The New York Rangers solidified themselves quickly that they were among the worst teams in hockey during their play early this season. But as of late, especially after the Olympic break, the Rangers have been playing some inspired hockey, fueled by the young players such as Gabe Perreault and Adam Sykora. This feels like a much different Rangers team than we saw earlier this season.
On Saturday, the Rangers hosted the playoff hopeful Detroit Red Wings, and defeated them 4-1 behind a hat trick from Perreault and a 31 save performance from Jonathan Quick. Then, on Sunday, the Rangers faced off against the Washington Capitals, who were a bit behind in the Wild Card standings in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers picked up a dominating 8-1 victory over the Capitals, with Will Cuylle scoring a hat trick of his own.
The Rangers have fully become the playoff spoilers for those looking to climb up the standings into a spot with over a week left in the regular season. Head coach Mike Sullivan says that even though the Rangers are out of contention, they do have something to play for, as they are in the midst of building their identity through their retool.
“I think our guys have something to play for, and that’s how they’re approaching it," said Sullivan. "We’re playing some pretty good teams that have a lot at stake. I think we beat some pretty good teams lately. I think that’s just a testament to how hard our players are competing out there. I think we’re trying to build a team game and we’re trying to stack some wins on top of each other where we can continue to define, refine what Rangers hockey looks like."
Mike Sullivan says players look to 'define, refine what Rangers hockey looks like' late in season
Sure, the Rangers are sinking some of their opponents chances of making the playoffs. The Red Wings, after losing on Saturday, lost 5-4 to the Minnesota Wild in heartbreaking fashion after coming back from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game 4-4 late in regulation. With that, the Red Wings are two points behind for the last Wild Card spot. As for the Capitals, a win would have put them just one point back of the last spot. Instead, they sit three points back with 87 points through 78 games.
But for the Rangers, they are looking to build their identity for the foreseeable future. They played some dreadful hockey for most of the season, but with their play as of late, Rangers fans are wondering "where was this all season?"
The team not having goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox earlier this season certainly helped contribute to the Rangers' struggles. While some fans may have envisioned the team tanking to improve their NHL Draft lottery odds, it's hard to do so with those players in the lineup.
With their not being real true difference makers for the Rangers to bring in via free agency or the trade block, this gave the Rangers a chance to evaluate some of their younger players. Thus far, the Rangers have seen their top line get solidified for next season with Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere, and Perreault. Also, a line of Noah Laba, Jaroslav Chmelar, and Sykora have shined as well. After the farm system had been under scrutiny, it's promising that their prospects have been called up, they're playing well, and they're winning over teammates and fans.
The Rangers aren't competing for a playoff spot, but they are playing motivated hockey for this final stretch of the season.