Hold on for a minute Rangers fans. Hold on!
The Maven knows that you want to know what went wrong? And, if anything went right? With that in mind, I have imported one of the most insightful hockey minds I've ever known.
Manhattan-based Lloyd MacKay has studied the Rangers for decades and especially this season. You have the questions and he has the answers.
Listen up to Mister M and then draw your own conclusions. Take it away, Pal Lloyd:
"We start with the Rangers' last two meaningless games. For starters, they did not resurrect, but they were interesting nonetheless.
"First, the game against Florida. The playoff round against the Panthers last spring broke the Rangers' spirit and belief in themselves. They never really got it back.
"They started this season by going great guns but the league was soon on to them. If you played the Rangers physically they would fold, so the Panthers series last spring was the template for their downfall. Also, they perceived themselves as a team that – without both goaltenders – would be lower rung mediocre.
"They lacked spark, physical presence and strength on the puck. They did a lot of north-south but were lower rung on scoring off the rush and their numbers were lackluster five-on-five. Then, their power play faltered. So, what are you left with?
"In both of the last two games, the Rangers – as individuals – were clearly the peers of both the Panthers and Tampa Bay. As Florida coach Paul Maurice said, 'The Rangers have some world class players. but they have to show up.'"
MacKay: "The Blueshirts were too often uninspired and were reacting too much and not initiating. They skated up ice (when they could) and set up and did a lot of passing but there was not enough putting the puck in, chasing it and going to the net.
"They needed to simplify their game and be more dynamic in center ice and around both nets. When they played that way they shined. But, in the end, it was a case of too little, too late!"
The Maven wanted MacKay to discuss Peter Laviolette's coaching job and he obliged as follows:
"Laviolette did not become an idiot overnight, but something happened this year and the players seemed to tune him out and frequently were directionless.
"They need a captain and a core group to establish a standard of play and a positive culture. It's a matter of inner dynamics which are not knowable by players and coaching staff. Also – if Lavvy stays – the question is can he regain control?"
The Maven said it at the end of last season and this semester as well, Laviolette had no idea how to get the most out of fourth-stringer Matt Rempe. Lloyd agrees and concludes as follows:
"Laviolette should have had more Rempe scoring as he did against Florida. Matt later skated up center ice in a straight line with speed, looking like a freight train.
"Rempe showed himself to be a dominant physical presence who made a strong offensive rush that set up a goal. Despite all the problems this past season, I've come to a conclusion.
"My bottom line is that the Rangers will be a better team next year."