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New York Rangers: 13 games to make or break this season

By Derek McAdam

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13: Adam Fox #23 of the New York Rangers reacts after scoring a goal in the second period against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13: Adam Fox #23 of the New York Rangers reacts after scoring a goal in the second period against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 21: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 21: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Going into the All-Star Break, the New York Rangers sit 11 points out of the second Wild Card spot and 7th in the Metropolitan Division. The odds are stacked against them to make the playoffs, but the idea is not out of hand.

After losing their last six out of ten matchups and dropping the last two at home to the Blue Jackets and Islanders, the New York Rangers got a much needed break for their very young team. Coming out of the break they will be facing an even bigger challenge than before.

The Rangers play 13 games between January 31 and February 24, the trade deadline. This gives Jeff Gorton  plenty of time to evaluate if his team is capable of making a push for the playoffs.

Although they are not playing the best teams in the NHL, the Rangers have some tough opponents to play during this 13 game stretch including the Stars, Maple Leafs, Bruins, Hurricanes, and several other teams. Many of these 13 games will be against teams fighting for a playoff spot.

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If the Rangers want to find themselves in a playoff push, they are going to have to play consistent hockey throughout these 13 games. This is going to be the hardest task for one of the youngest teams in all of hockey.

Many players are going to have to improve their play, especially the younger guys like Kappo Kakko, Filip Chytil and Pavel Buchnevich.

Artemi Panarin was scratched from Tuesday night’s loss against the Islanders, and was replaced by Chris Kreider as an All-Star due to an upper-body injury. A healthy Panarin is absolutely essential if the New York Rangers want to compete for a playoff spot.

Until February 22 or 23, Gorton should stay clear of making any drastic moves unless a decision is absolutely logical, which probably includes the Rangers going on a long losing streak. Chris Kreider has been a name that has been swirling about in trade rumors. Kreider’s value will still be high just a few days away from the deadline, barring injury.

Next. Igor Shesterkin to get work in Hartford. dark

The next few weeks will be filled with hockey for Rangers fans. The question is will they be able to make a push for the playoffs?

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