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Why a fast start is crucial for the Rangers

The last two seasons, the New York Rangers have followed the same script. A slow start followed by a hot finish. The end result? Missing the playoffs both years (though they did make the Stanley Cup Qualifier in 2020).

We all know about the Thanksgiving rule that says that teams in playoff position on Thanksgiving will make the playoffs. It’s a pretty solid assumption with four out of five teams in playoff position on turkey day making the postseason since 2000 when the league went to 30 teams. The last time the NHL played on Thanksgiving Day was in 2019 and the Rangers were five points out of the last wild card spot.