The defensive New York Rangers can go far in the NHL playoffs

Henrik Lundqvist

The New York Rangers are trying to keep the eighth spot from the Hurricanes who are behind by four points. The Rangers are likely to make it into the playoffs and be victorious in the first round against the Capitals who they have beaten four times in the six game regular season series . They are a low scoring team but make up for it on defense. They are fifth in the NHL in goals against averaging and fourth in shot blocking. The Rangers are lead by Swedish goaltender Henrik Lundqvist who has 2.77 GAA and 1766 saves. He is a force on the team and steps up when the team needs him to.

The Rangers lack of scoring is a problem.The team presses on defense then scores on turnovers. Low scoring will give them problems in tight post season games. Also, they will struggle playing nearly every game away. They are an eighth seed which takes away their home court advantage and lead them into hostile crowds as visitors.

Center Brandon Dubinsky needs to score and pass the puck to keep the Rangers winning. They have to keep the strong defense they have played for all of the season. Their defense will be a problem for high scoring teams. Despite their troubles on offense, the Rangers have a big chance this season after their absence from last  year's playoffs.