Rangers: Contenders or Pretenders this year?

[Filthy Dangles]

Contender or pretender

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[Bounces R Way]

They could contend to win a round or maybe two. Shesterkin comes back healthy and plays well they'll be a tough out.

As far as contenders to win a Stanley Cup this year? Don't think so. There are quite a few better teams.

 

[summer tooth]

They've definitely had some nice efforts this year. I agree with someone above that they could possibly win in the first playoff round.

 

[bobholly39]

I voted "pretender" because I'm all about "show me you can win" before I believe in you. One of the reasons I also have Florida as a pretender - since they haven't won a single playoff round in over 25 years.

But - I do like the makeup of the Ranger's team, and I think they have a solid goaltender. I wouldn't be shocked if they manage to do well in the playoffs. Still - gun to my head, I pick quite a few other teams as more likely then them to do well in playoffs, and hence - pretender.

 

[Miro4Norris]

My order of the teams I would rather my team Pens to meet in playoffs(east)

1. Rangers
2. Capitals
3. Toronto
4. Boston
5. Florida
6. Canes
7. Tampa

 

[Mrfenn92]

Contender

 

[CupInSIX]

Haven't you people learned not to doubt Gallant? Just be ready with your Uber in a couple of years.

 

[Team Cozens]

Voted Pretender but a trade for a C like Hertl and they could quickly become a contender. Shesterkin is quickly becoming the best goalie on the NHL.

 

[Nickmo82]

Not this year. But soon!

 

[ole ole]

Playoff contender,
but
Cup pretenders.

 

[gump116]

Overall team, probably pretender, like 10-15 range overall in the league and one of the bottom playoff teams in the east

however, voted contender simply because of shesterkin plus Fox, Panarin, and Zibanejad. With a hot goalie and top-end talent they could go on a run and beat anyone

 

[Tralfamadore]

I think they're a great team. Strong at forward, defense and in net. However, I also think the group needs more playoff experience together before they can be considered a legitimate cup contender. The only holding them back from a series win or two is the bloodbath that is the eastern conference.

 

[tucker3434]

Teams that get outshot pretty regularly at 5v5, tend to struggle in the playoffs. As of now, they’d face Washington in round 1 and (probably) Carolina in round 2. Both consistently outshoot and out-PDO their competition. I’m not sure NYR would even be the favorite in round 1.

 

[AvroArrow]

I don't like the label of "pretender" They're a legit playoff team. Not a cup favorite, but not a pretender. A pretender was Edmonton early on in the year.

 

[centipede2233]

The rangers will likely be one of the 2 worst playoff teams in the east. Sometimes it’s about timing. Shesty is capable I winning a playoff round round, but the center depth is what will hurt this team from going deep. The east is just too competitive. If the rangers were in the west I’d like there chances MUCH more.

 

[Fataldogg]

Shesterkin alone could help them win a couple playoff rounds. We saw Lundqvist do it time and time again with worse teams than Shesterkin has now.

 

[KevinFinnerty]

I’d say we get to the second round this year

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

Not ready to truly contend, yet but you never know with playoff hockey. They can add some pieces to put them over the top.

 

[Regal]

I don’t think they’re good enough top to bottom to win 4 rounds, and I wouldn’t put them clearly above any of the other East teams that are currently in the playoffs, but they’ll deservedly make the playoffs, and have the top end talent to beat anyone in a 7 game series.

 

[Hisch13r]

There's only been one time since xG started being tracked that a team ranking as low as the Rangers won the Cup. They can get by because they have an unreal goalie and the star power to give him the little support he needs but I can't see it holding up for a playoff run and them winning a Cup.

 

[wintersej]

Its gonna be a hard hard road in the east this year. Someone has to win. Could be the Rangers! Or any of the other teams. I know this sounds like a cop out, but its a really good and deep group of playoff teams this year.

 

[SheldonJPlankton]

I voted contender...since, IMO, I believe a true pretender earns that title...through repeated and systematic failure at thriving. As the Habs shown last season, you can rise from the bottom to become a contender, but a pretender lacks the drive, willpower and character to succeed, and fails early and often with every opportunity.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Total pretender.

Too much emphasis on a few stars.