This #NYR squad, ahead of schedule at 1st in East, deserved chance at a run this spring intact. Fall short of ECF? Adjust in summer.

— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) February 27, 2012

My honest opinion is that this Rangers team has overachieved and found a way to win many games because of Henrik Lundqvist and a few timely goals. I expected the Rangers to have a good season and be close to the race in the Atlantic Division, like the Pens, Flyers and Devils are, but finish in sixth place. Good teams find ways to win and the Rangers are a good team, but I certainly didn’t expect them to be contenders like they are now until next season.

This group of players has mostly been the same for the last few years and deserves the chance to make it’s run in the playoffs. If they don’t win, I would expect a couple of subtractions, some additions, and a more forceful Rangers team next season that will make a serious run to bring the cup back.