Usually around this time of year we are looking forward to the end of the season, anticipating who we could get rid of and what free agents might be available. As this season winds down and we enter into the final week of play, the Rangers have significantly different concerns.

For one, the Atlantic Division is still up for grabs. The Flyers sit five points behind the Blueshirts with five games to play. The Magic Number remains at five, but could improve tonight with a win over the Isles. Philly, meanwhile, will face the lowly Penguins at home.

There are also some injury concerns to deal with. Steve Rucchin is out with his broken toe, and Darius Kasparaitis is resting his groin. Henrik Lundqvist will most likely stay out to heal his hip-flexor strain, and Tom Poti will be a game-time decision. Martin Rucinsky says he could return for the playoffs, but he would probably miss the first round.

Ryan Hollweg's play is a topic of debate among fans. Andrew Gross of the Journal News points out that the coaching staff wants him to play his game within the rules, but Sherry Ross of the News writes that Hollweg remains unapologetic.

I know it is useless to complain about the coverage the Rangers receive here in NY, but I would just like to say "Screw the New York Post". They have about six or seven articles in today's paper about the 2-4 Yankees' home opener, yet they can only manage to fit in one catch-all piece from Even Grossman on tonight's game. This is the surprise team of ALL New York sports this year, on the verge of capturing a Division title when they were predicted to be last, with Jagr setting all kind of team records and sure to be named the league's Most Valuable Player, and that's all they get? Larry should be ashamed.

Stevie Zip looks at some playoff possibilities. I am starting to agree with Leedsy, that Steve is becoming the best, and most consistent, beat writer in town.

Gabe has a new Fact or Fiction, and he says 'Bring on the Devs".

Do you guys give a crap about the cheerleaders' lawsuit? I don't. I am glad they got rid of them.

In some prospect news, Marc Staal's team fell behind 3-0 in their second round playoff series. They could be eliminated tonight. If that happens, expect Staal to spend some time with the big club, or at least the Pack.

Around the league:

Alexander Ovechkin continues to soar, becoming only the sixth rookie to reach 100 points . . . The Mighty Ducks became the latest team to clinch a playoff berth with a 4-2 win over the Canucks . . . Nashville Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun will miss the remainder of the season to deal with blood clots . . . The Senators got some good news in that Martin Havlat could return to the team this Saturday . . . Former Ranger and current L.A. King Luc Robitaille will call it quits at the end of this season.

So, amid very little fanfare, the Blueshirts will try to move closer to the Atlantic crown and home ice advantage in the Stanley Cup playoffs. That, and Johnny Damon is excited to be a Yankee . . . and a millionaire.

The puck drops at 7:00 pm EST. You know, I have been saying that all year, and really the puck never drops at 7:00 pm. It's more like 7:07.

HDH

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