Game Face

They were one of the hottest teams in the league before the weekend. But now the Rangers have cooled off with two straight losses — and the cool-off comes at a pretty bad time.

Still trying to make a run at the Devils for the Atlantic Division lead, the Rangers (37-26-9) face a schedule that’s chock full of tough divisional games.

The Blueshirts, who’ve dropped two straight after a 13-game point streak, close out their schedule with 10 games against Atlantic Division rivals. Despite their recent impressive play, a significant slide here could easily knock the Rangers out of the playoffs contention.

The Rangers are currently sixth the Eastern Conference, but just four points ahead of ninth-place Buffalo.

This week could prove to be the test as the Blueshirts take on second-place Pittsburgh on Tuesday, followed by a showdown with the red-hot Devils on Wednesday.

The Pens have won four of five, while the Devils have won five of six and lead the Eastern Conference with 90 points.

Starting Friday, the Rangers play two straight against the Philadelphia Flyers, who trail the Rangers by just three points.

“We give an effort like this, this is what happens,” Rangers center Scott Gomez told the AP after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay (29-35-8). “Everyone should be pretty upset with themselves, but in saying that, we know what type of team we are. We can’t dwell on this.”
— Pete Catapano