Personally I think one issue the Rangers have is some of the forwards are small and get knocked off the puck easily in battles along the boards. I still think they need to add some size up front to really compete this year.
Agreed, plus I think that health and goaltending is still a huge question mark.
Connor Hall is entering what should be his 4th season and has played less than 100 games in his OHL career due to injuries and suspensions. His last full season was when he played midget.
Doug Blaisdell is coming off significant injury. He did look good in those games last year though. Could surprise this year but again needs to stay healthy.
Logan Stanley- Had knee surgery. Will he be the same playing 25 mins a game, for 68 games? He looked fine in the Mem Cup but how will he do playing hard minutes night in and night out. I think he will be alright, but knee surgery is a wild card.
Goaltending is another thing. I think Richardson deserves a chance to showcase what he has. If that doesn't work out, it may be thin pickings on the goalie market. Some rangers fans have suggested (On Twitter) going after Raymakers but in no way is the Soo trading him to a team that could potentially be contending this year in the same conference. Evan Cormier maybe? (Edit to add; Missed that they picked up a decent goalie) Hope he can be the answer if richardson doesnt pan out.
And Forwards.
I somewhat like the forwards returning.
But its still small things that need to be fixed. Scoring goals isnt the problem. I've always been one of those people to not point out plus/minus but in this case.....Adam Mascherin had 100 points and was a minus 2. He has all the offensive talent in the world and is going to be a 30 goal guy at the next level. But you need a guy like him to be better at all ends of the ice. Even a bit better. He's the kind of guy that can get you back into a game, and then his lack of 1 on 1 coverage can take you right out in the same amount of time. I would watch rangers games often on the SSP on Rogers (relocated to Owen Sound) and he would frustrate me with just how disinterested he would look at times when the pucks not on his stick. Things like more attention to detail, less turn overs at the blue line, no more dumb no look passes, and just going hard for your 45 second shift. Play your man, create some pressure, and let the big cats like Masch, Gareffa and Bunns do their thing in the O-zone.
Size is the next thing as Bobber pointed out. Still a little soft. Seams like a lot of the guys people had hope would add size or grow a little over the summer just didnt happen.
All this being said though, the Rangers for the time being do deserve the benefit of doubt. I know the lack of development and what not over the passed few years has been nearly invisible, but this team looks okay for now. It also helps that there are only a few teams who are really going to make a run at it in the west unlike last year where there were 5 great ones.
Its a new year, new leadership group up and down and for the 1st time in a long time the rangers have arguably the best offensive forward in the OHL.
Happy Hockey Season Rangers fan, From a Rangers fan, turned Attack fan living in Owen Sound. Look forward to chatting all season and if any of you come up for games, let me know and we can get some dinner before hand! My treat.