Rangers on the Brink: Can New York Pull Off a Miracle Playoff Push or Is the Curtain Already Falling?
Let’s be clear: the New York Rangers aren’t dead yet. They’re not thriving, either-but after a 6-3 win that bumped them just one game below .500, the Blueshirts are still technically in the fight. It’s not pretty, it’s not easy, and it’s definitely not expected-but it’s not over.
Tonight’s matchup in Anaheim carries more than just the usual two points. It’s a reunion with familiar faces-Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba-and a measuring stick against a Ducks team that’s no longer the rebuilding pushover of years past.
Anaheim, under GM Pat Verbeek, has quietly put together a scrappy, playoff-hungry roster. So while the Ducks are relevant again, the bigger question looms: can the Rangers make a serious run at a Wild Card spot, or is this one last gasp before the inevitable?
To dig into that, we turned to longtime hockey analyst Rich Isaak, who offered a balanced breakdown of both sides of the Rangers’ playoff coin.
The Case for a Comeback: Why the Rangers Could Still Sneak In
First, the timing might actually work in the Rangers’ favor. The upcoming Olympic break is more than just a pause in the schedule-it’s a lifeline.
Two of the team’s most critical pieces, defenseman Adam Fox and goaltender Igor Shesterkin, have been banged up. This break gives them a chance to heal without missing more games, and that alone could drastically change the complexion of the team down the stretch.
The break also benefits the rest of the roster. For those not heading off to represent their countries, it’s a rare chance to reset mentally and physically in a season that’s been relentless. Fresh legs and clear heads could go a long way for a team trying to claw its way back into contention.
Then there’s the looming trade deadline. Several current Rangers are on expiring contracts and expected to be moved by March 6.
While that usually signals a white flag, there’s a twist here: the return pieces are expected to be NHL-ready players who can contribute immediately. That’s not a full teardown-that’s a retool on the fly.
Since GM Chris Drury’s announcement that the organization is entering a “retool” phase, the team has looked noticeably looser. The pressure’s off, and sometimes, that’s when a group plays its best hockey. The Rangers have started to skate with more freedom, more creativity, and less of the weight that’s been dragging them down all season.
And let’s not forget how tight the Eastern Conference standings are. A hot streak-something like the one the Sabres just pulled off-could be enough to vault the Rangers back into the mix.
It’s not likely, but it’s also not impossible. And if that run is going to happen, it needs to start now-with a win in Anaheim.
The Harsh Reality: Why the Rangers Are Likely Done
Now for the other side of the coin-the one that feels a little more grounded in reality.
Yes, the Rangers are still technically alive, but the odds are steep. They’re sitting dead last in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.
To get into the final Wild Card spot, they’d have to leapfrog eight teams. That’s not a hill-it’s a mountain.
And the front office isn’t exactly signaling a late-season charge. The “retool” label isn’t just PR spin.
It’s a clear indication that the organization is shifting its focus to the future. That means accumulating young, skilled players and draft picks, building cap flexibility, and laying the groundwork for a faster, more sustainable roster.
That also means trading away veterans-starting with Artemi Panarin.
Panarin, the team’s leading scorer this season and every season since he arrived in 2019, isn’t expected to have his contract extended. He’s on the trade block, and his departure would leave a massive hole in the lineup, both on the ice and in the locker room.
And he won’t be the only one. Other key contributors, including some still under contract, could be moved in an effort to reshape the roster.
Once those trades go down, the Rangers will be left with a younger, less experienced group. That’s good for the long-term vision, but it’s unlikely to power a run to the playoffs this year.
So yes, the Rangers are still breathing. But they’re also on life support. And unless something dramatic happens-starting tonight in Anaheim-the rest of the season might be more about development than chasing a Wild Card dream.
Final Thought
There’s a sliver of hope, and there’s a heavy dose of reality. The Rangers are walking a fine line between miracle and rebuild. Whether they can string together a winning streak and climb out of the basement-or whether the trades start flying and the focus shifts to next year-remains to be seen.
What we do know is this: tonight’s game in Anaheim isn’t just another stop on the schedule. It’s a fork in the road. And whichever path the Rangers take, we’ll be watching.