GREENBURGH, N.Y. — The Rangers, who have reached the Eastern Conference finals three of the past four seasons, seem to be at a crossroads.
Their top players are fully aware of the team’s precarious and fragile state: A 5-11-2 record in their last 18 games has left them too near the cutoff line for playoff spots. The schedule is not doing the Rangers any favors as they will face the Western Conference-leading Dallas Stars on Tuesday followed by the East-leading Washington Capitals on Saturday. Next week brings the Boston Bruins and a visit to the Islanders in Brooklyn.