NEW YORK -- New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh spent the past two weeks playing the role of observer, a dichotomy to his reputation of an iron man, when an injured shoulder sustained on April 1 against the Vancouver Canucks forced him to the press box at Madison Square Garden.
Sitting high atop his perch, McDonagh studied what became a polished product while the regular season drew to a close and took notes on what he can add to his burgeoning game. The Rangers often discuss the tempo of their team and the desire to play hard, play fast and transition quickly. To see that style unfold from a different perspective, McDonagh came away astonished at what's possible if the Rangers are firing on all cylinders.