The overall combined consensus by the major U.S. & Canada hockey media networks and publications have the Rangers and Canadiens not returning to the postseason, for those who qualified in the East in 2017. Their replacements are a healthy Stamkos led Lightning team to make a long playoff run, and the young rising Hurricanes, led by one of the best young defense cores in the game. But they still see the Capitals qualifying because of Holtby, and what the Rangers and Canadiens don't have in an Ovi type game breaker, at least when it comes down to the regular season.
Rangers wise in the improved East, goal tending will be the determining factor, along with whether or not Stepan's production & defensive roles can be replaced sufficiently. With Raanta also gone, & his 34 points earned in 30 games played (including non starts) last season with a 2.26 GAA, Hank will need a near Richter like 1993/94 performance (90 points in 68 GMPL for 1.32 pts/gm, & a 2.57 GAA), for him required to earn 77 to 80 points minimum in 60 to 62 maximum starts. In addition, Pavelec must earn 25 points in his 20 to 22 starts, for a 102 to 105 team total. This time around, last season's 102 points may be just good enough to only earn Wild Card spot #2 instead of WC #1 in the improved East.
- RangerSaver

Didn't most publications have the Rangers missing the playoffs last year? How did those predictions turn out?

The one that always gets me is the insane vitriol against suppressors, or as the media likes to refer to them..."silencers". People believe what they see in movies, where suppressors make guns go "psst psst" and nobody outside of a few feet can hear them. In reality, a suppressed AR-15 gets toned down to the low, soothing volume of a jackhammer. Not exactly very stealthy.

I think those in favor of major gun law reform would do themselves a huge favor by becoming far more well versed in firearms. People are quick to fight back when you're trying to tell them something that is patently false.
- eichiefs9

The NRA and its party do not know what the word, "compromise" means. In not pertaining to the NRA itself here, look no further than their party's most recently voted dead, health care plan proposal bill, to take health care away from those with pre-existing conditions alone. Also imagine the higher number of deaths alone resulting from this insane Vegas shooter, if a tiny 2% of the over 500 injured had their health insurance taken away, only because they could no longer afford it. That's 10 more deaths that were spared without that party's type of health plan, that would have only benefited the top 1% dollars worth Americans for a different savings reason not having to do with healthcare at all.
- RangerSaver

well done, Cranny...

*waiting for Jimbo's response*
- 21peter

He's probably busy responding to a Trump tweet

Didn't most publications have the Rangers missing the playoffs last year? How did those predictions turn out?
- Fenrir

Yep and so far the same this year, no scoring they say, finished 5th last year and only lost one of the worst shooters in the league in Step, gonna enjoy watching eat a nice big poopburger

He's probably busy responding to a Trump tweet
- KreiderBomb

let's just f'n enjoy hockey tonight, ok?

LGR

- 21peter

One absolute I've learned in the past 8 months is that liberals have no idea what the difference between legal and illegal is

let's just f'n enjoy hockey tonight, ok?

LGR
- 21peter

Whoa there's hockey on tonight!!!???

Rangers on one TV, Yanks on another and (frank) the NFL

Didn't most publications have the Rangers missing the playoffs last year? How did those predictions turn out?
- Fenrir

I think at least 1/3 did. That's why Montreal is also projected to be out, despite having the best NHL goalie in recent seasons overall. But teams like Boston and Toronto were not also playoff "guarantees", unlike Tampa who was prior to Stamkos being out long term. In addition, other teams like Carolina and Philly are projected to be in the hunt this year, although I do not buy Philly that seriously with Elliot at #1. But those head to head games will also be tougher than in past seasons.
I have been a Rangers fan since the 1968/69 season as a child. I was only reporting what I also COULD NOT BELIEVE, by numerous sources. Again, those were combined predictions made by their staff's majority overall. For example, on NHL Network, both Weekes and Melrose felt the Rangers would make the postseason this year. But that's the two I was only able to get their opinion of on their network.
LET'S GO RANGERS!!! (before you guys call me another "tomburton" by what I read here at times. I'm sincerely sorry, Tom!).

Glad I got busy at the end of the day.

Only guns I want to see or here about around game time are Hayes's in the lockeroom.

Lets Go Ran-GUHS...that is all

Whoa there's hockey on tonight!!!???

Rangers on one TV, Yanks on another and (frank) the NFL
- KreiderBomb

(frank) that, no base-A-ball tonight

Glad I got busy at the end of the day.

Only guns I want to see or here about around game time are Hayes's in the lockeroom.
- mdw7413

One absolute I've learned in the past 8 months is that liberals have no idea what the difference between legal and illegal is
- KreiderBomb

"Literally" speaking Cranny, how long will it take you in tonight's Rangers game to post your words, "The Season's Over"? The first misfired pass attempt of the season?

- Fenrir

"Literally" speaking Cranny, how long will it take you in tonight's Rangers game to post your words, "The Season's Over"? The first misfired pass attempt of the season?
- RangerSaver

"Literally" speaking Cranny, how long will it take you in tonight's Rangers game to post your words, "The Season's Over"? The first misfired pass attempt of the season?
- RangerSaver

That's why we love him.

(frank) that, no base-A-ball tonight
- B2B76

That sport still is around after the Steroid Era of Bonds, McGuire, and Co.? Oh, I forgot that a friend informed me that Era was back again, at least for that Bronx MLB team.

Lets Go Ran-GUHS...that is all
- B2B76

No, I disagree

No, I disagree
- DDM-Coga

- Fenrir

No, I disagree
- DDM-Coga

We got a pork roll guy on defence. You guys are done.

- B2B76

Is Duguay wearing a felt tuxedo top?

- DDM-Coga

Not seeing said image.