Rangers hope to return to postseason

By Bud L. Ellis

The New York Rangers hope their 85th season of existence goes much better than the 84th.

The Rangers packed up their skates earlier than usual in 2009-10, missing the playoffs by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference. New York missed the postseason by just one point, finishing with 87 points (Philadelphia and Montreal each finished with 88; both would make the conference finals).

New York played catch-up all season after a tough start, during which the Rangers went 5-8 in October and at one point lost seven out of 10.

One bright spot for the Rangers last season was the play of right winger Marian Gaborik, who led the team in goals (42), assists (44) and points (86). Gaborik will be counted on heavily to help the Rangers turn things around this season.

The Rangers start the season at Buffalo on Oct. 9, and play host to Toronto on Oct. 15 in the home opener.

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Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 8:03 pm by bud

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