Chance to take on new identity begins in Buffalo

Buffalo – By this point, we’re well aware of the tales of a long and arduous summer filled with intense training sessions and sleepless nights. The New York Rangers were left shocked by their first-round defeat last spring, a humbling experience that served as a harsh reminder of how quickly success can vanish in the NHL, while also providing motivation for the upcoming 2023-24 season. The key to healing their heartache, as we’ve been told, is getting back on the ice. Their first opportunity to do so in a meaningful game will be the 7 p.m. opener against the Sabres at the KeyBank Center on Thursday. While that may hold true, Mika Zibanejad is here to provide some perspective.

Following Wednesday’s practice at the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown, the team’s reigning MVP, Zibanejad, stated, “I understand the focus is on last year’s playoffs and everything that went wrong and didn’t go well for us. But I genuinely believe in this group that we have here. We have accomplished great things over the past few years that have placed us in the position to be considered contenders.” Allow No. 93 to further elaborate. “Despite last year’s disappointing exit, we can take confidence from that experience. The fact that there are high expectations shows that we are capable of achieving great things. If we weren’t capable, we wouldn’t have these expectations. It’s a positive aspect that we need to embrace.”

At this time last year, the Rangers were reveling in their surprising run to the 2022 Eastern Conference Final. They were receiving accolades left and right, solidifying their reputation as one of the teams to watch for the Stanley Cup. However, they have had to readjust their expectations since then, largely due to the New Jersey Devils. After the Rangers took a 2-0 series lead, their Hudson River rivals rallied and won four of the final five games, establishing themselves as the up-and-coming contenders.

“That defeat definitely stung,” admitted captain Jacob Trouba. “It left a pit in our stomachs for quite some time.” The Devils appeared hungrier, showcasing superior skill, structure, and most notably, speed. They overwhelmed the Rangers, who struggled to keep up and find solutions. Consequently, team president Chris Drury had limited options for making significant changes to the roster due to the restricted salary-cap environment. His response to the Devils’ blow was parting ways with head coach Gerard Gallant, despite his impressive regular-season performances in both of his two years with the team.

In comes Peter Laviolette, the primary acquisition of the offseason. The seasoned veteran coach, embarking on his 22nd NHL season and his sixth team, has implemented a more demanding training camp than the Rangers are accustomed to – longer sessions, increased conditioning, and a hands-on approach. The players, however, have welcomed the change.

“Last year was more laid-back, and perhaps we weren’t as prepared as we should have been at the start of the season,” noted center Vincent Trocheck. “This year’s camp is definitely more challenging. I believe everyone will be in excellent shape because of it.” Laviolette’s objective is to establish a clear identity and instill the sense of direction that may have been lacking under Gallant.

There’s no denying the Rangers’ talent, with a Norris Trophy winner in Adam Fox, a Vezina Trophy winner in Igor Shesterkin, and a plethora of skilled forwards ranging from established stars like Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin, to promising first-round picks such as Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Alexis Lafrenière. However, their new coach aims to shape them into a relentless and aggressive team that brings a playoff-level intensity every game.

“I have observed that teams that reach the deep stages of the playoffs, the final four or even become Stanley Cup champions, possess a certain attitude,” Laviolette expressed on the first day of training camp. “It’s a combination of skill and relentless work ethic. I don’t want us to be solely known as a skilled team or a hard-working team. I believe we can be both.”

Increasing the intensity is a vital initial step, but there’s more to it than simply trying harder. The Rangers appeared sluggish compared to the speedy Devils, and Laviolette’s task is to close that gap. Some may question how a mostly intact core can suddenly become faster. The answer, they hope, lies in implementing a direct and aggressive system that emphasizes attacking, creating rush opportunities, and making quicker decisions.

“Laviolette understands the type of players we have here, and we believe we can execute his vision,” Zibanejad stated. “Speed isn’t solely determined by having the fastest players. By moving the puck swiftly, exiting the zone effectively, and working as a cohesive unit through the neutral zone and forecheck, we can create a faster-looking team.”

Adapting to Laviolette’s up-tempo style may come with challenges, particularly in grasping his left-wing-lock forechecking system and high-cycle, constant movement philosophy. Although, as the coach pointed out, history has shown instances of teams taking time to adjust while others experienced immediate success.

“Some teams stumble initially, while others hit the ground running,” Laviolette remarked. The Rangers are hoping to fall into the latter category, but the true test will come when they have the opportunity for playoff redemption.

In the span of a year, they transitioned from an up-and-coming team to one grappling with doubts about whether they can live up to the hype. Now, they have a chance to alter the narrative once again, fueled by the realization that their window for success can slam shut in an instant.

Blake Wheeler, a veteran recently signed by the team, shared some wisdom with Trouba, saying, “Everyone is at different stages of their careers on a team, and chances are not limitless. When I was young, I was told that opportunities to make it in the NHL and play at this level are not guaranteed. It’s a privilege. Don’t look back in the end and regret not giving it your all for that one year. Take advantage of every opportunity.”

NY Rangers Projected Lineup for Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres:

Forwards:
– Top line: Chris Kreider (LW) – Mika Zibanejad (C) – Kaapo Kakko (RW)
– Second line: Artemi Panarin (LW) – Filip Chytil (C) – Alexis Lafrenière (RW)
– Third line: Will Cuylle (LW) – Vincent Trocheck (C) – Blake Wheeler (RW)
– Fourth line: Barclay Goodrow (LW) – Nick Bonino (C) – Tyler Pitlick (RW)

Defensemen:
– Top pair: Ryan Lindgren (L) – Adam Fox (R)
– Second pair: K’Andre Miller (L) – Jacob Trouba (R)
– Third pair: Erik Gustafsson (L) – Braden Schneider (R)

Goalies:
– Starter: Igor Shesterkin
– Backup: Jonathan Quick

Healthy scratches: F Jimmy Vesey and D Zac Jones

Vincent Z. Mercogliano covers the New York Rangers as a beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. For more of his work, visit lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on…

Reference