There is more on the line today than just first place in the Atlantic Division. There is more on the line than two points in the standing.
What the Rangers need to do today is march into Philadelphia and show themselves and everyone else that they can step up and beat the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. That doesn't mean just "competing". Competing is what they did in their last two meetings against the Flyers, where they lost in overtime.
The Blueshirts have shown that they are good enough to toy with the lesser teams in the league like the Penguins and the Islanders. They have shown that they have turned the tides in their rivalry with the Devils. What they have not shown is that they are the same level with the Senators, Hurricanes, Sabres and Flyers.
As Pat Reichart of the Post points out, and as I pointed out a few days ago, the Rangers are only 2-4-2 against those top teams. This evening, and then back at home on Wednesday against Ottawa, the old "measuring stick" comes out. By then we should know where this team REALLY stands (or sits).
The Journal News: Back in October, when riding the bus to Philadelphia to open the season against the Flyers, did the Rangers' coach ever envision the two teams would be playing for first place four months later? Even in pausing, Renney said plenty. "I would hope we'd have been in the mix for a playoff spot," he eventually said. "It's become a fact now where we believe we can compete with anyone in this league going forward. That said, back then it wasn't likely that we'd be fighting for our divisional title."
NY Newsday: Renney realizes the importance of Saturday's matchup, but win or lose, 27 more games remain. "They're all big for us," he said. "We realize that there's some very good teams we're going to have to face, and we've won zero, outside of maybe some respect."
Someone mentioned to me that there is another big sporting event going on this weekend. That might explain the light coverage for the Rangers.
The Rodent has discovered yet another new stat thingy that we need to keep or eyes on.
Bird talks about the team's toughness in the latest Birdcage.
Today, it is another "biggest game of the year" as the Rangers roll into Philadelphia tied with the Flyers for first place in the Atlantic Division. The puck drops at 5:00 pm EST. Enjoy the game.
HDH
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