Interesting that USA Today is giving props to the NYR:
New York Rangers have the look of a champion
By Kevin Allen, USA
1. No re-assembly required: The Rangers are already playing that gritty, shot-blocking, defensive-minded style that is necessary to be successful in the postseason. New York is second in goals against and hits, and fourth in blocked shots.
2. Swede smell of success: Goalie Henrik Lundqvist seems to own that aura of invincibility and confidence that Martin Brodeur had in his best years. Lundqvist looks as if he has earned his master's in goaltending.
3. Torts Law: Did you watch John Tortorella command this team on the memorable HBO 24/7 series? If you did, then you understand Tortorella's intensity is volcanic and his will-to-win is scary. Bruce Boudreau looked loveable when he was stringing together profanities last year on HBO. Tortorella seemed frightening when he did the same this year. Regardless of whether you like his style, there is no denying the success he has had using that style. Tortorella bullies and inspires the Rangers into being a better team than they really are.
4. Renewable energy: Ryan Callahan doesn't have an enormous national profile, and yet he might be one of the league's best captains. He is an old-school leader who pushes his team to higher performance with his energy and desire. He is fourth in the NHL in hits and he's tied for second on his team in scoring with 31 points.
5. Brad is staff of life: The arrival of Brad Richards has given the Rangers a player to turn to when they need a big play. Don't forget that he has a Conn Smythe Trophy to go with his Stanley Cup. He has a history of delivering in big moments, as he did in the Winter Classic. Even with a slow start, he has six game-winning goals.
6. Refused to Staal out: The Rangers' success came when indespensible defenseman Marc Staal was out of the lineup for the first three months of the season. In theory, the Ranger should be more effective now that Staal is healthy again.
7. Coming of age: The maturing of Michael Del Zotto, 21, and Ryan McDonagh, 22, has bolstered the Rangers' defense. Del Zotto leads all New York defensemen in points (23) and plus-minus (plus-25), while McDonagh is playing solidly for more than 25 minutes
8. Gabbing about Gaby: Don't rule out Marian Gaborik flirting with 50 goals this season. He's on a pace for about 47 or 48. Just staying healthy, Gaborik makes the Rangers a far more dangerous team because he is always two-and-a-half strides from a breakaway.
9. Plenty of wild cards: The Rangers seem to have ample opportunities to be an even better team. Carl Hagelin is a young forward who could become a larger factor as the season progresses. Brian Boyle had 21 goals last season and only two this season. He could/should be more productive in the second half of the season.
10. PK has been OK: The Rangers are sixth in penalty killing, compared to 14th last season. That stat is simply symbolic of the overall improvement the Rangers have made this season.