2006 New York Rangers Preview

2006 New York Rangers Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 New York Rangers Hockey Season Preview

Last season the Rangers came back in a big way. No one expected them to make the playoffs, but with a tough defense and the consistently excellent play of right winger Jaromir Jagr (54 G, 69 A, 123 Pts), they found themselves facing New Jersey in the first round. Although they were eliminated by the Devils, it was a promising year.

The offense, which was ranked 14th last season, should be even more potent this year. The first line, with center Michael Nylander (23 G, 56 A, 79 Pts), left winger Martin Straka (22 G, 54 A, 76 Pts) and Jagr, proved deadly. In July, the Rangers signed Detroit free agent winger Brendan Shanahan (40 G, 41 A, 81 Pts) and Carolina free agent center Matt Cullen (25 G, 24 A, 59 Pts), giving them even more punch.

On defense, it was difficult for teams to score on the Rangers. Michal Rozsival led all NHL players in plus/minus with + 35 and line mate Marek Malik was 16th at +28. Add Jagr's +34 and Nylander's +31 and you've great a great first line D and O combination.

In goal, the Ranger's featured rookie standout Henrik Lundqvist (53 GP, 30 W, 12 L, 9 OT, 2.24 GAA, .922 SP). He's a real competitor sporting solid fundamentals. He should be even better this year. On special teams, the club was in the top 10 in both penalty kill and power play.

Problems last year for this team had to do with stretch play. The team, which was in first place at the Olympic break, faltered in the stretch. Toughness and punishing checkers were both lacking. Former Predator Adam Hall, 6-foot, 3-inches and 210 pounds, has been added and the equally big Shanahan (105 PIM), who can mix it up, should both help.

The Rangers could be the team to beat this year in the Atlantic Division.

For more information on the 2006 New York Hockey Club check out the Rangers team website.