As I wrote in yesterday's blog, with 12 more games to go, scoreboard watching has now become the sport inside of the sport, as the Rangers sit third in the division, 37-29-4 with 78 points. When I do a recap or game preview blog, I will include this at the bottom of the blog. However, on non-game/recap days, I will run this daily since this is a huge topic of conversation and a large component of or focus:
Division:
Philly- won 3-2 over Chicago in OT, three straight victories, 7-2-1 last 10, two games in hand on the Rangers, one point up on NY, in second place. (played 33 games at home, 35 on road, eight left at home, six on road)
Columbus - lost 3-1 to Carolina, 6-3-1 in last 10, two games in hand, two points behind NY in fourth place, second wild card. (played 34 games at home, 34 on road, seven left at home, seven on road)
Washington - won 3-2 over Anaheim, three straight victories, 5-4-1 last 10, no games in hand, two points behind NY . (played 36 games at home, 34 on road, five left at home, seven on road)
New Jersey - lost 4-2 to Boston, three straight defeats, 5-5-0 last 10, one game in hand, seven points behind NY. (played 32 games at home, 37 on road, nine left at home, four on road)
Carolina - 3-1 win over Columbus, 4-6-0 last 10, one game in hand, nine points behind NY. (played 36 games at home, 33 on road, five left at home, eight on road)
Conference (teams within 10 either way, as Boston has a lock of Atlantic division, with second, third and wild cards up for grabs)
Tampa Bay - second in Atlantic, won four in a row, including 5-3 over Toronto on 3/19, 5-3-2 last 10, one game in hand on Rangers, five points up on Rangers. (played 33 games at home, 36 on road, eight left at home, five on road)
Montreal - third in Atlantic, won three in a row, 6-4-0 last 10, no games in hand, five points up on Rangers. (played 36 games at home, 34 on road, five left at home, seven on road)
Toronto - fourth place in Atlantic, lost three in a row, including 5-3 to Tampa on 3/19, 4-5-1 last 10, played one more game than the Rangers, two points up on Rangers, first wild card. (played 35 games at home, 36 on road, six left at home, five on road)
Detroit - fifth place in Atlantic, won one, 5-4-1 last 10, two games in hand, three points behind the Rangers. (played 34 games at home, 34 on road, seven left at home, seven on road)
Ottawa - sixth place in Atlantic, lost two in a row, 2-6-2 last 10, two games in hand, nine points behind the Rangers. (played 33 games at home, 35 on road, eight left at home, six on road)
Two huge games upcoming, at Columbus on Friday and New Jersey on Saturday. Friday's game could play a big role in determining divisional placement and standing in the Wild Card race. Remaining games overall are seven on the road and five at home. Huge west coast swing from 3/28 to 4/3. Last three of four at MSG.
In order:
3/21- @ CMB 3/22 - @NJ 3/24 - Phx 3/26 - Phi 3/28 - @Cgy 3/30 - @Edm 4/1 - @Van 4/3 - @Col 4/5 - Ott 4/8 - Car 4/10 - Buf 4/12 - @Mtl
Happy belated 48th anniversary to my parents, meant to include this yesterday.
I think the discussions about Rick Nash back in Columbus for first time since trade are a bit overblown due to the length of time that has elapsed since the deal. Granted, it has to be talked about and it's possible Nash gets booed for wanting to leave, but expect it to be a sidelight not major story.
I agree with Nash that Ryan McDonagh should be the next captain of the Rangers, given his age, length of deal and importance to the team.