Rangers Reloaded, Ready For Serious Run in 2012-2013:

The New York Rangers made a strong bid for the playoffs last year and eventually died out at the end. However this season the Rangers will be ready to take their game to the next level. The Rangers boast a number of talented individuals that the team never would have seen if it were not for GM John Mcgrady. The soon to be 4th year general manager took over the team in a downward spiral and turned it into a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the LNHL. This season should be no different as much of the Rangers talent has finally developed into a strong line-up. Here are our line predictions for thwe 2012-2013 season.

Line #1:

Illya Kovalchuk - Sebastien Langlois - David Clancy

Kabok Lazutkin - Patrick Lojdahl

The trio that took the league by storm this season returns. Kovalchuk is one of the leagues top players. The soon to be 30 year old gave the Rangers some identity. Langlois has finally become what he was su;pp;osed to be when aquired from the Boston Bruins. Netting career highs in goals (25), assists (46), points (71) and PIM (64). Add to the line soon to be 20 year old superstar David Clancy who has taken the league by storm with his ability to not only dominate the defensive but also the offensive side of the ice. On Defence Lazutkin is fresh off a career year as well where he netted 40 points. Add to the mix young Patrick Lojdahl who makes up for his small stature with leadership, tenacity and a very impressive set of skills that he must focus on developing.

Line #2:

Erik Cole - Jesse Joensuu - Vladislav Bertnikov

Tom Smith - Yan Lavigne

While the Rangers top-line got all the headlines last season. The second unit did much of the dirty work. Erik Cole had his best season since 2007-2008, Jesse Joensuu provided stability and Vladislav Bertnikov quickley climbed the charts as one of the most dangerous two-way players in todays LNHL. On defence we see the leagues toughest duo in Lavigne and Smith. The two grew a strong bond during training camp and while they did not start the year together it was not long before these two were smashing oppenents on the same line. These two guys give coaches fits alone, but together they give migrains and as long as they are together players will be thinking twice about putting their heads down.

Line #3:

Kris Beech - Mark Parkhomenko - Alex Bourret

Denis Gauthier - Michal Barinka

While the teams top two lines will be depended on to score. The team will rely on a strong performance from its bottom two lines. Headlining the bottom-6 is this trio. Kris Beech played decently last season and while he was not a scoring dynamo he was stable. Mark parkhomenko will make his Rangers debut on opening night. the youngster was the only reason Hartford even game out to play some nights and he has nothing else to learn from that system. Alex Bourret had a good start in New York 2 seasons ago but struggled last year. He will look to rebound. On Defence Denis Gauthier will likely play his last season. While Michal Barinka is a more than capable compliment to the grisly veteran.

Line 4:

Lauri Korpikoski - Matt Cooke - Joel Dessereualt

This trio will not see a whole lot of ice. But when they do step onto the surface they will be depended on to keep the puck out of the net while providing at least a respectable amount of offence.

In The Crease:

Expected Starter: Vadim Rumianov
Back-up: unknown

the team will likely cut its ties with starter Marlon Racine due to money reasons. However the Rangers have a more than capable starter in Vadim Rumianov. Drafted in the fourth round in 2011 Rumianov has been on the rise since and is expected to be a top-10 LNHL goalie when he has reached his peak. The team must look to signb a decent back-up however if the kid does start to slip.