The New York Rangers blew out the Chicago Blackhawks for their second win of 2025, and the Blueshirts look like their old selves with the turn in the calendar. New York has seemingly snapped out of its spiral with two wins and a spirited offensive performance in defeat against the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals. It's a sign that things are healing in New York, and perhaps the Rangers can make something out of the mayhem at Madison Square Garden this season.
It's not set in stone, but the Rangers moved to 3 points behind the second wild card in the east despite having played a game more. Despite the last six weeks, there's still the chance of a playoff push for New York. While the Rangers might not make it, this isn't a season to forget if the Blueshirts can figure out their defensive struggles and continue scoring after it dried up for six weeks.
What makes this most impressive is that Igor Shesterkin isn't the one stealing the show. New York is without the Russian's services while he heals from an upper-body injury. Jonathan Quick and Louis Domingue bested the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. Beating Chicago isn't the achievement it used to be, but the Rangers were comprehensive with it, which is something fans haven't seen from this hockey club in a long time.
When we talk about the Rangers playoff chances, we can debate whether they are a contender, but the 2019 St Louis Blues were dead last in the NHL standings early in January and became red-hot, hot enough to capture the Stanley Cup. Will New York repeat that feat? It's unlikely. Most teams outside the playoffs looking in this late in the year stay on the outside, especially when they need to pass as many teams as the Rangers do to get back into the playoffs.
However, it's a cause to be optimistic. Ranger fans haven't had many reasons to look on the bright side with this club. It's been a while since the Rangers have had a reason to be optimistic. New York's played just three games this calendar year, but they're not dead in the standings yet. There's enough hockey for the Rangers to reclaim their playoff spot. Home ice is likely out of the question, but playoff hockey, in general, is far from it