It Would be Wise to Look Towards the Future

With yesterday’s loss to the Boston Bruins, the Rangers sit in tenth place in the Eastern Conference and are five points out of a playoff spot. They have ten games left in the regular season, and would probably have to win nine of them to make the playoffs, which as we know, is not happening. Basically their playoff hopes were crushed on Sunday in Boston, and based on the way the team played, they thought it was over before they even hit the ice at the Boston Garden. So what should be the approach from this point on, in the final ten games?

Well first thing is first. The coaching staff, management, and ownership needs to realize, or admit, that the season is over, even if they did happen to squeak into the playoffs. This roster has no hope, and quite frankly, lacks the skill as well. With that being said, it is important that the Rangers look towards the future here, and not trap themselves in the present which will come to an abrupt ending once the season concludes.

Looking towards the future means allowing the youngsters a legitimate shot to succeed in the lineup. In order for that to happen, players like Artem Anisimov, Matt Gilroy, and Michael Del Zotto should be getting extra minutes and should be played in all situations. This will only help their development, and prepare them for next season. Right now, the youngsters are more important than the veterans on the Rangers.

Evgeny Grachev, in my opinion, should also be called up for the final five games. This kid, although he had a slow year in the American Hockey League, has the potential to be a superstar in the NHL. The 19-year-old Russian has the skill, the brain, and the gift of talent to be successful. If you recall, the Islanders, before allowing Kyle Okposo to play a full season in the NHL, had him play the final five games or so of the season before his freshman year, just so he got some action before making the permanent leap to the big leagues. The move proved to be critical in his development and gave him a good taste of the speed in the National Hockey League.

This is what the Rangers must do with Evgeny Grachev. Grachev can be just as good, if not better, than Okposo if given the opportunity. Letting him play in the NHL this season will be instrumental to his bright future and will send him into the regular season next year with a bit more background and experience than if he was just thrown out there as a rookie playing in the NHL for the first time.

Also, Henrik Lundqvist should get some rest. For a goaltender, Henrik is still young and in his prime. However, you do not want to burn him out. Let’s face it, this team is nothing without Lundqvist and to burn him out or put him at risk of an injury that could affect him in the long-run is just foolish if the season is basically over. Play Auld, see how he performs, and consider re-signing him for the next season to back-up Hank.

Again, none of this will actually happen unless the organization as a whole is willing to face the facts and realize there is no hope for the current roster this season. It is time to improve for the future and get the team back on the right track, because having more seasons like this one down the road is going to be costly.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)