One is Better Than Zero, But Not Enough…

…points that is. The Rangers are in the midst of a three game losing streak, but have managed to pick up two points in two of those losses. While salvaging a point is nice, especially last night against Buffalo, it’s not enough. New York has one big thing, among a lot of other things, not going for itself — time. As it stands this afternoon the Rangers have played 66 games, leaving 16 remaining, and stand in 9th place in the conference, two points behind Boston. Just about every team in the conference, including Boston in front and Atlanta behind, have at least two games in hand on the Blueshirts. The only team to have played more games than the Rangers is Montreal, which has played 67. What does this all mean? Time is running out — and more importantly, the Rangers need to start winning, not salvaging one point.

Having said that, the loser’s mentality says the Rangers managed to get four points in four games since the Olympic break against four clearly superior teams. Not great, but not terrible. Does this make me feel great about things? Not a chance.

One thing I will say, and you can criticize me for being overly optimistic all you want but I’m just laying it out there, is that the Rangers have made it through the toughest part of their schedule. They will earn their way either in or out of the playoffs come April. The Rangers only play three games the rest of the way against any of the top five seeds in the conference, two against a struggling New Jersey team and one against Buffalo. No more Washington, Pittsburgh, or Ottawa, so that’s not too shabby. What’s left are a bunch of games against teams just ahead or behind New York in the standings.

Even better? 10 of the 16 remaining games are on the road, and yes, that’s a good thing.

Now I would be naive to say that this means we should expect the Rangers to rip through the remaining schedule and easily clinch a playoff berth. Post-season hockey at MSG is still very much in doubt.

A couple of thoughts to finish up: does this team actually play differently with Gaborik in the lineup? In four games without Gabby, New York has scored 14 goals. In the two games since he’s been back, the Rangers have only scored two goals. This makes absolutely no sense. To think an NHL team could actually take the foot off the pedal a little bit because its star player is back on the ice is absurd. However, numbers don’t lie…and I don’t know what else those numbers are trying to tell us.

Wade Redden. Why? Why is he even in the NHL anymore? He stinks. He’s on the ice for a limited time until his atrocious play gets him benched. Then he just gets in the way of a fan or two who have front row seats behind the Rangers bench. If someone can give me a rational explanation I’m all ears.

Consistency. It doesn’t exist, nor does it appear it ever will with this team. The Rangers are a broken record playing the same tune over and over and over again. One period with flashes of excitement and brilliance, four periods without a goal. Let’s not hold our breaths in expecting this to change.

Lots of negative to talk about once again, but still only two points out of the playoffs with 16 games remaining. That means the torture will continue, but hey, maybe something will give. Would sure be better late than never…

On a side note, did anyone attend the “Fire Sather” rally yesterday? I would love to hear about it. Also, be sure to check out our post-Olympic break podcast. As always get your comments/questions in at hosts@nyrangerscast.com.