Rangers Embrace Grit as Drury’s Vision Challenges Modern NHL Speed
Chris Drury’s tenure as the general manager of the New York Rangers has been marked by a relentless emphasis on toughness. Since taking the reins, he has championed what he refers to as “grit” and “sandpaper” hockey, echoing a bygone era reminiscent of the late 1990s. This approach seems inspired not only by a desire to cultivate a hard-nosed team but also by the influence of ownership, particularly James Dolan, who has a penchant for the more physical aspects of the game.
Shesterkin’s Impact on Team Dynamics
Drury’s arrival coincided with Igor Shesterkin emerging as a consistent contender for the Vezina Trophy, which has complicated assessments of the Rangers’ recent success. The team has reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice in three years, yet they have struggled to translate that achievement into postseason victories. While Shesterkin’s elite goaltending has allowed the Rangers to mask many weaknesses, the team’s overall performance has started to come into sharper focus.
The Rangers’ reliance on a power play featuring Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad has been a double-edged sword. When the power play was effective, it papered over flaws in their even-strength play, which has consistently been subpar. Zibanejad’s struggles at center during five-on-five situations became glaringly obvious when the power play faltered, exposing the Rangers as a team that was not built for playoff success.
Lessons Unlearned from Recent Playoff Exits
Recent playoff exits should have served as a wake-up call for Drury and the organization. In both 2022 and 2023, the Rangers were outpaced by the Lightning and the Devils, respectively. Last season, the Florida Panthers’ speed on defense left the Rangers trapped in their own zone, unable to mount any meaningful counterattacks. Yet, instead of addressing the speed deficit, the Rangers appeared fixated on adding more physicality, mimicking a trend observed in teams like the Maple Leafs, who often misinterpret the lessons learned from their own playoff failures.
Roster Changes and the Pursuit of Toughness
The decision to move on from Kreider this summer signaled a potential shift towards a more agile roster. However, the Rangers opted to trade K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes for Vladislav Gavrikov, a player known for his steadiness rather than speed. This move, along with the retention of a largely unchanged forward group, suggests that Drury remains committed to a style of play that emphasizes grit over agility.
One notable addition is J.T. Miller, whose presence is expected to reinforce the team’s tough identity. While Miller is undoubtedly a capable player and has existing chemistry with teammates Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox, his aggressive nature raises concerns about the potential for on-ice discord, especially during challenging moments.
Cultural Reset and Coaching Dynamics
Drury’s vision for the Rangers extends beyond player acquisitions; he aims to reshape the team’s culture. He views Miller as a key figure in this endeavor, banking on his ability to revive a locker room that may have suffered from fatigue under former coach Peter Laviolette. Laviolette’s coaching style has historically caused friction, often leading to a short shelf life in his roles. The introduction of Mike Sullivan, known for his more relatable approach, could help ease tensions, yet the true test will be whether this cultural reset takes hold.
The Weight of Expectations
Ultimately, Drury’s strategy hinges on the performance of Shesterkin. If the goaltender returns to his elite form, it could mask many of the Rangers’ deficiencies. However, the current construction of the roster raises questions about their ability to compete against fast, skilled teams in the playoffs. As the Rangers prepare for the upcoming season, they must navigate the fine line between grit and speed.
Should they falter against a superior opponent, the inability to recognize and rectify the underlying issues could lead to a cycle of repeated disappointment—one that could leave Drury’s vision and the team’s aspirations in jeopardy.
