Rangers vs. Flames: Fun But Unhelpful
Winning right now might hurt the tank, but Alexis Lafrenière’s breakout stretch and Gabe Perreault’s growing confidence are giving Rangers fans something they haven’t had much of this year: hope.
- Joe and I recorded the podcast before the game yesterday. In that episode, I called the game against the Calgary Flames—who, at the time, were just a single point ahead (behind?) the New York Rangers for second worst in the league—a "must lose" game. Yes, drubbing the Philadelphia Flyers was fun, because the game was fun, and because seeing the Flyers lose is always fun. But this was a team the Rangers were neck-and-neck with for high draft lottery odds.
- So, dropping the Flames 4-0 was unhelpful in furtherance of the tank. As of this morning, the Rangers now have the fourth-worst record in the NHL. And while it's coming at the cost of the tank, it is good to see some positive things from the Rangers.
- We also discussed this some on the podcast, but what has gotten in to Alexis Lafrenière? He has 15 points in his last 16 games, including seven goals after notching that hat trick last night.
*sort of serious this time*
— Joe Fortunato (@JoeFortunatoBSB) March 11, 2026
Was Panarin holding Lafreniere back? My column …
- We semi-jokingly discussed this on the pod. And now I think I'm regretting not leaning in to it more?
