Rangers still rockin' the WCHL
There has been plenty to celebrate for the Rangers.
The Rangers.... well there is not allot you can say about the dynasty from the Apple that hasn't already been said. In the first issue of "who do we choose" the league has voted on the Rangers as the best, and maybe the ultimate team in the WCHL. Having won 2 cups in a row until the Ducks remade themselves, the Rangers can claim 3rd place in the pantheon that is the WCHL hall of fame right next to the SJ Sharks, and the afore mentioned Ducks.
Most would assume the Penguins were in there too, as they always seem to be a threat, but the Rangers have easily doubled up on the Pens and their draft approach to winning a championship.
The Rangers are a well thought out team, a team that most would be envious of. Like every great dynasty, the Rangers started with the goaltender. Henrik Lundqvuist is arguably the best tender the NY fans have ever had on their squad, even with the memories of Richter and his outrageous performances of the early 90's, today we see Lundy playing out a 1.84 gaa with a .935 Sa%. He is #2 in wins, #5 In Sa% and all around one of the top 3 goalies the league has ever seen. There is no worries on net for the Rangers, and in fact, he will provide them with a very possible chance to gain their 3rd cup this year, and move up in the world.
Henrik Lundqvist has been a key difference maker in New York
The other leader for the Rangers, the one who doesn't have to spend his time between two pipes is Anze Kopitar. Possibly the coolest name of any player in the NHL(WCHL) Anze usually leads his ragtag group to fame and fortune, and this year is no different since he has posted 13-38-51 to come in at #4 right behind Ovi and his flailing group. There is a bright spot on every team, but NYR has many really...... considering their love for low priced talent, and their ability to keep on bringing the young guys in and avoiding those out-of-order UFA prices, you should expect the Rangers to compete EVERY year for another cup to add to their trophy case.
Its good to be King
The hits don't stop there. NYR has delicately chosen their squad, hand picked the pieces to the puzzle that is the WCHL cup. No stone has been left unturned in the quest for the big prize, and another example of that is Shaner Doan. Yeah we said it... SHANER. A reliable and solid first liner, bringing all the old School that Anze lacked to a team that could use that intangible to their advantage. There is a damn reason that the Rangers fist line is a solid threat, and it isn't Landeskog who really should pull up his little girl panties and move on down the line.
You all voted the Rangers the best in the league out of the choices provided, and there is a damn good reason for that. So... what is that reason? Well none other than GM Andrew "hard ass" Don. A guy who knows the ins and outs of the WCHL as good or better than the commissioner himself. While Andy may be the bane of many a GM's existence, and a persistent thorn in the side of every GM who is trying to cut a " good deal" for their team, there is something he is even better at.... and that is running team.
GM Andrew Don aims to make the Rangers an elite team for a long time
Don't ever take the Rangers for a sucker team, ever when they are down and out, looking like Ali against Frazer in 71', they will come back like Ali in 74..... you just wiki that shit yourselves.
The Rangers are always good. Always a threat. And since we have discussed their Brick wall goalie..... their illustrious leader on the ice with Anze, and their dictator of a leader off the ice in Mr. Don, we need to turn our focus to their outstanding defense in the form of Timo and Seidenberg, who combine fro 34 points so far, in a league where the defensive scoring has dropped off about 75%. NYR's defense has scooped up 4th spot in goals against, with Timo clocking on at #5 for defensive scoring. This is a stalwart group, but they have their flaws, DI is not one of them. GM Don was careful to pick guys for his defense who demonstrated great hitting ability combined with great discipline.
In fact, there are very few flaws within the structure of this team, and the more time one spends looking at them, the more you realize that they are one of the most likely teams to win this years coveted WCHL cup. Its a game of stats, a game of opinions, and a game of well trained athletes that almost no other sport can match. For the WCHL, and our brand of hockey..... very few can contest that the NY Rangers are the very best we can put forth.
Its all or nothing in New York and they don't come up short very often.
I leave you with the thought we all should be having..... one of awe, and another of the kind of team you NEED to beat to be effective. Don't lose sight of the goal..... beat the best, and become the best.
