OK, I'll admit - I've been drinking tonight. A lot. But the following message rings true, regardless of whatever state you might find yourself:
CALM THE F*** DOWN.
Rangers Fans: You're fine. You still control your own destiny. In spite of the last two games, you're playing your best hockey of the year. Don't worry about Buffalo, and don't worry about Florida. Yes, I know the Panthers are just two points back with a game in hand. But barring a miracle, you hold the tiebreaker (wins). Two more wins will almost certainly clinch a playoff spot. They might be tough opponents, but these are the teams you'll be playing in the playoffs. And if any eighth seed is equipped to pull a 2006 Oilers, it's the Rangers.
Islanders Fans: Tampa Bay had no hopes of catching you no matter what. Even in light of tonight's result, they're five points back of you with three games to play. In other words, the only way they could catch you is if they win every game and you lose every game. As for Colorado... whatever. The worst team rarely wins the Draft Lottery anyway. All other things equal, karma always wins. Trust me, you'd rather play hard and let the chips fall where they may. Or would you rather the hockey gods exact vengeance upon you for tanking? It's much better this way.
You see? Both teams are fine. The Rangers still have a very good chance of qualifying for the playoffs. The Islanders still have a great chance at nabbing the best seed in the Draft Lottery and the 48.2% chance at the first overall pick that comes with it. There are still eight glorious days of hockey to be played. Let's enjoy it. No sense in worrying about what can't be controlled. Because for at least half of us, the season will be over next Sunday. For the sake of Rangers fans and the NHL in general, let's hope the Rangers get in.
The Rangers aren't in as good of a position as you think. They NEED to beat Montreal so they don't rely on winning 2 against Philly or they're screwed.
ReplyDeleteI know they're not in GREAT shape, but it's not over by any stretch of the imagination, which is the way some people are making it sound. If the Rangers win two of their games, they should be okay. I think they'll get in.
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