The Olympic Stretch

I’ve decided to call this last month or so before the Olympic break the “Olympic Stretch” for a number of reasons. First, it seemed like a good time during that last podcast to draw attention to the number of games left (at that time 21) before the break. Second, the Rangers had just made it through a stretch of games against lesser opponents and this stretch is anything but that. Most importantly, I believe this stretch will tell us everything we need to know in terms of how far this team can go in the playoffs — in other words, contender or pretender.

We got our first small glimpse of that stretch Monday night against Boston. How ’bout a round of applause to the Rangers for winning a home game? On a more serious note, I read Gregg M’s comment that said “tonight was a turning point”. I had to think about it for a little, but I’m starting to think I agree with Gregg. Having said that, I would be naive to believe that with a ton of confidence. Time and time again we have seen this team have a meltdown game after a nice win or a couple of nice wins. That goes back to Eric’s Ranger cycle of life.

For some reason that Boston win felt different. The Rangers played well for 59 out of the 60 minutes. As you all know, that one minute of poor play cost them a two goal lead and almost a point or two. But we saw some resilience for the first time in what feels like forever. They blew a two goal lead in the third period in the blink of an eye. I know I sure said “here we go again” and I’m guessing a lot of you out there in Rangerland said the same thing. To my surprise, the team fought back and got a late goal to get two points while not surrendering an OT point to the opponent. So I see that game as one we might look back to at the end of this stretch, the end of the regular season or maybe even the end of the entire season and call it a turning point. Yeah, hind sight is 20-20, but that is the kind of game that builds character and helps shape an attitude and identity. Am I hyping this up too much? Perhaps. At the very least, it’s a damn good way to start this stretch.

Don’t forget to check out our latest podcast. One last Happy New Year to you Rangerland.