The New York Rangers finished what has to be rated, a successful home and home series with  a  2-1 shootout loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh last night. Gaining 3 of a possible 4 points was huge for their playoff hopes that a week ago looked near cooked. Bouyed by the two recent Sather trades, and a new confidence and swagger, the Rangers battled until the final whistle  looking for the sweep. In a game highlighted by Kunitz and Cooke cheap stickwork, the Rangers showed a resolve lacking all season out shooting the Penguins 35 – 27.

With the addition of the hard earned point the Rangers find themselves only four points back of the fifth place Maple Leafs and the sixth place Senators. Tonight finds the Rangers in Carolina followed by a home and home match up with the suprising Toronto Maple Leafs, as the must win schedule continues. The Rangers now find themselves firmly in control of their own playoff hopes and opportunities to move up a couple of spots in the final standings. 

With the recent trade deadline acquisitions, and Lundqvist on top of his game, the Rangers have found a spark missing all season, and Fans have found optimism the teams foot is finally, firmly on the gas, for the final leg of the playoff journey..