Three things that need to happen for the New York Rangers to save their season

In a season full of pitfalls, the New York Rangers might have reached a new low on Friday night. With crucial points on the line and a chance to move into playoff position, the Blueshirts squandered a 4-2 lead with five minutes to go and went on to lose 5-4 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks.

The Rangers have had some devastating losses this season and Friday night's is at the top of the list. New York has nine games remaining and faces a must win game on Saturday night against the San Jose Sharks.

Plain and simple, New York needs every point it can get. Here's three things that simply need to happen for the Rangers to save their season.

1. The Power Play needs to Wake Up

Though New York scored its first power play goal in seven games on Friday night, the Rangers have been lifeless on the man advantage for the majority of the home stretch. Against Anaheim, New York had seven power play opportunities and only scored once. The Ducks also tallied a shorthanded goal, along with the game-tying goal coming right after New York got off the power play.

This has been a team that for years has relied on the power play to win games. New York has been average to below-average on even strength for four consecutive seasons now, but there was always that lethal unit.

New York's power play has been agonizing to watch. That has to change.

2. Other Teams Need to Lose

While the standings do not matter if the Rangers don't win games, they are not in a favorable position. Every other wild card contender has more games in hand, and so, they need to lose.

Nobody can expect the Rangers to win out, and New York only faces one contender (the Islanders). So, root for whoever the teams above are playing.

3. Play with Heart

There's really not too much to say, and Rangers fans have heard it all. There's nine games remaining, and starting on Saturday night, all that Blueshirts supporters can ask for is for the team to show heart.

This Rangers core has given so many good memories, and all people can hope for is they go down swinging.