Can the Rangers make the playoffs this year

The New York Rangers missed the playoffs last year with 85 points. Fans are wondering: can the Rangers make the playoffs this season? The answer is yes, but it won't be easy. With a new head coach and some real improvements needed, the Rangers have a genuine shot at getting back to postseason hockey.

What the numbers say about their playoff chances

Betting odds currently favor the Rangers missing the playoffs. Their playoff odds sit around +105 to +110, meaning slightly better odds exist to miss the postseason at -125 to -130. Think of it as nearly a coin flip. MoneyPuck gives the Rangers a 44.7% chance to make the playoffs, which is competitive, but far from certain.

Most experts predict the Rangers will finish with around 93 points. That number should be enough to sneak into the playoffs as a lower Wild Card seed. Last year they fell short. This year the math works in their favor if they play consistently.

How Mike Sullivan could change everything

New head coach Mike Sullivan brings serious experience from his successful Pittsburgh days. He knows how to build winning teams (and he's done it before, so that's a good sign). The Rangers' biggest weakness last season was defense, and Sullivan specializes in tightening that up. If the Rangers improve their defensive play, their offensive talent becomes truly dangerious.

The team has the scorers to compete. They just need to prevent goals better. Sullivan's defensive systems worked in Pittsburgh for years, which shows he understands what it takes to win consistently. Rangers fans should watch how quickly he implements these strategies during the first few months.

The Rangers have a realistic path to the postseason. They sit right on the playoff bubble, meaning every game matters. Over the next few months, keep your eye on defensive improvements and injury reports (because injuries can really derail a season). Small changes could push them past teams fighting for the same Wild Card spots.

The bounce-back is possible. Whether they actually achieve it depends on execution and staying healthy. Rangers hockey should be worth following closely this season.