Whats Goin' On With the Blueshirts?

Issues have arisen in the Rangers lineup, and not at the most opportune time.

The Rangers are still in playoff contention in the 7th seed now. Slowly approaching though, is the 9th place Carolina Hurricanes whop were stopped dead cold when the Bruins stomped them into a 7-0 loss yesterday (many thanks to them for that). However, in order to avoid the perils of the previous season, the Rangers are going to have to come out of this slump, and fast.

First off, the Rangers power-play is back to its old self. they have a 15.6 power-play percentage, ranked 22nd in the league so far. Obviously, losing Ryan Callahan could be a big catalyst in why this is happening, but the Rangers need to find a way to improve their depth and pull out some goals in an odd-man situation.

Secondly, the drought of scoring by players who are notoriously good at it: mostly Marian Gaborik. I will not trash Gaborik for his play, because I would rather have him then be without him, but he needs to produce. The Rangers are in too much of a slide for him to be riding the mediocrity train. The goals are there, but the Rangers need his expertise to provide that extra jump in their offensive firepower now and then.

In all, the Rangers need to pull it together quickly, otherwise the trials to get to the playoffs can be perilous if they do not pick their play up.