New York Rangers have something that is starting to build

Alexandar Georgiev, New York Rangers. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Alexandar Georgiev, New York Rangers. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The New York Rangers may have a poor record on paper, but even so, watching them is clear evidence that something is starting to come together.

28-28-13 (at time of this writing) is not anywhere near a great record on paper. If you take that record in a vacuum it’s easy to say that the New York Rangers have had a very bad season. They are 13th in the Eastern Conference and more than a long way out of a playoff spot.

That would be a short-sighted view of this team. Watch them on the ice. Clearly something is building. They are becoming a team that doesn’t stop fighting and is tough to beat night in and night out.

Aside from leading the league in one goal games, notice some of the teams they have been able to stay with. They recently lost by a goal in a shootout to the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

Last week, three of their four losses were in one goal games.

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The Rangers haven’t lost by more than three goals since February. Since February 21 they have lost by no more than two goals.

It’s hard not to be impressed by a team as young as the Rangers putting together a streak like that.

Alexandar Georgiev has been very solid of late. In four of his last five starts he has made at least 25 saves.

There will come a time when he is an excellent number one goalie, be it here or with another franchise.

Henrik Lundqvist has been over .900 save percentage in four of his last five starts. It’s a shame they won’t be able to get him his cup.

At least they probably won’t.

One particular young player that has looked good as of late is Brendan Lemieux. On March 11 against the Oilers he put up a goal and an assist, and has four points in his last five games.

That take down in the fight the other night was pretty solid as well. I’m not afraid to admit that I felt that way.

Hockey fights are fun! (big cheesy grin)

But seriously, the players from Jimmy Vesey right on down to Connor Brickley are all starting to play really well. They are also starting to believe in the system of David Quinn, and it’s resulting in closer games.

Next. Rangers must keep cleaning house. dark

Now are they near a playoff team? Heck no. They need at least one more scorer. They also need to get better at controlling the puck in the neutral zone. But the point is they are getting there.

This rebuild we were sold on is working. Stay patient.