NHL Midseason Shockers: Which Teams Are Soaring and Which Are Stumbling as Playoffs Loom?
New York Rangers: F
The Rangers are the only team in the Eastern Conference under .500. They are coming off a 10-2 loss to Boston, a blown two-goal lead to Seattle and an 8-4 loss to the Senators. It’s only January, and Chris Drury already sent out a letter to fans that they’ll be sellers. Perhaps this shouldn’t be a total surprise given the team’s aging core, but it’s hard to be charitable with the midseason grade. — Peter Baugh
Ottawa Senators: D+
It’s a harsh grade for a team that’s done so many things right. Its underlying metrics at five-on-five are among the league’s best. The Senators’ best offensive players, including Tim Stützle, have done their part. Jake Sanderson continues to emerge as one of the best two-way defenders. But goaltending has them in the Eastern Conference’s basement. And with their chances of making the playoffs plummeting in recent weeks, they risk slipping in their growth trajectory with this core. — Julian McKenzie
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