Ahead of Schedule

As the Rangers move onto the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in 15 years, it's important to remember they are about a season ahead of schedule. It was by next season that we expected, and still expect to make a serious run at the cup -- after bringing up a few more prospects and perhaps making a trade or two from roster/farm strength. Several of the prospects, like Erixon, McIlrath, Thomas, Miller and Yogan finished up with the Whale, who's season ended the other night. I hope those kids are invited to travel with the team and watch the rest of the ride.

Kreider is up a playoff season before people thought he would be, and he's made a difference, both great and not so great. Hopefully, he finds a little more consistency going forward and the Stepan/Cally/Kreider line starts making hay again. Hagelin has been the key to the Richards line, and if we can finally get Gaborik going, it could be a very special year.

As well as the Rangers have played so far in these playoffs, they have yet to get hot. Now, that may be harder to do with the constant line changing that goes on, but they're all playing the same system and I wouldn't be surprised if they do get hot at some point. They have the right kind of goalie and D. Let's go, Rangers!