New York Rangers Ignore Trade Talks, Beat Detroit to Start Playoff Push

New York Rangers
Dec 23, 2019; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (17) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have had to endure a bunch of trade news that is swirling around their team. It could easily have been too much of distraction coming off a nine-day all-star/bye break, but it wasn’t. On Friday night, the Blueshirts subdued the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 to get things rolling on a playoff push that may influence what the Rangers due before the Feb 24 trade deadline.

New York Rangers Trade Update

During TSN’s “Insider Trading” on Thursday, The Athletics’ Pierre LeBrun noted that there are at least eight teams interested in Chris Kreider but the Rangers asking price, for now, is steep. LeBrun feels that it will take an NHL caliber player and a number one pick to land him. Kreider did nothing to discourage suitors Friday night as he tallied a goal and an assist. Alexandar Georgiev is also been mentioned recently, as he appears to be the odd man out in the Rangers’ three goalie situation. The Toronto Maple Leafs has been mentioned for a while but recently the San Jose Sharks have entered the rumor mill as they try to address their weak goaltender situation. A likely player the Sharks would give that would interest the Rangers is Kevin LeBlanc. The Brooklyn born native is in the midst of a down year after breaking out last season. However, LeBlanc is young, cheap, and controllable and he fits the mold of a player the Rangers are looking for.

The New York Rangers have a big stretch of games coming up

Following tonights win, the Blueshirts have a quick turnaround and will face the Red Wings in Detroit on Saturday night. After that, the Rangers have four straight games at home against Dallas, Toronto, Buffalo, and Los Angeles. Not that they necessarily have to, but all of these games are winnable. Dallas will be the most interesting game of the bunch, as the Stars are currently setting in third place in the Central Division, hoping to hold off a few hard-charging teams that want to steal their playoff position.