Why The Rangers Will Be In A Playoff Spot Come March 1st

Falling Back To Earth

The New York Rangers began their 2024/2025 campaign with a 12-4-1 record, and then they fell off a cliff. After picking up where they left off last season, the wheels completely fell off for the Blueshirts. From Nov. 21 to Jan. 9, the Rangers have registered an abysmal record of 7-16-1- earning points in just 33-percent of games played. As of Jan. 10, the Rangers find themselves 24th in the NHL, and 13th in the Eastern Conference. Although this horrid run of form has inspired embarrassment, rage, and every other emotion under the sun for Rangers fans, one thing is for sure; it's going to make for an amazing story when the Rangers find themselves in the postseason in a few months time.

New York's Resolutions

January is the time of year for resolutions and it seems the Rangers have made one of their own: to stop letting down their fans. Since the turn of the year, the Blueshirts have earned a record of 3-1-1- their best five-game stretch in months. During this period, the Rangers managed to go 2-1-1 without their starting netminder Igor Shesterkin, as well as scoring 3.8 goals per game. This stands in stark contrast to their previous five-game stretch, which saw New York suffer a 1-4-0 record, while scoring just 1.8 goals per game.

The Rangers have earned wins over the Bruins, Blackhawks, and Devils, while losing close games against the Capitals and Stars.

New Faces

After quality performances on the ice seemed to evaporate, Rangers GM Chris Drury elected to make some moves rather than sitting on his hands. In early December, Drury shipped Rangers captain Jacob Trouba off to Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft. Later that same month, Drury sent 2019 second-overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and draft picks.

On Jan. 6, the Rangers claimed Arthur Kaliyev on waivers from the Los Angeles Kings — adding to their increasing group of new faces in New York.

Since arriving in New York, both Will Borgen and Urho Vaakanainen have stood out as capable defenseman for the Rangers. Borgen has registered a goal and an assist as a Ranger, while Vaakanainen has earned an assist himself. The players are hovering around plus/minus ratings of zero- indicating they're playing significant minutes for the Rangers without allowing an inordinate number of goals against.

The Bull Case

With the combination of Shesterkin returning to play, the Rangers bringing in fresh faces to help solve defensive woes, Rangers youngsters and veterans alike stepping up in big moments, and the Blueshirts building momentum with key wins, the stage is set for New York to make a serious run at a playoff spot and a successful postseason campaign in 2025.

With players like Sam Carrick scoring overtime winners against the Rangers biggest rival, it's hard to deny that there's some magic in the air at Madison Square Garden. It's up to the Blueshirts to harness that energy and prove they're the real deal.