The New York Rangers and the Calgary Flames have very similar records, but came into the season with very different expectations. The Rangers expected to be better, but still a work in progress. The Flames were coming off a 50 win season that garnered them first place in the Pacific Division, followed by a first round playoff loss to Colorado and they expected to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Some could say that the Rangers are overachieving. They have a 19-16-4 record, good for 42 points. They are seven points out of the wild card with a game in hand.