The Rangers we’ve seen since the trading deadline is the team every fan wished it would be all season. Despite spotty play at times, and dropping games in which they’ve led through two frames, this club has gotten it together. They have played some of the best hockey in the League, and advancing up the standings has been their reward.
Tonight, the tied-for-8th place Canadiens are looking to make their playoff dreams a reality and to pull the Blueshirts back towards the bottom of the pack. With a win tonight, however, New York will further establish their 6th place standing. Last season, the Rangers skidded down from the 3rd seed to the 6th, exhausted by injuries—and perhaps a few intangible reasons as well—and were demolished by the Devils. But that was last season.
This season, the club has battled hard despite injuries. Their young players have stepped up; Daniel Girardi has shown that he is a capable defenseman with a bright future in the NHL; Ryan Callahan is another great infusion of youth. Veterans have played through injuries and continued to perform well; Marty Straka springs immediately to mind.
The Rangers goaltending has been spectacular, and Henrik Lundqvist will need to continue his brilliance tonight to help ensure that the Rangers playoff picture comes into full-focus. An all-around team effort will be needed as well, and if past performance is any indication, this team is one with a clear goal in mind, and they now know what to do to make the playoffs a reality.
Unlike last year (when they lost ground but still made it to post-season play), the Blueshirts are fighting for position and climbing into the fray. The difference between this year and the last is obvious, with this season’s situation being the one that will solidify the players’ sense of being a team and give them the confidence to continue their winning ways.
