The New York Rangers’ 2024-25 season has been a roller coaster, to say the least. After a historic season last year—the most points in franchise history, winning the Presidents Trophy, and going to the ECF—the Blueshirts have looked completely different this campaign. Despite the ups and downs, the Rangers have looked like a new team since January 1 and they just may be able to make a playoff push.
New York closed out the 2024 calendar year on a four-game losing streak, the most recent loss to the Panthers, who beat them in the ECF. They were sitting with a record of 16-19-1 and in the basement of the Metropolitan Division. Remind you, this is the same team that was in second place in the division in late October.
However, when the clock hit midnight, something changed in New York. Not only did the ball drop and the year went from 2024 to 2025, but something started to brew in Madison Square Garden. Momentum, that is.
Since the new year, the Rangers are 6-1-2, jumping to the sixth spot in the Metro, and only four points back of the fourth spot. They are only three points out of the eighth seed in the conference, sitting behind the Flyers, Canadiens, Bruins, and Senators. With 37 games left in the season, and a winning vibe in the locker room, a playoff run is not out of reach.
Recent Games
In the last two games, the Rangers have shown fight and determination, something they have been lacking all season. They got a three-goal third-period comeback win against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday and last game they won a defensive battle against the red-hot Blue Jackets 1-0 in shootouts.
What could be the reason for the recent change? Adam Fox, Rangers defenseman, believes the more you win the more you feed off of the success.
"You ask any team, when they're winning games it's just a lot better vibe and a lot better energy. We know what we're capable of. I think we're just taking it game by game and trying to just work our way back up the standings.”
Next Game
The Rangers will look to keep rolling as they travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens, someone they have dominated recently. It is another big game as the Blueshirts can jump Montreal in the standings with a regulation victory. The puck drops at 7 pm EST.