Since Thanksgiving, there have been 3 shootout wins, 3 overtime wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime loss (Capitals game last week where they blew the 4-0 lead to Alexandre Ovechkin).
And their power play has fallen to 25-11. That's 25 goals while on the PP, and 11 shorthanded goals against.
Yes, they are in first place. That 5-0 start was fantastic and it's the reason they are still kind of in first place (they are first in points but have played 2 more games than Philadelphia and 4 more than New Jersey, both of whom are nipping at their heels). Besides that fast start, the two reasons that they are in a decent position are Henrik Lundqvist and the fact that Gary Bettman hates games that end in a tie. Don't worry, Mr. Bettman, I do too. I enjoy the shootouts and what they've done to my team.
Let's hope a game against the Islanders breaks them out of their stupor, although the Islanders always, always play the Rangers tight, even with nothing on the line.
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I think tonight's game will help both teams out. They're both frustrated and will be willing to take it out on each other. For the Rangers, it's a game they SHOULD win, but they will have to earn it. For the Islanders, it's a chance to put forth their best effort and see how their question mark players respond. Should be a good one.
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