DUGUAY, NICHOLLS ON 2022-23 NEW YORK RANGERS
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
New York Rangers fans have long waited to hear the seconds tick down signalling the end of their first Stanley cup since 1994. After the momentum gained through last season’s success, they hope the wait doesn’t last much longer.
Last season the Rangers surprised the league with 110 points and a trip to game 6 of the Eastern conference finals. It was their best result since the 2014-15 season.
Former NHL players Bernie Nicholls and Ron Duguay stopped on the Rod Pedersen show during the week of October 3rd 2022 to talk about the Rangers.
“They have great coaching,” said Nicholls, “one of the best defensemen in the league in Adam Fox. They’re gonna be one of the best teams in the East for sure.”
One of the major reasons for the rise in form last season was head coach Gerrard Gallant. The former Vegas Golden Knight coach, Gallant was able to do what was necessary to succeed in his first year with the Rangers.
“There’s alot of good qualities about Gerard Gallant,” said Duguay. “Of course you obviously have to have good players and good young players and those players will now be 1 year better than before.”
In order for Gallant to achieve success he never saw with Vegas the key piece will be superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Shesterkin is coming off winning a Vezina trophy with a 36-13-4 record with a .935 save percentage. Duguay in his interview with Pedersen described why he viewed the Rangers goalie as special.
“Some goaltenders are athletic,” said Duguay, “some are very position savvy, some are just working hard. Igor has a little bit of everything. I love his demeanour. Guy like him can handle an early mistake.”
Frank Curto of Empire Sports Media best described the anticipation amongst the franchise, arguing this upcoming campaign “may have some of the highest expectations in the Rangers rich history.”
The season kicks off next Tuesday against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Tampa Bay Lightning as the Rangers look to begin the journey to their first Cup since 94.
