overall)
GF: 276 (3rd overall)
GA: 193 (2nd overall)
PP: 17.87% (18th overall)
PK: 85.61% (3rd overall)

The only thing missing from the Rangers resume this season was the Stanley Cup. A tough start and a brutal November gave way to a sparkling second half, culminating in a thrilling 10-0 finish that brought home a division title. Rangers management remade the team throughout the year, trading or demoting eight players who were on the opening night lineup (and 11 of the 21 skaters active for that game). Despite not having any forwards near the league lead in any statistical category, a balanced attack -- and the addition through the season of scorers like Stillman, Gagné, and Marleau -- helped the Rangers to the third best offense in the league. Nevertheless, defense was the team's strong suit all season, finishing second overall in goals against, and tied for first with seven shutouts.

The playoffs brought a continuation of the season-long battle with Philadelphia in Round One. The Rangers managed to dispatch the Flyers in six hard-fought games, including the series finale in Philly. Round Two brought a tough Tampa Bay team to New York, in a series featuring the two best defensive teams in the league. Despite that, there was only one low-scoring contest in the series (a 2-1 Rangers OT win in Game 1). Ultimately the Rangers could not find a way to stop a rejuvenated Lightning attack, giving up 21 goals in the last five games, to drop the series in six. Oddly enough, a Rangers team that struggled in the regular season in overtime (going 5-7) won all three of its OT contests in the playoffs. Still, a hard way to end what was otherwise a very satisfying season.


Player Grades
Right Wings
Cory Stillman -- an early-season pickup from Florida, Stillman went 32-44-76 in 79 games and was one of the team's best players night-in and night-out. Grade = A

Artem Anisimov -- played center for most of the season; was the second-highest scoring rookie in the league, despite playing 19 games in Hartford; will probably move back to the middle next year. Grade = A-

Ryan Callahan -- struggled early, even with regular top-line playing time; strong on defense, a vital part of the Rangers 3rd ranked PK. Grade = B

Pat Rissmiller -- played both wings; regular penalty killer and on the grind line; steady, unspectacular, and ultimately replaceable. Grade = C

Others: Antti Laaksonen (didn't play much but was okay = C), Enver Lisin (not much in five early games = D)


Centers
Chris Drury -- still a heart-and-soul guy, and worthy of top minutes; led the team in goals, points, and PP goals; also great on defense. Grade = A

Patrick Marleau -- came over from San Jose in late December and immediately revitalized the offense; overall numbers may not look great, but had 41 points in 32 games with the Rangers; will be re-signed this summer. Grade = A

Chris Higgins -- had problems finding a role, moved from LW to C, from 2nd line to 4th and all around; still managed 18 goals and 41 points. Grade = B-

Wayne Primeau -- nothing flashy, just a big ol' grinder; led the team in PIM and fights, even if he was no good at it (4 wins in 16 tries); somehow managed 19 points. Grade = B

Others: Jozef Stumpel (mid-season stopgap = C-); Tyler Arnason (seems like a long time ago when he last played = D)


Left Wings
Simon Gagné -- came from Philly in pre-Olympic trade; 26 points in 23 games, was another catalyst to late-season run to division title; seemed to take out his trade on the Flyers. Grade = A

Vaclav Prospal -- stopped scoring and started sulking late in the season, but was THE vital offensive cog early on when times were tough; will test the market this summer, and will be missed. Grade A-

Fredrik Modin -- throw-in from CBS in the Gaborik trade, but was a spark on the PP, hitting paydirt 10 times; no longer really good at anything, but is solid as a bottom-line guy. Grade = B

Brian Boyle -- grind line power forward; was pretty invisible most of the year. Grade = C

Brian Sutherby -- came over from DAL in the Dubinsky trade; not a scorer, but a solid grinder and leader. Grade = B-

Others: Aaron Voros (another early season fill-in = C)


Defensemen
Kimmo Timonen -- came over with Gagné from PHI; was an offensive sparkplug and a +15 in 24 games. Grade = A-

Dick Tärnström -- mid-season acquisition from SJ; although his play tailed off late, he still managed 23 assists in 41 games, and a +16; surprisingly effective. Grade = B+

Rostislav Klesla -- had a quality two-way season, setting career highs in points and assists; developed into a top-tier defensive blueliner. Grade = A-

Marc Staal -- rock-solid, steady physical D; not flashy, but always got the job done; was lost for the season in the 81st regular season game, a loss that seriously hurt the blueline in the playoffs. Grade = A-

Michael Del Zotto -- up-and-coming offensive blueliner saw 31 games in the latter half of the season; had a solid playoffs too; surprised with a good defensive game, too. Grade = B+

Chris Chelios -- signed as a free agent in November, he was slow but steady the rest of the year; no offense left in his game, tho. Grade = C+

Daniel Tjärnqvist -- another part of the SJ trade; was steady early, but saw his playing time decrease greatly with the addition of Del Zotto; still a capable defensive type, but brought little physicality. Grade = C

Others: Matt Gilroy (overhyped college free agent from 2009 = D+); Corey Potter (injury fill-in = C-)


Goaltenders
Henrik Lundqvist -- a solid, if exhausting season for the Swede; led the league in wins and shutouts, and top five in save pct and goals against; probably the number one reason the Rangers finished as high as they did. Grade = A+

Steve Valiquette -- never earned enough confidence to start more than twice. Grade = D


Gone, but not Forgotten
LW Brandon Dubinsky -- never found a niche on either 2nd or 3rd line; traded to DAL in February. Grade = C+
RW Sean Avery -- had a quiet 57 games on the grind line until sent to PHI. Grade = C+
LW Donald Brashear -- who? Grade = D-
D Michal Rozsival -- sent to SJ in December; had a great offensive start for the Rangers; was difficult to trade, but his high salary made it necessary in order to bring on Marleau. Grade = B+
D Dan Girardi -- probably one player the team would like to have back; had a deceptive -10 in 39 games, but was solid in his own zone; maybe SJ will take Tjärnqvist back for him. Grade = B
D Wade Redden -- may have been overpriced, but played quite well until sent to PHI; his injury there probably cost the Flyers the division. Grade = A-

[SharksGM]

2009-10 Final Analysis and Report Card
D Dan Girardi -- probably one player the team would like to have back; had a deceptive -10 in 39 games, but was solid in his own zone; maybe SJ will take Tjärnqvist back for him. Grade = B

Sure! I assume you're sending Lundqvist back to balance out the deal?