Over the years, the Rangers have struggled to find a legitimate powerplay quarterback, and it is something that has held previous teams from their full potential. Keith Yandle came and was misused. Kevin Shattenkirk came, tore up his knee, and was never the same. Both came with high expectations and both fizzled out.
Last season, while Kevin Shattenkirk was struggling, Tony DeAngelo was thriving. DeAngelo only had 10 powerplay points, all assists, but he wasn’t bumped to PP1 until close to the end of the season. PP1 prior was quarterbacked by a combination of Shattenkirk and Neal Pionk.