The Rangers will not play hockey again until Saturday, February 16th, when they meet the Sabres at Madison Square Garden.  By then, even the Ranger’s severest critics will be jonesing for some hockey. They may also be even more manic and critical of every mistake that the Rangers will make on Saturday. By then, those teams in the Eastern Conference that have games in hand may leapfrog the Rangers in the standings.

The Rangers were able to secure the 7th playoff spot last season with a total of 94 points. Right now, the Rangers have 63 points. Let’s assume that 96 points will give the Rangers a guaranteed playoff spot this year. That means that the Rangers must earn 33 points is their 23 remaining games. That tranlates into 16 wins in those 23 games. Anyway you slice it, that’s a tall order.

Last March, the Rangers got it done with their present personal save for Michael Nylander, Matt Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer.  Jaromir Jagr had a meer 7 goals from March 1, 2007 through the last game of the season, some 20 games. Nylander had about 8 goals. The playoff run was not mounted upon their shoulders alone. A key player in last year’s run was Matt Cullen. Matt had 4 goals in regulation time. More importantly, he was responsible for winning two shootouts. Orty even had one goal in those twenty games.

Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan were the key offensive additions that added a spark last season. Let’s hope that they, along with Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha can provide the primary scoring the Rangers need for this stretch run.

It has been made abundantly clear that Jagr and Straka are not going to be providing primary scoring, either at even strength and especially not on the powerplay. They need to sit in favor of the the aforementioned youth. I do not think nor do I care if Jagr makes his contract triggers. Clearly, Shanahan must not be killing penalties and should not be on the ice for more than 15 minutes per game. He has lost more than a step since last season.

Most important of all is the play of Henrik Lundqvist. If Henrik continues to be as inconsistant in this stretch run as he has been for the lionshare of this season, the Ranger will not make the playoffs. Steve Valiquette has been a real feel good story but I wouldn’t take his play to the bank. Stranger things have happened in hockey but I don’t think Vally will be leading us to the promised land.

Regardless of how this season plays out, Tom Renney needs to remain coach of the Rangers for the foreseeable future. He has done a masterful job since the lockout. No one expected the new New York Rangers to make the playoffs right out of the lockout. The success this team has had has been a bonus. Renney has earned the right to take the Rangers youth into the next decade.