Truth is, I don't think it really matters. You could make the case you rather finish right where the Rangers sit currently, the 2nd WC spot. Finishing in the 2nd WC spot means you play the Caps. Then if you win that series, you play the winner of the NJ/Carolina series. If you move to the 1st WC spot, which is currently held by the Sens, you will play the Panthers most likely, outside shot you play the Lightning or Leafs if either passes the Panthers (unlikely). Then if you win that series, you play the winner of the Toronto/TB series. If you move to 3rd in the Met, which is currently held by the Devs, you will play the Canes. Then if you win that series, you play the winner of the 2nd WC/Caps series. Most likely the Rangers lose to any of those teams if they even get in, but given the circumstances, if you had the choice, I think you would say give me the 2nd WC, play the Caps in the 1st round, and stay in the Metro bracket.
The Craps don't want the Rangers. One, with Rempe and the new guys they won't push them around. Two, Wilson is a simple minded moron who can't control his temper against the Rangers. Three, psychologically they are destroyed by the Rangers as they lose to them constantly in the playoffs.
First things first, the Rangers need to play well to even get in, but if they do, I'd give them a punchers chance against the Caps, and when you are the last team in, that's all you can ask for. If they played the Panthers for example, I'd give them just about no chance. And I would agree about the Caps. I am sure they much rather play Montreal, CBJ, or Detroit over the Rangers.
Chytil got crushed from behind last night, and it didn't look good for him. In all too familiar scene, Filip Chytil was helped off the ice Saturday night in Vancouver after taking a blindside hit and sustaining a possible injury. Considering Chytil’s history of head injuries and concussions, it was frightening to watch him get run from behind along the boards late in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks. It's a real shame, but it's another reason the Miller trade was a strong move, the Rangers simply didn't give up much to get him. Chytil is a huge risk to be done for a long time every time he takes a hit, especially a bad/cheap one like last night.
