The New York Rangers are knocking on the door of an early summer. The fat lady has not sung her song on this team being eliminated, but time is running out.
They did, however, have a very odd and head-scratching win against the New York Islanders on Thursday night, 9-2. It was the first nine-goal performance by the Rangers since March 17, 2021, against the Philadelphia Flyers.
It was unexpected, especially since this team has been floundering over their last three games.
Better late than ever
With elimination looming, the Rangers are fighting until the end. After a season filled with disappointment and regret, they are showing no quit. But is it too late.
At 37-35-7 for 81 points, they still sit outside of the second wild card spot. They still trail the Montreal Canadiens, who have 87 points and one additional game in hand over the Rangers. Their final three games for the Blueshirts are against some tough opponents, all currently in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have the 17th hardest schedule left, according to tankathon.com.
In the 9-2 onslaught, the Rangers offense came alive in a big way. There were seven different goal-scorers, Artemi Panarin, Brett Berard, Mika Zibanejad, Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere, Juuso Parssinen. Berard and Panarin each scored two goals a piece.
True capability?
This is exactly what this team can and should be. The other 78 games this season showcased a completely different persona, and the performance from the game against the Islanders was reminiscent of the Presidents' Trophy winners from 2023-24.
But, this game could have gone a completely different way. Once again, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin had to stand on his head for 44 saves on 46 shots, including a near perfect 19-save second period. This defense is still very rough around the edges, and thankfully the offense pulled through in a huge way.
We all bared witness to the real power of this forward group, with all seven goal-scorers being a part of all four lines. Up and down the lineup sheet, there was points to be had from 10 of the 12 skaters, minus Chris Kreider and Jonny Brodzinski.
That was a fun expierence for sure, but also a distraction. This team has a very tough hill to climb in the final week of the season, and it could certainly end in tragedy. Buckle up, folks.