The Rangers kick off the final 10 games of the season against Columbus tonight. The Blue Jackets are on a role and all but a lack - batting a major collapse - for a playoff spot. A strong possibility exists that Columbus finishes in the top three of the division and slim hope remains that they win the Metro.
For New York, the Blueshirts continue to play out the string. Their focus is more of evaluation and growth, a stark contrast to the last 12 years. But that’s not to say this time isn’t important. For me, here is what I am looking at for the next 10 games:
1) Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil: Both first round picks will be up before the end of the season. With Hartford all but out of playoff contention, the only question is when each will be brought up to the parent club. Both will play a total of nine games to avoid triggering the ELC. Andersson will play all nine available games, which would begin Thursday against Philly, while Chytil, having played two games already, will see action in seven more contests, likely starting next Monday against Washington.
2) Neal Pionk and John Gilmour: Both young blue liners have shown their strengths and also their weaknesses. Pionk is a bit more physical than Gilmour but relies on his skating to get out of trouble. The same can be said for Gilmour. Pionk looks like a player who understands the game and situations better while Gilmour needs more work in this area. Gilmour is the better skater and more instinctive offensive player though Pionk reads when and how to jump into the play at a higher level than Gilmour. Each will continue to see lots of action the next 10 games.
3) The Zib and Kreider show: For the new dynamic duo, this year has been a disappointment. Injuries cost both a decent amount action, with Kreider losing more time due to the blood clot and rib resection. But, each are trying to make up for lost time with the current hot performance. For this year, their recent fine play means little. Looking down the road and the hope that this pairing can be two-thirds of a first line, the good vibes that appear to be in place now could array forward to the future if they both remain hit. Jesper Fast has been a nice complement to create a solid trio but I would still would like to see Pavel Buchnevich on that like. That leads me to #4
4) Buchnevich’s growth: Buch has had a very up-and-down season. From first line to fourth line to press box and everyone in between, Buch has been all over the place. The offensive talent is clearly there. Even in a so-so year, the second year pro has 14 goals and 27 assists, showing some of the best offensive instincts and passing absolute on the team. He may be second to Mats Zuccarello in the ability and willingness to dish the pick. A strong finish will hopefully set Buch up for that breakthrough campaign next season.
5) Henrik Lundqvist and 30 wins: Since breaking into the NHL in 2005-06, Lundqvist notched at least 30 wins in every non-strike shortened season. With 10 games remaining, Lundqvist is five victories shy of that mark. Given how the season has gone to date, with only 10 games remaining and presence of Alexandar Georgiev, teaching that milestone again looks unlikely. The mark likely means little to others save for Hank and Rangers’ fans, but it would be nice to see him reach that plateau again, though the downside is impact on draft position. As such...
6) Draft position: With the Isles 1-8-4 in their last 13 games and Chicago in a major fade, the Rangers 5-2-2 mark in their last nine games has moved the Blueshirts to 22nd in the league. As of now, New York would pick 10th in the draft. Barring a collapse in the last 10 games and some ping-pong ball luck, the Blueshirts may miss out on one of the elite players. But with three first round and second round picks, the Rangers could try and move up in the draft.
In continuing what I said last week, here is the run down for the last 16 games of the season. After losing to Winnipeg 3-0 on Tuesday, Tampa 5-3 on Thursday and Florida 4-3 in a shootout Saturday night, New York defeated Carolina 6-3 last night tonight and Pittsburgh 4-3 in overtime Wednesday. As noted above, St. Louis defeated New York 4-3 on Saturday. The Rangers have contests this week against Columbus (tonight) and Philly (Thursday), after which it's Buffalo (Saturday), Washington (home-and-road next Monday and Wednesday), Tampa (last home game) and Carolina (road) to close out March. In April, New York faces the Devils, Islanders and Flyers, all on the road.