What you need to know about the New York Rangers

Whether it be Bill Cook, Bryan Hextall, Andy Bathgate, Rod Gilbert, Brian Leetch or Henrik Lundqvist, the New York Rangers typically have been built on star power.

The current edition of the Rangers doesn’t necessarily have any players who are sure-fire bets for the Hockey Hall of Fame — at least not yet — but they have more than a few luminaries who can do some damage to the Penguins’ hopes of getting out of the first round of the playoffs.

In addition to talent, the Rangers also have depth as the Penguins found out repeatedly during the regular season thanks to the three losses they suffered in the four games between the squads.

“They’re a good four-line team,” Penguins forward Evan Rodrigues said. “They’re pretty balanced with an elite power play. Obviously, some elite talent.”

Here’s a quick refresher of the lines, defensive pairs and goaltenders the Rangers likely will open with for Game 1 of their first-round series with the Penguins on Tuesday.

First line: Chris Kreider — Mika Zibanejad — Frank Vatrano

The star of this show is Kreider, a hammer of a power forward who erupted for a career-best 52 goals this season, including 26 on the power play.

A lot of his success is tied to Zibanejad, who is a world-class playmaker capable of passing the puck in just about any situation.

A midseason acquisition from the Florida Panthers, the steady Vatrano has become something of a Penguins-killer, producing five points (four goals, one assist) in six games against the Penguins this season.

Second line: Artemi Panarin — Ryan Strome — Andrew Copp

Panarin is one of the most dynamic and entertaining players in the game. Blessed with a dagger of a shot, he might actually be more dangerous as a playmaker. Panarin has tormented the Penguins over the years considering he has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 23 career games against them.

The fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Strome sputtered early in his career before developing into a remarkably complete two-way player with the Rangers.

Copp was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets on March 21 and has provided steady, two-way play to an already deep lineup.

Third line: Alexis Lafreniere — Filip Chytil — Kaapo Kakko

This trio of first-round picks offers plenty of skill, but it’s fair to say none of them have met their immense promise.

Lafreniere was the first overall selection of the 2020 draft but has yet to produce offense consistently and still is learning about playing away from the puck.

On the other wing is Kakko, the second overall selection in the 2019 draft. With decent size (6-foot-3, 203 pounds) and plenty of skill, Kakko has been largely underwhelming throughout his career.

Chytil was the 21st overall pick in the 2017 draft and like his wingers, he has not lived up to expectations. A capable playmaker, he has the potential to be a legit second-line center if he ever figures out the NHL.

Fourth line: Dryden Hunt — Barclay Goodrow — Kevin Rooney

Goodrow is the main attraction of this line. A member of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup championship teams in 2020 and ‘21, Goodrow is a world-class antagonist who can even chip in some offense. If you’re a Penguins fan, you will hate Goodrow by Game 2.

Establishing himself as a full-time NHLer this season, Hunt is a nondescript winger who isn’t afraid of contact.

Rooney is a versatile forward who can line up at either center or wing while offering a bit of offense as well as some combative play.

First pair: Ryan Lindgren — Adam Fox

The defending James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Fox is everything a modern NHL defenseman should be. That’s to say he is a hiccup-quick skater who can move the puck up ice like mercury and generate offense.

Lindgren is more of a stay-at-home entity. He will play things safe while Fox takes chances. Lindgren also offers old-school qualities with physicality and a willingness to block shots.

Second pair: K’Andre Miller — Jacob Trouba

A physical defender who has a thunderclap of a one-timer, Trouba is a five-tool defender who can log significant minutes in all situations.

In his second NHL season, Miller is just scratching the surface of his potential. A big body (6-4, 216) that can move up and down the ice, Miller is still figuring out the professional game.

Third pair: Patrik Nemeth — Braden Schneider

A horse of a defender (6-4, 230), Nemeth relies more on fundamentals than his size to play a shutdown role.

The 19th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Schneider is in his first NHL season. Has all the skills to be a legit top-four defenseman. He just lacks experience.

Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin — Alexandar Georgiev

Shesterkin has been one of the NHL’s top goaltenders — if not the best — this season. He also is one of the league’s smallest goaltenders (6-1, 189 pounds). Speed and reflexes are what have allowed him to emerge as a potential candidate for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP.

Georgiev is even smaller at 6-1 and 178 pounds. He too relies on quickness but hasn’t enjoyed enough consistency to challenge Shesterkin for more playing time in the regular season.

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