Report: Latest NHL realignment has Rangers in an even tougher spot

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A few weeks ago, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reported that the NHL was considering realignment for next season. According to him, the Rangers would be in the toughest division that will either be known as the East or USA1.

Previous Rangers realignment plan

Here’s who Wyshynski had in the Rangers division.

  • Boston Bruins
  • Buffalo Sabres
  • Carolina Hurricanes
  • New Jersey Devils
  • New York Islanders
  • New York Rangers
  • Philadelphia Flyers
  • Washington Capitals

Aside from the Sabres, who are an up and coming team, the entire division is a gauntlet of division rivals and contenders. The Devils are not a very good hockey team but they along with the Islanders are not just just divisional rivals but geographic ones as well. On the bright side, the Penguins were not included.

Enter Sidney Crosby and the Pens

NHL realignment
Rangers and Penguins (Getty Images)

Today, Pierre Lebrun is reporting what the new divisions would look like for 2021. For the Rangers, out are the Hurricanes and back in are the Penguins.

Last season the Rangers had a winning record against just two teams, the Islanders, Penguins and Capitals. They had no wins against the Flyers and Bruins. Shockingly they were .500 against the Devils and Sabres.

The Rangers did have four wins against the Hurricanes. Now if you’re feeling optimistic about swapping them out with the Pens, just realize that the Rangers played them only once last year.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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