Rangers can't overcome Devils'...

NOVARK - The Rangers are no strangers to this situation—being eliminated from a postseason series. After all, they avoided elimination five times in the previous season on their way to an exciting and somewhat unexpected journey to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, now that they have been forced to the edge of a cliff, everything is different. They are already down three games to two in the best-of-seven first-round series after being blanketed by Akira Schmid and the Devils in Game 5 on Thursday night at the Rock, 4-0. However, it feels different because the expectations are much, much higher based on the Rangers' last season, their talented roster, and the significant trades they made for Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko prior to the trade deadline. NOVARK - The Rangers have experienced being eliminated from postseason series before. Because of their thrilling and somewhat surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals the season before, they managed to avoid elimination five times. Everything has changed now that they have been pushed to the precipice, though. They were thoroughly outplayed by Akira Schmid and the Devils in Game 5 on Thursday night at the Rock, falling behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven first-round series. The Rangers' successful season last year, their excellent roster, and the huge transactions they made to acquire Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko before to the trade deadline have raised expectations significantly, which is why it feels different. Rangers, what will it be then? Remember when they were cruising in this series after trouncing New Jersey twice by identical 5-1 scores in the first two games? A quiet departure after a great start. Or a last-ditch effort from a squad that has lost three straight games, including one in Game 4 with a subpar level of effort? Chris Kreider, the offensive catalyst for the Rangers' first two victories, remarked, "Gotta win one game." We've had a great fan base the entire year, but we disappointed both them and ourselves at home. Therefore, it is up to us to arrive and play the way we want to play as soon as the puck is dropped. However, the Devils earned all the remaining points, including a goal by Dawson Mercer while the team was shorthanded that prevented the Rangers from benefiting from a power play. The Rangers must now rely on their own efforts. If they are unable to, their season will finish, maybe on Saturday night on Broadway. No matter what happens with the penalties or bounces, Kreider said, "We've got to play a no-doubter the next game." "We need to position ourselves to win one hockey game." We've been in this predicament much too often. Win one hockey game, then. a home. in front of our devoted supporters from the previous year. Show up for them and for one another.