Shared goaltending duties

Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been that future hall of fame goalie we’ve been accustomed to. A porous .906 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average details that notion.

The man has been solid as of late, and it’s been much welcomed with Antti Raanta out with a lower-body injury.

When the Rangers return from the all-star break next week, a 50/50 split should ensue.

Rest both Hank and Raanta. There’s no reason to overwork either. Keep both fresh until the real season starts in a month and a half. This will help New York not overtake the Pens for third in the Metro while maintaining that comfy lead over the No. 2 wild card. 

Many would say this entire theory is flawed. Competitors wouldn’t hear of it, and, quite frankly, they’re right.

The last thing competitors are looking to do is to strategically position themselves for a cushier slot for future play. They go out and look to win every game.

However, when the realistic onlooker takes a peek, he/she understands this team isn’t good enough to take on the world.

The blueline, the overall toughness and the defensive structure of this club is flawed. In no way, shape or form can they believe that bullying the competition towards kings of the Metro division will equal success when it matters most.

Even if they could, somehow, finish first in the division, how in the world would they get out of the first two rounds of the playoffs?

It’s just not the smart play.

Thanks to the ridiculous new playoff setup, finishing fourth in the division and taking on the Montreal Canadiens followed by any one of the the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins or Philadephia Flyers in the second round i, obviously the best bet.

Don’t worry Rangers fans, your team is exactly where success is most likely to come from … fourth in the Metro.