The Rangers are welcoming Chicago to New York tonight in a battle for lottery positioning. The Hawks are at 41 points (16 ROW) in 48 GP, and the Rangers are at 45 points (14 ROW) in 46 GP. In theory, a Hawks win in regulation gives the Rangers hope they can pass them in points by the end of the season. That’s just the fan view of things, though. The players aren’t going to tank.
Mats Zuccarello is on a tear right now, padding that trade value. Chris Kreider is on his way to 30 goals.