NBC analyst and former Rangers center Eddie Olczyk explains why this year's Rangers team is primed for another Stanley Cup run with The Post's Justin Terranova.
Q: Is this Rangers team better than the one that reached the Stanley Cup final last season?
A: They are a much quicker team. The signing of [Kevin] Hayes made them a much quicker, much deeper team up front with their skill. It's tough to find 6-5 center iceman who is only 22 years old. Hayes has come in and gotten stronger, which is super impressive. The playoffs are a different animal, so it will be a whole new load for him once those start. Then you bring in a guy like Keith Yandle who can skate you out of trouble on your power play, jump in, and make plays.
Q: Which team worries you?
A: The only question mark is: Can they play a real heavy, physical game? Who are those teams in the league that can put that pressure on them? That's the only thing I am not sure about. If you look at the players that play the most, there is not a lot of size there.
Q: But, they are the favorites out of the East?
A: Without a doubt. They've been there and if they can get the goalie healthy, they are only going to be that more dangerous. There's a psychological aspect to when you have a guy like [Henrik] Lundqvist in goal. This last stretch here [Derek] Stepan has gone ice cold, Derick Brassard — as far as goal scoring — is ice cold. That third line has been really good for them and they are still finding ways to accumulate points.
Q: Does Lundqvist need a certain amount of games before the playoffs, so he's comfortable?
A: I can't put a number on it. [He's] one of the best goaltenders in the world; I have complete confidence that he can play a handful of games and quickly get back to the top of your game.
Q: Can the Islanders be a threat to the Rangers?
A: I wonder can the Islanders defend enough to win in the playoffs? I like their team a lot and I know the year the goaltender [Jaroslav Halak] has had; it's been incredible. But that's what I question — can Halak get it done when push comes to shove? The Islanders are a big team, they can throw their weight around, but they don't like to play a slow game. That would feed into the Rangers' style. And the rivalry plays such a big hand in it. I lived it as a player, I've seen it and you go from there.
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