The Rangers’ regression in the past couple weeks — due to the trades of left wing Carl Hagelin and backup goalie Cam Talbot for no meaningful, immediately helpful return — doesn’t mean by itself that the Blueshirts won’t again be right there in contention for a division title come next spring.
The Presidents’ Trophy winners still have one of the best coaches in the league, one of the best goalies in the league, one of the best defenses in the league, and talent up front led by top goal scorer Rick Nash and leading postseason gamesman Derick Brassard at center.