Mathematically Still In

Even with last night’s loss to Montreal, and Boston’s win over Carolina, the Rangers are still mathematically in the playoffs. Of course, I say mathematically because based on the way they played last night, they don’t have what it takes to play to the estimated 18 points they will need to make the playoffs (numbers via SportsClubStats). That means a 9-3 or an 8-2-2 finish.

Considering the schedule, that is a very tall order for a very inconsistent team. It seems that sometimes, the Rangers show no fire at all, no desire to win. Maybe they were just dominated by a very good, very hot Montreal team last night. But what I saw during the game was disturbing. People standing around, waiting at the blue line for someone else to make a play. That’s not what the good teams do. The good teams make their own plays, they don’t wait around for someone else. Too many times, especially on the powerplay, were the Rangers caught standing still either in the zone or at the blue line.

To reach that 8-2-2 mark, the Rangers absolutely must win Sunday’s showdown with Boston. A loss on Sunday would be the final nail in the coffin of the Rangers postseason hopes. They will have to win every single game they are supposed to win, which includes two vs. Toronto, two vs. NYI, and Thursday’s tilt against St. Louis. Those are six must win games. If they manage to do that, it means finishing March 5-1 (with the second Toronto game coming in April). Finishing the month 5-1 means that the Rangers will need to finish April at 4-2 or 3-2-2. It’s doable, but the Rangers are going to need to play like they want to continue their season, and not hit the golf course early.