Rangers have clean slate, but plenty of 'ifs'

Since last season's opening night, the Rangers have erased Wade Redden, Ales Kotalik, Donald Brashear, Aaron Voros, Chris Higgins and Steve Valiquette from the roster. And the last move in a New York jersey for Olli Jokinen was his bizarre effort in the shootout finale against the Flyers that left coach John Tortorella and Blueshirt fans incredulous and bitter.

That part of the slate has been wiped clean as the Rangers gear up for their 85th anniversary season, which opens Friday in Buffalo. But whether the Rangers can celebrate with a return to the postseason after missing the party for the first time since the conclusion of the lockout in 2005 certainly is open for debate.

What will it take? Here's a quick rundown:

There are plenty of "ifs," but each of the three key areas appears to have been upgraded, at least incrementally.

In goal, Henrik Lundqvist should be fresher. After 73 appearances plus his duty for the Swedish Olympic team last season, The King's knee was cranky and required offseason treatment. So in the first move of free agency July 1, the brass inked veteran backup Martin Biron, who is expected to start between 15 and 20 games.

On defense, the re-signing of restricted free agents Marc Staal and Dan Girardi locks in the top shutdown pair for years. Michael Del Zotto returns after a season in which he cracked the All-Rookie team. Michal Rozsival's body is wearing down, but when healthy, he's a solid minutes-eater.

Without Redden, 33, and his $6.5-million salary, which were assigned to the minors, the five, six and seven slots will be younger and presumably more productive. North Bellmore product Matt Gilroy got stronger over the summer. Steve Eminger and youngsters Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Michael Sauer are battling down to the wire, although a couple could yet be cut.

Up front, the signing of left wing Alex Frolov, 28, a talented scorer who played seven years for the Kings, should take some of the offensive burden from star Marian Gaborik, who registered 84 points. No center for that potentially dynamic duo has been determined; it could be Vinny Prospal, Erik Christensen or someone brought in from the outside.

To be sure, the Rangers are counting on these players to improve their numbers from last season: Artem Anisimov, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Sean Avery.

Impressive rookie center Derek Stepan, a Wisconsin Badger like McDonagh who left school early to turn pro, is expected to see time in both the NHL and AHL. Tim Kennedy, a small, quick free agent, and tryout Ruslan Fedotenko, who played for Tortorella in Tampa, should add depth on the wings, along with returnee Brandon Prust.

Captain Chris Drury, who missed the preseason games with a broken index finger, will provide his brand of leadership and two-way play. Derek Boogaard, a 6-8 deterrent, replaces Jody Shelley, who replaced Brashear.

Then there are the intangibles: In the Atlantic Division alone, the Flyers' offense is stronger, the Penguins' defense has been upgraded and the Devils start the season with late-season pickup Ilya Kovalchuk.

Finally, there is the mercurial Tortorella, who has said he feels more comfortable in his second full season here and believes his players are as well.

File that under "To Be Determined.''