this week in rangers

With a 3-1 loss to the Capitals on Thursday night, the Rangers did not get off on the right skate in their opening-round playoff series.

Nothing in this lockout-shortened season has been easy for the Rangers, so why should making the playoffs be any exception?

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).

Only 13 games remain in the Rangers' season, and the playoffs are far from a certainty.

With Rick Nash back at full strength, the Rangers can do little wrong. They have gone 3-1 in their last four games, coming back from a goal down against the Flyers, Islanders and Capitals.

The Rangers eventual 3-2 victory over Buffalo on Sunday was their second in as many games after a four-game losing skid.

After playing only one overtime and no shootouts in their first 11 games, the Rangers have twice gone the distance in their last three games

the Rangers have rebounded nicely with a pair of convincing wins. If not for the continuing power play struggles, this team might have had a perfect week.

Twice during this young season, the Rangers have reached .500. Both times, they have lost their next game, and both times those contests have been one-sided.

In nine days, the Rangers have played five games, and we know they won't be losing all 48 games.