Tuesday, January 8, 2008

50 Points in 40 Games to Make Playoffs

According to Steve Zipay at Blue Notes, Tom Renney said to make the playoffs this year teams will need 94 to 96 points...

"Last year around this time, Tom Renney predicted 92 or 93 points would be needed to clinch a playoff spot. Today, when I asked the Rangers coach that same question, he upped the ante. Last year the Rangers collected 94 for sixth, the Islanders grabbed the eighth spot in the East with 92.

'You're looking at 94, 96 points to get in, I think,' said Renney. 'The map is there. But we'd love to do more than just make the playoffs.'

With 40 games to play, the Rangers would need 50 of a possible 80 points to reach 95. That's 25-15, five wins or 10 points out of every eight games. Certainly doable; after Ottawa, the East doesn't have a dominant club. Naturally, injuries and trades might tip the scales. But home wins in a 20-here, 20-away finish will be very, very important..."

...after 42 games the Rangers have 45 points, last year after 42 games the Rangers had 46 points. We all know the push the Rangers needed to get into the playoffs last year. Let's hope they can turn it around before March so it will be a little bit easier this year.

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