I’m not thrilled that the Rangers’ season is coming down to praying for a make-the-playoffs miracle. It wasn’t supposed to be like this this season. However, the Blueshirts left too many points on the ice all season, losing to sub-par teams with regularity. And with each loss and tie, our hockey hearts ached, and no amount of beer could soothe the pain. This Rangers’ team lacked a killer instinct all season. It seemed that for many parts of this campaign, they played for a tie instead of challenging for a victory. Oh, I’ve heard THE excuse – they didn’t have a natural scorer in the bunch; what would you expect them to do? Hogwash. Their defense was improved; King Henrik was in goal; and yet, no one could light the lamp.

All Rangers’ fans had the hope with Coach Tortorella took over in February, the team would take on their coach’s attitude and play a faster, grittier hockey style. At times, they showed flashes. And in those flashes, the memories of the start of the season flashed in our heads.

But still, there are too many games like last night in Carolina. Oh, I know, the Hurricanes are playing out-of-their mind hockey, winning nearly every game they play. Yet, during phases of last night’s game, the Rangers looked lost. Memories of pre-Tortorella came back. My head hurt watching them skate around in that Third Period. I can only wonder what was going through Coach’s mind because to the casual and diehard fan, the team didn’t look very good. It was almost like they weren’t playing to win; they were playing not to lose. And when you play a type of “prevent” hockey, you end up losing because the other team wants to win. Especially the Hurricanes, who have been winning.

The Rangers are hanging onto their current playoff seeding by a string.

At the start of the season, Rangers’ fans had hopes of contending for the Cup. Making the playoffs was a given in our minds.

Now we lament what could have been.

Sadly, it appears only a matter of time before the off-season begins.