Nothing in this lockout-shortened season has been easy for the Rangers, so why should making the playoffs be any exception? With six games to go, the Rangers sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They have 46 points, the same as the Winnipeg Jets, who have played one more game. The Rangers sit three points behind the Islanders, who have also played one more game. Of the Rangers' six remaining opponents, none sits in playoff position. No problem, right? Only if something changes.
The Rangers secured a critical two points when they beat the Islanders, 1-0, in overtime on Saturday. Just when fans have a reason to reach for the panic button this season, the Rangers respond. But they're not much for comfort.
On Tuesday, the Rangers came out flat against the Flyers and paid the price in a 4-2 loss. The Flyers had little to play for and were starting Steve Mason in net. They had played Monday night against Montreal. Yet somehow they led by two goals after the first period, one in which the Rangers had two power plays to the Flyers' none. They finished the game 0-for-5 on the power play and didn't look good doing it.
Head coach John Tortorella said after the game that the Rangers just couldn't solve Mason. The Rangers had more chances and showed plenty of life in the third period. But no matter how stout their defense or how well Henrik Lundqvist plays, this team needs to finish its scoring chances at some point. If not, its stay in the playoffs, if the Rangers get there, will be a short one.
The Rangers should still make the playoffs. They have two games left against the last-place Panthers, including Thursday night's home date. They also have two meetings with the Devils, a team going nowhere. But a defense-first team like the Rangers leaves itself a small margin for victory every night they play -- and for qualifying for the playoffs. They have a plus-2 goal differential this season, 15 better than the Jets' minus-13. if they keep winning close games like Saturday's against the Islanders, and the Rangers will be fine. Play flat periods like the first against the Flyers, and the panic button may come into view and stay there.
