The Most Complete Analysis Of The Rangers Season Is Intense

Will the Rangers make the playoffs?

The Athletic put the question to nine reputable NHL people – four executives, three agents and two longtime NHL coaches – and got the following answers:

Yes: 4 and No: 5.

This was part of an extensive Blueshirt X-Ray by writers Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh.

Other questions dealt with coaching, managing, "The First Thing You Would Fix" and trades; among other significant topics.

Like the "Making The Playoffs" question, the answers were varied and always fascinating. As for playoffs, it's pointed out that the Rangers "still are under 35 percent to reach the postseason."

And that so much depends on Igor Shesterkin's ability to carry the team.

Another subject dealt with repairing the flaws. One observer noted, "Their turnovers are outrageous." Others focused on team defense and D-zone play.

Trades? Almost everyone pointed at Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. K'Andre Miller got a vote with a comment, "I think he could bring back a nice return."

When it came to Peter Laviolette's stewardship, there were two emphatic "nos" – as in fire the guy. But a lot of praise also was given on the other side. Chris Drury also received a mostly favorable response.

One critic said, "Drury has more scars on him in the last three months than in his tenure up to that point. But the real heavy lift begins now."

As for the "Rebuild or Not" issue, the feeling was that a rebuild is not the answer. "They have Shesterkin in the net," said one "and Adam Fox on the first defense pair as well as plenty of skill up front. Maybe a 'Re-tool."

Since The Athletic didn't ask The Maven any of the questions, I'll give you my answers right here and now.

1. WILL THE RANGERS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? Yes, They have too much talent not to make it, and enough time to reach the postseason.

2 WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD FIX? I would talk Jonathan Toews into making his comeback in New York.

3. WHO WOULD YOU PRIORITIZE TRADING? If there are buyers, Zibanejad, Kreider and Lindgren.

4. IS LAVIOLETTE THE RIGHT COACH? Yes. The players do like him but his problems have been extraneous such as The rouba Follies.

5. IS DRURY THE RIGHT GENERAL MANAGER? No. But a mid-season change won't happen. If they do miss the playoffs, he's history.

6. DO THE RANGERS NEED A FULL REBUILD? Absolutely not. The young core on the squad has performed well. Plus, prospects such as Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, Drew Fortescue and Noah Laba all have NHL written all over them.

BOTTOM LINE: What we've learned from this Rangers Squad is to expect the unexpected. This much is certain; they must make the playoffs – or bust!