LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Matt Luff #64 of the Los Angeles Kings pushes Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers into the boards during the first period at the Staples Center on December 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Bruce Bennett
LOS ANGELES – As improbable as it may have seemed before the season started, a look at the NHL standings today would show that, 30 games into the season, the still-rebuilding Rangers are absolutely in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot. And this four-game Western trip, which got off to such a fabulous start with a stunning and complete victory Sunday evening in Las Vegas, could provide a big boost to their hopes of making the postseason.