Rangers must take advantage of the open Eastern Conference.

The New York Rangers are prepared to resume play on Monday when they visit the Colorado Avalanche, marking the end of the NHL All-Star Break. Even though they have endured a terrible decline over the last two months, the Rangers are now leading the Metro Division by two points over the Carolina Hurricanes (61 points). In the meantime, the Boston Bruins (71 points) lead the Florida Panthers by five points in the Atlantic Division. Upon deeper inspection of the Eastern playoff scenario, it is clear that there is little certainty as to where the clubs will finish.

Although the Rangers have an outstanding record thus far in the season, their recent performance has many supporters and detractors doubting their ability to contend. Having said that, general manager Chris Drury ought to go for it at the deadline given that the East looks to be completely unclaimed.

Any fan would be shocked to see the current Metro Division standings from September if you were to present them. With 56 points and a strong 25-19-6 record, the Philadelphia Flyers, who had no high hopes going into the season, are presently third in the division. On the other end of the scale, the New Jersey Devils, who came into the season with high expectations, are in a pitiful sixth place with a lackluster 24-20-3 record for 51 points.

Despite many people’s expectations that they would tumble after mediocre seasons just a year ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins (51 points), New York Islanders (52 points), and Washington Capitals (51 points) are still in the running. The Metro’s spots 4–7 provide for an extremely captivating wild card race. The Rangers are still the best team in the Metro with 30-16-2 (63 points), but in order to resume playing consistently, they will need to gel after the All-Star break.

“We had a lot going for us right away,” veteran Blake Wheeler said. “We must never lose sight of the fact that achieving our goals will be extremely difficult. More difficult than this. We’re in the fire right now, and great teams are forged in the furnace. If we manage this scenario properly, it might be really beneficial for our team.

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