3 significant X-Factors that will make or break the rest of the Rangers season

The New York Rangers continue to roll as we are now firmly entrenched in the most important stretch of the season, but there are still X-Factors that will make or break them.

Feb 18, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93)
Feb 18, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Transactions near or at the trade deadline will be important

There are several solid trade options out there for the Rangers, like Adam Henrique. But if someone like Henrique isn’t available, New York needs someone with two-way capability who can help take even more pressure off of Shesterkin and Quick, and one who can also help the team overachieve at 5-on-5. 

Given the way New York has fallen short over the past two seasons, they can’t sit there and do nothing as the deadline approaches. The front office must show this fan base they are willing to reach a place they haven’t been to since 1994, so making a splash on or before March 8th will fuel more than just the team. 

Whether it involves getting a forward like Henrique, a solid defenseman like David Savard, or even a potential scorer like Anthony Duclair, the Rangers must do something to take that next step. 

New York is on pace for a 112-point season, and just a few slip-ups from the Boston Bruins or the Florida Panthers could put this team in position to snag the top overall seed in the East. So not only would a big trade help this team and ignite the fan base, it would also involve adding a player that could have otherwise helped the aforementioned teams, or even the surging Carolina Hurricanes. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of February 19th)

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