It has been nine long years since the Rangers last made the playoffs, but the drought is finally over thanks to a 3-2 victory over Philadelphia Wednesday night. The win gave New York 96 points a number which 9th place Atlanta will not be able to reach.
Kevin Weekes was the hero of the game, making several key saves during regulation and then two great stops in the shootout. Weekes was only playing because of a hip injury suffered by Henrik Lundqvist, something the Rangers are confident is not serious. Michael Nylander added two points and a goal in the shootout.
While the playoff spot is great considering how low expectations were at the start of the season, this team has given its fans a reason to want more. Beating the Flyers gives them a 3-point lead in the division with seven games left to play and winning the division should make them the third seed in the Eastern Conference. It won’t be easy; they have games remaining against three other probable playoff teams, New Jersey, Ottawa and Philadelphia as well as two more tilts with the Islanders.
