It's getting late early in New York. Four straight games without a win and defeats in the last two have left the New York Rangers a long way out of the playoff chase, with hopes dwindling. New York has 68 points from 65 games. They're two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets, with a game in hand on the Rangers. Montreal also sits above the Rangers, as they have a game in hand. It's a difficult situation in a difficult season.
Defeats in overtime to Washington and Ottawa, followed by regulation losses to Columbus and Winnipeg, have left the Rangers in deep trouble. They need to start collecting points, which won't get easier as we begin the run-in to the end of the season. The Rangers only have 17 games remaining, and they're fighting to try to keep the slim chances they have of catching the teams ahead of them alive.
If they continue to spiral, we might see a change from Peter Laviolette. Right now, he's chasing results. Beliefs that veterans should be favored over young guys are shared across the NHL, and Laviolette also seemingly holds this belief. However, if the New York Rangers' playoff chances dissipate, the Blueshirts may be forced to examine the roster's youth. Players like Brennan Othmann, Arthur Kaliyev, Brett Berard, and Zac Jones will be discussed in this scenario.
It's difficult to accept a season has been wasted, especially in a year like this, which comes down to a specific six-week period, during which this organization went 4-15, but that is beside the point. Looking towards the future with decisions on the youthful players of this roster is a great way to move into the new year with optimism. While it might not be the outcome we wanted for this organization, it might yet make this roster better for next year as the facelift continues.