Even after the Rangers beat the Bruins on Thursday night and ended their losing streak at four, the hole they have to crawl out of to get back into the playoff picture is no joke.
But if the Blueshirts are looking for reasons for optimism that they can turn around a wayward 2024-25 season, all they have to do is look to their team for hope. All you have to do is aim.
Current goaltender Jonathan Quick was part of the 2012 Stanley Cup champion Kings team that used a miraculous last month-and-a-half run to sneak into the playoffs and then go on to win the Cup as the No. 8 seed. obtained.
“It's definitely believable,” defenseman Braden Schneider told the Post after Friday's practice. “It means a lot to know that he was there and did it and made it all the way to the end. It's huge to know that everyone in this room still believes in what we're doing and our group. I think so.
“Certainly, having guys who have been there and done it is a big motivator as well.”
The Rangers still have more than half the season left and may still be able to find a way out of the Metro basement, especially considering they play two of the division's best teams in the next four contests. , it is by no means an easy task.
Still, given the situation the Kings were in in 2012, Quick's experience offers some hope.
Los Angeles was sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference, two spots away from making the playoffs with a month left.
The Kings won the final 19 games of the regular season with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws to advance to the playoffs. The stagnant offense finally started to heat up, and the quicks and defense continued to be the pride of Los Angeles.
Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 11th against the New Jersey Devils.
In Los Angeles in 2012. AP
The Rangers are five points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference heading into Saturday's game against the Capitals, and Quick will take over most of the workload with Igor and in net to keep the Blueshirts afloat. It will play a big role in the top. Shesterkin is currently on injured reserve.
Quick made several crucial saves on the ice at Madison Square Garden, helping the Rangers to a 2-1 victory over Boston.
“When Jonathan goes in net, for the way he plays, for what he did for us and for what he did throughout his career,” Rangers manager Peter Laviolette said. “I think he has a lot of confidence,” he said of Quick's influence. As a team. “He's a top-end goalie and he came here and played great for us. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Thursday's win not only validated Quick's accomplishments as he made 32 saves for the 399th win of his career, but also helped lead the Blueshirts to a “big win.”
“It gives you confidence and it helps you know that you can win games,” Schneider said.
The Rangers looked a little slack in Friday's practice after losing four straight, but their confidence was showing, and coach Schneider noted that the team is trying to keep the fun of the game, and that's due to Ravi. Coach Olet said it was something they had talked about trying at the end of last month. To help get the Blueshirts back on track.
But the biggest takeaway Friday for the Rangers bench boss was making sure the momentum from the win over Boston carried over into Saturday's game against the Caps.
“We have to build on it,” Laviolette said. “It was a win. It's over. Now we're off to the game against Washington.”
