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The NHL-leading Rangers have had a heck of a run within the 2023 portion of the 2023-24 season, however with 47 video games left within the common season, a lot has but to occur.
Parading a 25-9-1 file into the New Yr, the Blueshirts have set themselves up for fulfillment.
There’s nonetheless an extended approach to go till the playoffs start April 22.
The Rangers will first must get via the All-Star break in early February and the commerce deadline March 8, via which something can occur if a crew takes its foot off the fuel.
They haven’t even seen the Islanders but this season.
All 4 of these extremely anticipated matchups, together with the Stadium Collection at MetLife on Feb. 18, will unfold in 2024.
Nonetheless, the Rangers absolutely have some needs for the New Yr.
Let’s have a look at the highest 5:
1. Jonathan Fast continues ingesting from the Fountain of Youth
Whether or not it’s one thing within the water in New York or the Benoit Allaire Impact, Fast appears to be like like he’s rewound the clock to 2012 when the American netminder led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup.
He’s given the Rangers an opportunity to win each evening he’s stepped between the pipes in Igor Shesterkin’s stead.
Posting a 9-2-1 file, a 2.41 goals-against common, a .916 save share and two shutouts via 13 appearances, Fast has unexpectedly performed a significant position within the Rangers’ success to date this season.
2. A scoring, top-six proper winger earlier than the commerce deadline
The Rangers haven’t had too many points scoring this season contemplating their 120 complete objectives are tied with the Lightning and Maple Leafs for the sixth most within the NHL coming into Sunday.
However it’s clear the primary line wants greater than the 4 five-on-five objectives Blake Wheeler has contributed to date this season.
Accidents to Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko have bumped Wheeler up and drawn Jonny Brodzinski and Tyler Pitlick into the lineup.
The Rangers’ physique of labor with these changes has proved they’re a deep crew, however reinforcements and upgrades in these spots shall be essential to advance within the postseason.
3. Artemi Panarin stays sizzling after which carries it over into playoffs
There aren’t sufficient adjectives within the dictionary to explain the model with which Panarin has impacted the Rangers this season.
Captain Jacob Trouba would be the one promoting canvases of his paintings for charity, however the star Russian wing has been the true artist with the puck.
Panarin has but to crack 100 factors in a single season over his 9 years within the NHL. The closest he’s come was throughout his third season in New York in 2021-22 when he posted 96 factors in 75 video games.
The 32-year-old is piecing collectively a respectable case for the Hart Trophy because the Blueshirts’ most constant offensive participant with 50 factors via 35 contests.
Nonetheless, nothing counts till the playoffs.
4. Chytil and Kakko return to the lineup
Amid The Put up’s report of Chytil returning to his residence to Czechia to proceed his ongoing restoration from a suspected concussion, the Rangers have possible ready themselves to be with out the 24-year-old heart via at the least the All-Star break.
Nonetheless, No. 72 is outwardly dedicated to taking part in once more this season.
If the Rangers have been to get Chytil again in, say, March, it could really feel like a free trade-deadline addition.
The identical will be mentioned for Kakko, who continues to skate on his personal and work his approach again from an obvious leg harm.
The Finnish wing wasn’t pleased about his two objectives and one help via 20 video games, so he shall be trying to make extra of an influence in his return.
5. Sixteen wins within the playoffs
The magic quantity for the suitable to elevate the Stanley Cup. That’s actually all of the Rangers need in 2024.
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