Toronto Maple Leafs Eastern Conference Preview: A Look at the New York Rangers

Jun 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts after giving up the game-winning goal to Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (not pictured) during the second overtime period in game five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs fans are used to a face showing this emotion…

Agony.

The look on Henrik Lundqvist‘s face just after giving up the Stanley Cup winning goal to Alec Martinez is one of pure agony.

Sure, maybe the kind of agony that Toronto Maple Leafs fans would be willing to live with for a chance at the Stanley Cup Finals. But, agony nonetheless.

Jun 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Rangers players react after losing 3-2 in two overtimes to the Los Angeles Kings in game five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the disappointment, the New York Rangers were a surprise as Eastern Conference Champions.

The Rangers didn’t have a single point-per-game player and King Henrik suffered through the worst slump of his career. Rick Nash produced 39 points in 65 games. And Brad Richards was playing his way into an off-season buyout.

Not much for Leafs fans to be jealous of, right?

Yet, there they were, battling the Los Angeles Kings for the Cup. And that is cause for jealousy in Leaf land.

In this installment of the Eastern Conference Preview series, we’ll examine the chances for the Rangers to repeat (or build?) on last season’s stunning success.

Let’s open with the positives on Broadway…