With the playoffs rapidly approaching at the end of this lockout-shortened season, every point counts. So when the Rangers scrapped out a second point against the Maple Leafs in a shootout Wednesday—after wasting a third-period lead—they were understandably pleased. With eight games remaining, the Rangers sit in a three-way tie for sixth place, two points clear of the ninth-place Jets (and the playoff cutline).
Reasons for optimism: The Rangers have bagged nine of a possible 12 points from six April games, and only one remaining game -- against the Islanders on Saturday -- will be against a team currently in playoff position. Henrik Lundqvist is playing well -- he made 48 saves Saturday in a win against Carolina -- and except for some uncharacteristic breakdowns, the defense has been solid, too.
The new arrivals have provided a spark, though they could be better. Ryane Clowe and Derick Brassard each enjoyed fine debuts, but since then have been rather quiet. Mats Zuccarello, also known as the Norwegian Hobbit, had the winning goal in Wednesday's shootout. Still, Rangers coach John Tortorella would like to see him score more from the run of play, not simply create chances.
Reasons for pessimism: Can a team with this much trouble scoring goals really be a dangerous playoff threat? The Rangers are no longer last in the Eastern Conference in goals scored -- they're now fourth-to-last with 99! Their power play has been better but is still not great. Their goal differential is a mediocre plus-3. (That's much better than the minus-19, minus-15, minus-16 and minus-15 of the ninth- through 12th-placed teams in the conference, but is it enough to do damage?)
At this point, the Rangers can worry about two things: making the playoffs and avoiding the Penguins in the first round. They have a great shot at the first and a decent shot at the second, mostly because of their schedule. Of course, they have two games left against the rival Devils, who despite a long recent losing streak would love to play spoiler for the Rangers. Things could be worse for the Rangers. The 10th-place Devils, last year's runners-up, have 40 points and are on the outside looking in.
