Why an unlikely Rangers playoff appearance would be so illuminating

Do you know why it would be so beneficial for the Rangers to make the playoffs? Because then we would have another year of evidence to examine in determining whether the style of play favored by their top six can succeed in the postseason.

All of the data and all of the eye-tests from last August’s misadventure under the bubble against Carolina combine to produce great skepticism that this east-west, pass-happy, talent-based approach that produces intermittent great bursts throughout the regular season can pass muster in tournament play. Ryan Strome, who has emerged as one of the league’s most productive centers since hooking up with Artemi Panarin at the start of last season, pretty much threw down the gauntlet on Thursday following the Rangers’ overtime victory in Buffalo.