With the regular season winding down, the odds that the New York Rangers will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season are strong.

Even after last night's win over Buffalo, their chance to qualify in the East Division is hovering around the single digits, and that feels about right. For all the strengths on that roster, this was never a team that seemed like it could meaningfully compete with the four clubs that have appeared locked into playoff spots since the season began.

Which is fine. Last year's flirtation with relevance was, not unlike Taylor Hall's MVP season a quick PATH train ride away, mostly driven by an elite talent taking the entire season by the scruff of the neck. If it provided some false hope, well, it ultimately didn't matter and another high-ish pick wouldn't be t