The Rangers ability to bounce back is one of the biggest reasons Rangers fans should feel good going into 2024. They have only lost two in a row this season one time. ONE TIME. Some notable wins against potential playoff teams are as followed:
- 10/26 EDM 3-0
- 10/28 VAN 4-3 OT
- 10/30 WPG 3-2 OT
- 11/2 CAR 2-1
- 11/9 MIN 4-1
- 11/18 NJD 5-3
- 11/24 PHI 3-1
- 11/25 BOS 7-4
- 12/10 LA 4-1
- 12/16 BOS 2-1
- 12/19 TOR 5-2
- 12/30 TB 5-1
That’s 12 wins against teams that I can see being in the 16 team tournament for a chance to win Lords Stanley. They are 25-9-1 with 51 points and stand atop the Eastern Conference standings with Boston trailing them with 48. Is that good?
The classic MVP debate is whether the player should be the most valuable player or the most valuable player for their team (ask Taylor Hall). In 35 games, Panarin has the sneakiest 23 goals that I can remember and is blazing hot. Panarin is particularly hard on himself for his play in the playoffs but holy shit this guy came to play this year. Will he show up when it matters? If his play this year is any indicator then the answer is a resounding YES.
If Panarin is this years 1A MVP for the squad then Trocheck is undoubtedly this years 1B. In 35 games played, he has 9 goals, 24 assists and continues to dominate the face off dot. When he’s not putting up points he’s continually pissing off opposing players and really has taken an extra step this year with the Blueshirts. Red, white and blue baby. We had him on a while back and he was awesome. You can listen below.
Remember the Rangers goaltending drama (lol)? Igor has been lights out and every single time he is in net the boys have a chance to come away with a W. What a blessing.
I’m one of the boomers who demands grit and Cuylle has done everything to help solidify this. God I love this kid. Cuylle needs more burn.
Don’t let Mika get hot. I’m one of those Rangers fans who say he’s a special teams player, hand up. Well, Rangers Muse shoved that up my hoop by letting me know in the last 10 games he’ still have 9 non power play points and is always tough to play against.
I have a serious question for any Rangers fan reading this – did anyone actually expect this team to be here, especially after what happened against the Devils? Laviolette has a group of players who have compleltely bought in, who demand excellence and who will tell us and the media that they’re playing like shit when they are playing like shit. From October- January 1, we have been blessed to have a team perform the way that they have. There’s a long way to go but holy shit, I am so excited to see what this team can do – especially when they play their best hockey.
I hope everyone has a great new year – celebrate with your friends and family and stay safe. If you’re in the Capital region, I’ve been in talks with a local MEGA bar about having Rangers watch parties here and there. Details will be released soon and I’d love to meet you guys, drink some beers and watch our team continue to spank the rest of the NHL. Cheers and Happy New Year!
The Morning Skate 