We got quite a few teams facing a crossroads as everyone in the NHL universe turns to the 4 Nations Face-Off. The NY Rangers weren’t supposed to be one of those teams, but here they are, sitting in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division, outside of the two wild card spots, and fighting to save their season.
If it hadn’t been for a recent resurgence, the Rangers would find their playoff lives in mortal peril, but that’s no longer the case. That said, I wouldn’t be too optimistic just yet, as the Blueshirts will have a lot riding on them for the final four games in February when they take the ice again following the 4 Nations.
Below, you’ll find three situations the Rangers will face. The first one involves the ideal way to go, and that’s to either win out or take three of their remaining four games for the month. Situation No. 2 is the 50-50 take, and it depends on what the other teams in contention do.
And finally, your less-than-ideal position would be if the Rangers lose at least three of those next four contests.
What if the NY Rangers win three or four games after the 4 Nations Face-Off?
The Rangers have a favorable schedule coming up, with the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders on the slate through what will be a three-game road trip. None of the above are good hockey teams, so the Blueshirts can pull off a sweep here, and it means they’ll buy at the deadline.
Team No. 4 is the Toronto Maple Leafs, a group that’s been beyond impressive this season. Yeah, the Rangers are good enough to get the best of Toronto, especially on home ice. But if they drop any of those road games listed above, it won’t be as easy of an endeavor for the Blueshirts to stick around in favorable contention.
Well, this is me betting that those they’re competing with won’t flop. If they do, then things are a little different. But ideally, you want the Blueshirts taking those three road games and officially cementing themselves into the playoff race.
What if the Rangers split?
If the Rangers split, they’re likely at the mercy of the other teams here. Let’s assume the Blueshirts finish 2-2-0, and, all other things being equal regarding their competitors, they’re likely buying at the deadline and looking to contend.
Should that same situation arise but their top competitors are all winning most or all their remaining games in February, then guess what? The season’s likely over. If it’s the other way around, the Rangers are sticking around for the long haul into April.
Looking at their lineup, I’m convinced the Blueshirts have a championship-caliber group. Or, they will if they acquire one or two more pieces to the puzzle. They’ll be bonuses to a few of those season-saving unsung heroes the Rangers already have.
What if the Rangers lose most or all their games?
If the Rangers lose their remaining games in February, then forget it, they’re not making the playoffs. I don’t follow much basketball, but you might want to check up on the Knicks if they’re having a good year, or start raring to watch the Yankees or Mets, whichever team you prefer.
Yeah, maybe there’s a slim chance that the Blueshirts will try and make a trade or two and become ‘buyers,’ but it’d be foolish. Losing out is a signal here that this team isn’t equipped to win a Stanley Cup this season or even make a deep playoff run.
It’s also a signal that at least a slight retool is needed. I wouldn’t call this a bad thing since it doesn’t mean we’ll need to see a fire sale. But the Rangers would need to at least consider moving some pieces around so they can come back in 2025-26 and finish what they were supposed to start in 2024-25.