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By Jamie MacDonald, CNNSI.com

At season's end: Finished fourth in the Atlantic Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference.

		"We've got a world-class player that just dropped into our laps. Those players don't come around very often. The RARE COMBINATION of size, aggressiveness and skill he has, we're very fortunate to have him." -- G Mike Richter on Eric Lindros

It sure would be nice for the city, the NHL and hockey if this Eric Lindros thing works out, but the odds might be rather long. Lindros is about as capable of grace off the ice as on; sometimes he's spectacular, but those other times, boy, you just wonder if he's alright upstairs. And that is exactly what everyone -- from fans, to local papers, to Scott Stevens -- will be testing in 2001-02.

If only offense were the problem for the Rangers, who allowed a league-high 290 goals in 2001-02. Adding a three-zone franchise center in Lindros helps, as does breaking up defensively irresponsible lines. Still, even with Lindros, Mark Messier and Mike York (Petr Nedved may be shifted to the wing) at the pivot, the Rangers' rivals on Long Island might be stronger up the middle and possibly even in a playoff chase.

For more on the Rangers, please check back to our NHL Preview section on Wednesday, Oct. 3 for a Sports Illustrated Scouting Report.

		BRIGHT SPOTS		GRAY AREAS
Lindros at his best should scare anyone. With defensive help, Brian Leetch is a gifted offensive defensemen and possibly a Norris Trophy candidate. Finally some roster room for nearly-ready prospects. Richter's surgically repaired knee appears to have recovered on schedule. Arrivals of Darren Van Impe and Igor Ulanov should soothe loss of Kim Johnsson. Petr Nedved had his best plus-minus season (+10) since 1995-96. Valeri Kemensky is in Dallas. Team was 5-1-5 in 2001-02 overtime games.				Lindros' gray matter. Nedved's position is up in the air. Theo Fleury, down to 165 pounds, may be watched as closely as Lindros. Losing sum of a successful Czech line may leave spare parts. Recently injury-prone Richter, 34, had first sub-.900, plus-3.00 season since 1992-93. How long will Messier hold up? Otherwise rabid fans would have accepted a youth movement. Vladimir Malakhov hasn't earned a paycheck in years. Don't you just get the feeling Ron Low has his hands full with Lindros and Messier?

Prospect Watch

And then there was one ... For a couple of seasons now, Rangers fans spoke of "Lundmark and Brendl" as a matched set that would usher in a decade of success. Now it's up to Lundmark, who led Team Canada at the WJC with four goals and three assists in seven games. Many scouts see him as a potential No. 1 centerman with great instincts and setup skills. His 35 goals in Seattle (WHL) in 2000-01 also portend more than a little finishing ability. In 159 career junior games, Lundmark racked up 216 points on 96 goals and 120 assists. Former Hobey Baker winner Mike Mottau will also be given the chance to make the team on the back line.

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