The New York Rangers' Playoff Exit: Examining the Stars, the Depth, and What's Next

The New York Rangers were expected to do well in the playoffs but ended up losing to the Devils.

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The team no-showed and lost four of the next five games after winning the first two games in Newark.

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The Rangers played scared, conservative hockey, and the stars failed to perform, especially Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin.

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Igor Shesterkin was the only reason the series went to seven games, and he had a monumental series.

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Kaapo Kakko looked good in the series, although the points weren't there, and he was getting to corners, winning puck battles, and creating off the cycle.

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Tyler Motte, Barclay Goodrow, and Niko Mikkola looked fine, and they were steady and doing their jobs.

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Gerard Gallant may be on the hot seat due to the team's effort and motivation issues, and there is a disconnect between him and Chris Drury on roster construction.

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There are questions about Alexis Lafreniere and K'Andre Miller's new contracts and how they will fit under the cap.

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Goodrow was the prime candidate to be moved to fit them, but Drury was frustrated with Panarin last playoffs, making his future uncertain.

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Most of the roster that no-showed these playoffs will be back next season, and it's going to be a long and painful offseason for the team and its fans.

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