Is It Too Early To Plan The Parade?

With the Rangers now with a winning streak in the month of December, we can now start planning the parade, eh?

Miracle on 34th St?

The Rangers have proved that they are capable of stringing together wins, no matter how ugly the win.  The team is starting to show chemistry that is not only evident in the top 2 lines, but has trickled down to the 3^rd line.  With the Rangers have 3 lines clicking, things are starting to flow for the team. Guys like Sean Avery (mark this on your calendars, folks, this is the second time I mention how impressed I am of him. Especially you, @TheNYRBlog!), have shown that they can contribute to the team.  Avery has impressed me as of lately (gasp!) with his smart play (double gasp!) and ability to draw a penalty or two.  Avery also earned bonus points for netting 3 goals in the 12 games since he’s been back up (triple gasp!).  Gaborik has found his legs, and has used them to help create plays and draw penalties as well.  He has also managed to rifle off 95 shots on goal.  Impressive. Richards is showing why he was so sought after this past off-season, leading the team with 22 points, making beautiful passes, creating opportunity and inspiring the young guys. Girardi has been a BEAST on D, soaking up oodles of minutes while awaiting the return of Staal.  McDonagh is an amazing +12.  Young guys Hagelin and Mitchell have made the transition to the Rangers almost seamlessly. Lundqvist and Biron, have had their ups and downs, but together they have proved to be integral parts to the team. Lundqvist and Biron have admirable save percentages so far: .932 and .930 respectively.

"I found my legs, Richie!" 

Now, with all the rainbows and unicorns out of the way, there are some “disappointing” sides to the Rangers.  One glaring one is the lackluster performance of Brandon Dubinsky.  While he has not sat a game, he has not produced as well as many have anticipated. He has one goal and 10 assists, which is a far cry from his 23goal 30 assist season of yesteryear.  There’s also the missing D-man, Marc Staal.  During the beginning of the season, reports on Staal were few and far between, and those that were given were far beyond vague.  But there has been a glimmer of hope when it was announced that Staal has begun skating. Eric Christensen showed that as quickly as you land a roster spot, you can have it yanked out from under you in record time by not playing a solid game, banking on the game going to a shoot out, and then completely failing at a shootout attempt. Sure fire way to get yourself a nice comfy seat in the press box.

Right now, the Rangers find themselves sitting in the #4 slot in the Eastern conference a little over a quarter of the way into the season. With 59 games remaining, if they continue at this pace they have the ability to make the playoffs once again.  I’ll hold off on planning the parade route. For now.