Disappointing Rangers have issues to resolve after first-round exit

After leading their first-round series against the New Jersey Devils 2-0, the Rangers fell in Game 7 on Monday night and set up a long offseason full of questions for themselves, their fans and their front office.

The silver lining for New York is who it has in the crease. Igor Shesterkin was spectacular all series, holding off the Devils for long stretches in Game 7 before the floodgates opened. He put up a monstrous 8.6 goals saved above expected in the seven games, per MoneyPuck.com, and was the best Rangers player by far.

Going into the offseason, the questions turn to the roster. Many of the Rangers’ stars failed to show up in this series. Artemi Panarin didn't score a goal and Mika Zibanejad didn’t score his first goal until Game 6. The power play also went cold, going 5-for-28 in the series and 0-for-4 in Game 7.

Trade deadline acquisitions Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane, Tyler Motte and Niko Mikkola will be unrestricted free agents this summer, as will backup goalie Jaroslav Halak. Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller are headed for restricted free agency. 

General manager Chris Drury must make many personnel decisions, especially after seeing how his team didn't play well against New Jersey’s speed in the regular season and playoffs.

The other main question is going to be the coach. 

Gerard Gallant’s seat was reportedly hot in December, but the team’s improved play took the pressure off. In three previous NHL head-coaching stints, Gallant has never coached three full seasons with any team. How this season ended could be the reason he gets canned.

The Rangers still have a strong core that is more than capable of coming back next season and competing for the Stanley Cup. But the Rangers could look different around their core because of this disappointing finish in the playoffs.