NFL Tickets
No matter what New York Post’s Larry Brooks thinks, the New York Rangers are not done. At least not yet.
With 37 games remaining, the Rangers are still entrenched in a playoff spot, albeit a fragile one. Since Christmas, they obtained nine out of a possible 18 points against some of the top teams in the NHL. While hardly impressive, considering the malaise the Rangers have been stuck in for two months, anyone would sign up for it. They can still make the playoffs, and who knows, perhaps they will remember how to play great hockey again and shock us all with another deep run.
In order for this to be possible, the Rangers need to start winning, and winning consistently. The next 10 games for the Rangers, taking them to President’s Weekend, are absolutely critical. They will face the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils (twice). This competition is not quite as daunting as their previous nine games, but it is certainly no cakewalk, either. If the Rangers are truly going to make the playoffs, much less contend for the Stanley Cup, they need to obtain, at minimum, 14 out of a possible 20 points.
Regardless of what happens, the time for general manager Jeff Gorton to determine the course of this franchise for now and for the future is rapidly approaching. Will the Rangers be buyers or sellers at the Feb. 29 trade deadline? Will Gorton trade Keith Yandle and a draft pick or young stud for a rental? Will he find a way to jettison Marc Staal or Dan Girardi? Will Chris Kreider or Kevin Hayes be given raises or traded for prospects and picks? Will Alain Vigneault still be the coach?
One thing is for certain. After their game against the Kings on Feb. 12, we should have a clearer understanding of what may need to happen. If the Rangers suddenly become the hottest team in the league and reel off a long winning streak, we may see another major win-now trade. If the string of mediocrity continues, we may see that win-now move, but it would be foolish.
It could boost the Rangers to the playoffs, but nonetheless result in an early exit. If the Rangers fall out of playoff contention altogether, and show absolutely zero signs of improvement, then their championship window will officially have closed. Gorton will have to conduct a fire sale, recoup draft picks and prospects, and try everything he possibly can to make the Rangers contenders for next season and the next few years.
It is a troubling time for the Rangers and their fans. It is unfortunate that such franchise-altering events may occur over the course of the next couple of months and this offseason.
One month from now, we’ll have a clearer picture of the course the Rangers will take. Stay tuned.
Share 
