The New York Rangers have won two of three games out of the break, and they sit two points outside of a playoff spot as it currently stands. But the one loss was a brutal 8-2 blowout at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres, and the two wins saw them get outshot and outplayed despite the win, giving off the feeling that this is the same Rangers team.
New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller (8) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena. © Dennis Schneidler
Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk talked about the percent chance that they give the Rangers’ playoff hopes on Daily Faceoff Live.
Frank Seravalli: I’m going to say 45%. I know that’s higher than what many would believe, but it’s a pure math thing. If I’m betting on one team’s talent, is it the Rangers or is it the Columbus Blue Jackets? Or it could be the Rangers or Ottawa Senators or Detroit Red Wings, I might take one of those teams, but in terms of catching the field…
It’s funny to see the Boston Bruins and the conversation around them. I watched last night, I understand what happened. But we’re talking about teams being not 10 games, but 10 days away from being in the driver’s seat.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Yeah, and for the Rangers, again, the time is now for them to turn it around. And I just sit here and I was like, “okay, coming out of the break, this is when they’re gonna go pedal to the floor and accelerate ahead of everybody.” And then I looked at these games, and you dig into the numbers, and it’s like, “okay, they’re the same team over and over again”.
J.T. Miller looks great, Mika Zibanejad’s playing better. But outside of those two, the depth is getting exposed. Adam Fox’s injury now raises an eyebrow.
Frank Seravalli: K’Andre Miller was also hurt.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Not great still. I think if I had to give a percent, I’m probably down closer to 30%. And I think it’s a coin flip between like them, the Senators, and maybe I still have the Bruins in there, but maybe not.
You can watch the full episode here…
