This coming back-to-back is a monumental point for the New York Rangers season. They have been inconsistent at best during this rollercoaster year, but the Blueshirts are approaching the final hurdles, and they have a chance to put themselves back into playoff contention by sweeping this back-to-back. They need to take all four points, which will not be easy. However, this is a results business, and a win is required no matter the circumstances now.
New York will take on the Anaheim Ducks on Friday and the San Jose Sharks back-to-back on Saturday. Both of these games are against teams outside the playoff race in the West, and the Rangers are focusing on next season. San Jose is the worst team in the NHL standings, so the Rangers need to take both wins from this set to prop up their postseason push. They cannot drop points against teams outside the playoff push.
If New York fails to sweep this back-to-back, its playoff aspirations will be shattered. It's desperate for a win in both games of this back-to-back, and it cannot ask questions. It needs to be believed that it will get help elsewhere. They will see their rivals face much more challenging opponents while facing two teams already looking forward to next season. There will be no better time to get into the playoff places, and then from there, they can hope their rivals continue to drop points.
It isn't about who sits in the places the longest; it is whoever is there when the season ends. The Rangers have a great chance to put themselves back there against teams below them in the standings, and jump ahead of several rivals in the fight for the postseason. Chris Drury's team can still salvage this season, even if it hasn't been as smooth as the fans would have wanted.