47-20-6

The goal for this season has been achieved: make the playoffs. Not only did the Rangers make it, but they also accomplished clinching a playoff spot with 9 games remaining in the season. They didn’t have to rely on another team losing to squeak into a wildcard spot. They’ll likely finish in second place in the Metro Division, with a real possibility of coming first. No one thought this would happen.

The trades at the deadline have paid off. It’s actually nuts how well the team has gelled. Copp, Vatrano, Braun, Motte (who just got injured) have fit in well and made a big difference. Copp and Vatrano especially. Drury basically figured out how to win the lotto with pocket change. I don’t know if there has been a better trade deadline for the Rangers in the last decade. Usually, it’s paying a fortune for a rental that doesn’t work out.

There’s been panic about this team if they lose more than 2 games in a row. The impending doom that’s never actually happened. Used to bad skids, it’s not shocking to read this from the fan base. Sure they’ve lost to bad teams they shouldn’t have, but the bounce back has been quick. Maybe two 3 game losses in a row? Losing to the Islanders and Flyers was horrible but the way the team has been playing is nothing short of strong.

Igor was unbalanced for a few games, letting in way more goals than he normally does. But he’s back to form now. Georgiev has won 5 in a row and while they weren’t all pretty, he’s back in the black. There’s a level of confidence from every player on the ice that hasn’t been around since…2014? It’s tangible, you can feel it while you watch. Steamrolling Pittsburg is an absolute treat! When they’re down they don’t give up. They lead the league in comeback games. Kreider is 2 goals away from hitting 50 goals! Panarin is heating up, Mika is always a presence on every shift. Rooney and Kakko are back and with 9 games before the playoffs, they should have enough time to get back into the swing. Kakko hasn’t played in around 3 months so it is a concern about how fast he can get back up to speed.

But all the pieces are there to go on a long playoff run. If the first round is versus Pittsburg, I think the Rangers have a big advantage. The playoffs will be stacked this year so nothing is a given. The overall health and skill level of the Rangers make them dangerous. No team can underestimate them and that’s a major achievement.