A bad loss to Colorado and playoff hopes are dimming for the New York Rangers. They are now closer to the bottom than they are to a playoff spot.
The gap is widening between the New York Rangers and their playoff rivals. That gap is not just points, but an ever-growing difference in talent. Losing the Avalanche was not unexpected, but it was how they lost that is disheartening.  Now, they’ve given up 13 goals in two games and have a must win game on Sunday in Arizona.
WJC Update
Team USA with K’Andre Miller defeated Russia in a very close match in the WJC Tournament semi-finals. That means Miller will be contending for a gold medal on Saturday. They will be facing FInland who trounced Switzerland 6-1. Miller was scoreless and played 13:30.
Switzerland was clearly spent after their win over Sweden on Wednesday and didn’t put up much of a fight against the Finns. Ranger draftee Nico Gross didn’t make the scoresheet.
Vitali Kravtsov had a very active game and had several glorious scoring chances. The Ranger first round pick was in tears at the end of the game. He also took a very tough cross check from Dylan Samberg that left him doubled over. Worst for Kravtsov was that he took a tripping penalty that led the the power play game winning goal.
Kravtsov had an excellent series and displayed talent as a center. His vision and passing are sublime and it looks like he will have a great future on Broadway.
The Playoff Picture
With the loss in Colorado the Rangers continued to lose ground to the Penguins, who shut out the Jets, 4-0. The Pens are now tied with Washington for first place, both teams with 52 points. The good news is that Carolina beat the Blue Jackets 4-2 and they remain eight points ahead of the Rangers, still in third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The standings
Atlantic Div. GP  W-L-OTL   PTS  ROW
Tampa       41    32-7-2     66   29
Toronto      40   26-12-2    54   26
Boston      41   23-14-4    50   22
Met Div.     GP   W-L-OTL   PTS  ROW
Washington  40   24-12-4    52   21
Pittsburgh   41   23-12-6    52   22
Columbus    40   23-14-3    49   23
Wild Card    GP    W-L-OTL   PTS ROW
Buffalo      41   22-13-6    50   19
Montreal     41   22-14-5    49   20
Contenders  GP   W-L-OTL   PTS ROW
Islanders    39    22-13-4   48  20
Carolina     40    18-17-5    41   17
Rangers     40    17-16-7   41   12
Florida      38    17-16-6   40   15
New Jersey  39    16-17-7    39   15
Detroit      43    16-20-7    39   14
Philadelphia 40    15-20-5    35   13
Ottawa      41    15-21-5    35   15
Who to root for
Sabres @ Bruins – Depnding on who you think will end up finishing third in the Atlantic determines who you should root for. Other than that, it’s a toss up. Please no overtime.
Predators @ Canadiens-Â Montreal is still one of those clubs within reach of the Rangers so root hard for Nashville to win.
Blue Jackets @ Panthers – Root for the Panthers. Columbus in a playoff spot, but could falter. Plus, if Florida wins, it helps the Rangers’ lottery positioning.
Islanders @ Blues – Ditto for this game. The Isles are streaking and the Blues are below the Rangers. A St. Louis win helps the Rangers two ways.
Giving up 13 goals in two games doesn’t do much for playoff contention.  If the Rangers position in the NHL Entry Draft lottery interests you, keep reading.