**Rating system for “Plus/Minus” Series**a
+3 = Major Upgradea
+2 = Upgrade
+1 = Slight Upgrade
0 = Same as prior year
-1 = Slight Dowgrade
-2 = Downgrade
-3 = Major Downgrade
Team: New York Rangers
2010-11: 93 points, #8 in Eastern Conference
GOALIES
Returning: Henrik Lundqvist, Martin Biron
Arrivals: N / A
Departures: N / A
Grade: 0
The Rangers were 1 of only 7 teams to give up less than 200 goals in 2010-11. They will enter the 2011-12 season with the same goaltending tandem.
DEFENSE
Returning: Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Michael Sauer, Steve Eminger, Michael Del Zotto
Arrivals: Tim Erixon
Departures: Bryan McCabe, Matt Gilroy
Grade: +1
Matt Gilroy was deemed expendable because Ryan McDonagh was excellent in the 40 games he played. A full year from McDonagh is definitely an upgrade over the inconsistent Gilroy. The Rangers are also confident that offseason acquisition Tim Erixon (acquired via trade) can step right into the top 6 and produce like a veteran.
FORWARDS
Returning: Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Derek Stepan, Ruslan Fedotenko, Wojtek Wolski, Brandon Prust, Sean Avery, Erik Christensen, Mats Zuccarello
Arrivals: Brad Richards, Mike Rupp
Departures: Alex Frolov, Vinny Prospal, Chris Drury
Grade: +2
The Rangers landed the big fish of the UFAs in Brad Richards. He immediately elevates the play of everyone around him, helps the powerplay and brings Stanley Cup experience. The only reason I hesitated to give New York a +3 grade up front is because of his concussion issues. Last season, the Rangers boasted 5 forwards who had 20+ goals, and Anisimov scored 18 – yet their leading point getter couldn’t even crack 55. That will change this year, that’s for sure.
OVERALL RATING: +3
2011-12 Prediction: #5-#7 in Eastern Conference
The Rangers have a nice blend of quality veterans and solid young players. They are a team on the rise that is only continue to get better.
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Written by Corey Krakower
I am the Director of NHL Content & Habs writer for ProSportsBlogging.com; I have spent 8 seasons behind the bench as a minor hockey coach; and I am the future GM of the Montreal Canadiens (according to my mom). I spend my days managing the Harrow Sports brand in my hometown of Montreal and I moonlight as a Hockey Advisor for Pi Athlete Management. Most importantly, I'll throw anyone under the bus for a laugh.
