Sean Hartnett

Derick Brassard of the New York Rangers celebrates his game-winning overtime goal against the Detroit Red Wings during their game at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 5, 2014. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Rangers’ Brassard Stepping Up As A True No. 1 Center

More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Rangers committed a five-year contract worth $25 million to 27-year-old center Derick Brassard. Those eyebrows are not raised anymore.

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Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers is injured when he is hit into the boards by Evander Kane #9 of the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at Madison Square Garden on November 1, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Keeping Pace Without McDonagh Will Be The Ultimate Test For Rangers

The injury-ravaged Rangers will be without inspirational captain and all-situation defenseman Ryan McDonagh for the majority of a packed November schedule.

11/03/2014

John Moore of the New York Rangers skates away after taking a match penalty with a hit to Erik Haula #56 of the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: John Moore’s Career With The Rangers Is On Thin Ice

At this stage of his career, it’s crucial that Moore gets consistent playing time to prove that he can repair his damaged image.

10/30/2014

Anthony Duclair of the New York Rangers celebrates his first NHL goal at 16:12 of the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2014. The Rangers defeated the Wild 5-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Rangers Put Grit And Guts On Display In Wild Comeback

What unfolded was a comeback for the ages. The Rangers showed their fight, unleashing a hurricane in the form of Derick Brassard, Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello.

10/28/2014

Rangers forward Chris Mueller, left, attempts to get past Devils defenseman Andy Greene during the teams’ meeting at the Prudential Center on Oct. 4, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Hockey Nomad Mueller May Have Found A Home With Rangers

Since making his NHL debut Dec. 28, 2010, Chris Mueller has been a wandering nomad, travelling from city to city hoping to force his way onto an NHL roster for a full season. He may not have to move again.

10/22/2014

Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first NHL goal at 7:18 of the third period against the San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Rookie Kevin Hayes Is Impressing Rangers With His Veteran Poise

Even though Hayes is fresh out of college and only four games into his NHL career, head coach Alain Vigneault is impressed with Hayes’ poise with the puck and intelligent decision-making.

10/20/2014

Rick Nash of the New York Rangers scores the game-winning goal against Anton Khudobin of the Carolina Hurricanes in a 2-1 shootout win against the Carolina Hurricanes during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Red-Hot Rick Nash Is The Man With The Midas Touch

Nash has been an ever-present force, extinguishing any concerns that his $7.8 million annual salary through the 2017-18 season would be a burden on the Blueshirts.

10/17/2014

Goalie Jaroslav Halak, left, and John Tavares, second from left, of the Islanders celebrate their 6-3 victory over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 14, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Rangers Are Suffering Through A Full-Blown Defensive Crisis

Had John Tortorella still been coaching the Rangers, turnover-prone defenseman Mike Kostka would have been glued to the bench for the rest of Tuesday night’s 6-3 loss to the rival Islanders. As it were, Alain Vigneault had other ideas.

10/15/2014

Rangers forward Rick Nash. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: New Father Nash Looks To Continue Hot Start When Rangers Play Isles

Rick Nash’s early season resurgence on the ice has coincided with joy off the ice. On Monday, his wife, Jessica, delivered a healthy baby boy named McLaren.

10/14/2014

Rangers forward Chris Kreider (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: If Top Line Does Its Job, Rangers Can Survive Rash Of Injuries

On Thursday night, the Rangers entered a rowdy building in St. Louis and emerged as the victors thanks to a bit of magic from their top line. It will have to continue.

10/10/2014

Dan Girardi #5 of the New York Rangers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 4, 2014. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Matching Last Season’s Success Won’t Be Easy For New-Look Rangers

Last season, the Rangers surprised many by reaching their first Stanley Cup Final since 1994. The 2014-15 Rangers have more of a youthful look after a number of familiar faces moved on to new teams.

10/09/2014

P.K. Subban (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) and Henrik Lundqvist (Photo by Francois Laplante/FreestylePhoto/Getty Images)

Sean Hartnett’s 2014-15 NHL Season Preview And Stanley Cup Prediction

Hockey is back! Now, let’s take a look at each team and their prospects for the 2014-15 season.

10/08/2014

Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers looks to pass against the Chicago Blackhawks during a preseason game at the United Center on September 26, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Ryan McDonagh Was Easy And Obvious Choice To Lead Rangers

“We all kind of knew Mac’s a real young leader on this team,” Girardi said. “He’s only going to get better. He was the definite choice to lead us as captain and lead us in the right direction.”

10/07/2014

Rangers forward Anthony Duclair skates against the Flyers on Sept. 30, 2014 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Duclair To Start With Rangers, But He’ll Only Stay If He Performs

Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault confirmed after Monday’s practice that Anthony Duclair will make his debut on Thursday against the Blues in St. Louis.

10/06/2014

Anthony Duclair #63 of the New York Rangers takes the puck as R.J. Umberger #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers defends on September 30, 2014 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Expect Young Sensation Anthony Duclair To Stick With The Rangers

His poise, maturity, natural confidence and willingness to battle has greatly impressed head coach Alain Vigneault, his coaching staff and veteran teammates.

10/02/2014

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