After a dismal start to the season, which led to the trading of captain Jacob Trouba and former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko, the New York Rangers have miraculously climbed out of their slump. They now find themselves within two points of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team’s recent surge has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among fans and pundits alike.
On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed the Rangers’ improved play and the factors contributing to their rise in the standings. Yaremchuk noted that the team has accumulated points in nine consecutive games, including wins over New Jersey, Columbus, and Ottawa. He emphasized that the Rangers are beating teams that are close to them in the standings and are finding ways to secure points even on off nights.
Seravalli concurred, stating that the Rangers are indeed back in the mix. He recalled a previous podcast episode in which Jason Gregor had declared the Rangers “dead.” However, Seravalli believes that the team has shown remarkable resilience and now has a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. He highlighted the team’s impressive 6-0-3 record in their last nine games, as well as Igor Shesterkin’s back-to-back shutouts.
Seravalli attributed the Rangers’ turnaround to improved goaltending, particularly from Shesterkin. He noted that Shesterkin’s poor play earlier in the season was uncharacteristic and had sparked concerns about his ability to perform under pressure. However, Shesterkin’s recent performances have alleviated those concerns and have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence.
While the Rangers still face an uphill battle in their quest for a playoff spot, their recent performances suggest that they are indeed back in the hunt. With Shesterkin’s impressive goaltending and the team’s newfound confidence, the Rangers may yet prove to be a formidable force in the Eastern Conference.
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