After a statement win against the Washington Capitals, 7-3, in the final game before the Christmas break, the New York Rangers got a nice dose of optimism. Maybe things are not as bad as they seem right now.
For Rangers fans, this is a time to spend with family and loved ones, as we celebrate the company of one another. Often, many ask or wish for something this time of year, and there is one big wish that every fan should ask for this team.
Let's talk about it.
Just Win, Baby
In the words of the late Al Davis, the legendary owner of the Oakland Raiders, "Just Win, Baby". That is what the Blueshirt Faithful should be wishing for this Christmas. After a near franchise-resseting season in 2024-25, this year has been better but not what we could have hoped for. There are still some wrinkles left over from last season, and believe it or not, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are still in sight.
This team has to win these big games, much like they did against Washington. They cannot afford to lose any more divisional games due to the tightness of the standings. From first place to last place, there is only an 11-point difference. Carolina, the current division leader can go on a six-game losing streak, and Columbus, which is in last, can go on a six-game win streak and flip spots.
At 19-16-4, with a goal differential of -1, this is the best-case scenario for this team. The Rangers don't really have to make many changes, except for cycling back in star defenseman Adam Fox and captain J.T. Miller when they are healthy. Goaltending has been superb all season long, if they only had the offensive production to be as consistent, this would be a completely different team. The Rangers have been shutout seven times this season, and they are 28th in the NHL in average goals per game with 2.62.
Can the Rangers come out of the Christmas break and give fans what they want most, which is to win?