When I started this blog, I made a promise to not tell anyone how to root for their team. While I try hard in life to keep my promises, I’m gonna have to break that one a bit in this piece. Not as an attack, but as a form of encouragement, something this fan base sorely needs once in a while. I understand that last year was a disappointment. I understand it’s one Cup since World War 2. But can we just try, even a bit, not to throw the towel in when the Rangers lose a game?

I hate losing as much as the next fan, particularly given my having season tickets. But it is going to happen unless you’re last years Bruins, and look where that got them. I attended Tuesday nights tilt against the Jets, a hard fought contest between two of the best teams in the league, one of whom unfortunately had to lose. Sure the Rangers looked a bit tired in a second period where some mental mistakes wound up being the difference, but they played a strong game overall and narrowly missed tying it late. The Jets and Connor Hellebuyck are no slouch and played like it Tuesday. Who could blame the Rangers for looking a bit gassed? After all, it was all of us fans who moaned about seven games in ten days, a stretch they have gone 5-2 in by the way, while down their captain and arguably second most important defenseman.

They’re 16-4-1in their last 21 contests, their second straight outstanding run that has seen everyone contribute in one form or another. In that period they have dispelled what’s become a popular myth about them this season. If I had a nickel for every time I heard “they haven’t beaten good teams,” believe me I’d have a lot of em. In this stretch alone they have beaten playoff contenders in Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, while also beating fellow contenders Dallas, Colorado, and Carolina. They’ve performed well overall against several of the top teams on the year having won both meetings with the Bruins to this point, as well as beating Winnipeg, Vancouver and Edmonton in their own buildings earlier in the year.

This Rangers team has a track record of proving themselves through this regular season, one that has far exceeded the expectations we had back in the summer. They rallied from an ugly run of games to put together the aforementioned 16-4-1 stretch, yet somehow have been unable to shake the Canes. A true credit to their rivals from Raleigh, who have hardly done any losing themselves after shaking off an up and down start. These two teams will jockey for position down the stretch here, and it feels like last week’s regular season finale is far from their last meeting in 2024.

A Little Bravado

Which brings me to my next point. I apologize for using the Flair clip since the Devils have overused it to the point of nausea, but frankly the fan base could use a bit of the Nature Boy right now. The Rangers cannot control who they play in the opening round of the playoffs. Sure there are “easier” draws for them in the first round but no team will roll over and die come spring time. Whether it’s Tampa and their aging Hall of Famers, the Red Wings and their leaky defense, the Flyers and old friend Torts, or the Capitals and their negative goal differential or a matchup with the rival Islanders, they’re all going to show up.

While none of them will be easy, would you like to know who won’t be easy either? The New York Rangers. This group has been resilient all year and steadily improved under this coaching staff in the areas that let them down a year ago. They’re tough to play against and bring a physical “playoff style” approach that should make them a tough out. This team isn’t just a perimeter team anymore, they can get in your face and throw their weight around. They play with an edge and are far more responsible at both ends as well.

I readily admit that I didn’t believe in the acquisitions made at the deadline making that much of a difference. But so far, they’ve done an excellent job at contributing on their own, while opening up more chances for teammates. Jack Roslovic’s north and south two-way game is a great fit for Kreider and Zibanejad, both of whom have heated up since number 96’s arrival. Meanwhile Wennberg’s work on the kill and as a matchup center has made a difference for Zibanejad in particular, who no longer has to draw tough defensive matchups.

The improved depth and two way style Laviolette employs has made the Rangers much tougher to play against. Something the front office wanted them to become back in the summer. If you don’t believe me yet, take Jon Cooper’s word for it. The future Hall of Fame coach called the Blueshirts a “pain in the a** to play against,” high praise from a coach who knows what it takes to win it all.

In the end I understand that some fans panic and frustration is born out of the same desire to see this team win as my “ya gotta believe” approach. We are all desperate to “die in peace,” and the scars of playoff disappointments past linger on for us all. But considering the really stressful games haven’t even started yet, let’s all take a deep breath. The boys in blue are 45-20-4, let’s enjoy what’s left of the regular season ride. Believe in this group, they’re all we got and they need us behind them. LGR!

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