For the first time since January when they lost to Vegas and LA, the Rangers have lost twice in a row in regulation. It’s also the first time they’ve lost two in a row in any manner since March 3-4. Yet you wouldn’t know it if you saw the reactions to losing to desperate Flyers and Islanders teams over the last two days. Alas, the Rangers world is not ending.

It’s a bit silly, the overreactions to losing two in a row. Since the All Star break, the Rangers have been very good. In fact, they’ve been one of the best teams in the NHL and have only gotten better since the trade deadline. Let’s break this down on a month by month basis, shall we?

  • February: 10-1-0
  • March: 10-3-1
  • April: 3-3-0

For those doing the math, that’s a 23-7-1 record since the All Star break. In that span, the Rangers have put themselves in a position to clinch home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, still controlling their own destiny. If they win their last two games, they clinch. They may not even to win both games, depending how the weekend games go across the NHL.

There are only three teams that can realistically catch them: Carolina, Boston, and Dallas. The “worry” here is Carolina, as dipping below the Hurricanes in standings would mean losing the division, conference, and President’s Trophy. Home ice throughout the playoffs isn’t a necessity, but it would benefit the Rangers far more this year than in year’s past.

The Rangers haven’t exactly been good over the last few games, with defensive breakdowns leading to high danger chances against. This has led to a bit of a downturn in the goaltending numbers, as neither Igor Shesterkin nor Jonathan Quick have been able to consistently cover for these mistakes.

What’s being missed is the Rangers seem to have one bad period, usually the first period, and then they adjust and dominate the last two periods. This was the case last night against the Flyers and Tuesday against the Isles. Last week it was the second period against the Devils. Strong performances against Montreal and Detroit are seemingly forgotten.

It’s a typical “what have you done for me lately” mentality since Tuesday. Is it a concern that the Rangers aren’t really waking up for their opponents the last couple of games? Sure. But it’s not something to suggest folding the season over. It’s two games against teams desperate to make the playoffs. The Rangers miscalculated and slept in the first period.

The Rangers have a pair of games remaining in the regular season: Tomorrow against the Isles and Monday against the Ottawa Senators. Even if Carolina beats St. Louis tonight, they can’t catch the Rangers if the Rangers win their last two games. That’s all it is. Have a nice reset today, and win the last two games.

If the Rangers lose four in a row to back into the playoffs, then we have a different feeling. But until then, this is a blip of two bad periods out of their last six. Such is hockey, such is life.

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