45-21-11

For the second season in a row, the New York Rangers have surpassed 100 points and still have 5 games left.

The loss to NJ was the worst…maybe. Losing in OT to Buffalo was probably more offensive since Buffalo probably won’t make the playoffs. In both games, the Rangers got scored on first and the rest was a game of catch-up. The Devils got 7 points out of the Rangers (to their 3) this season, a series that hasn’t gone that way in years. Every game was close, so the likely playoff series will be a non-stop battle where any mistake could turn the tide.

Columbus and Washington were nothing more than speed bumps to run over this week. Tampa and Toronto should be the only challenges remaining, depending on how depressed St. Louis is feeling on Thursday.

Kakko, Lafreniere, and Chytil are playing really well which makes the entire team harder to play against. There’s less reliance on the first line so that’s taking the pressure and the physical stress off of those players. Miller had a fantastic game against Washington and Mikkola has been impressive game after game. Since Lindgren has been out he’s getting more ice time. Tarasenko and Kane pop up for celebrity points here and there and the PK remains strong. The PP is producing again but it’s still too much of a struggle to get anything going. If the PP lines get their act together and can convert to something like a consistent 22% for the playoffs, it’ll make a massive and much-needed difference. I don’t think they’ll make it out of the first round without the special teams being a force.