NBC sports analyst and former Rangers center Eddie Olczyk tells The Post’s Justin Terranova the Blueshirts have a chance to make a run in the postseason.
Q: If you are a top seed, would you not want to see the Rangers in the first round?
A: The way they defend and one of the best goaltenders (Henrik Lundqvist) in the league it’s a pretty dangerous combination. They are dangerous because of the way they can compete. I don’t know if they are defending as well as they did last year because it’s a much different team in a lot of dynamics except for the guy in goal.
Q: Do you think they could be this year’s Kings?
A: Once you get in there everyone’s got the clean slate and everyone feels good about themselves. The Rangers are going to be in every game; it doesn’t matter who you play. I look at the Rangers as one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference regardless of where they finish: first, second, eighth. They have the ability to go on a run and get out of the Eastern Conference.
Q: Who are the other two?
A: Pittsburgh and Boston. But if the Penguins are without (Sidney) Crosby, it’s a huge hit to their chances, I don’t care who else is healthy. They are deep, they can score, they are defending much better. You add Sid to that lineup and they are certainly the team to beat, but that’s a huge hole not to have in the playoffs.
Q: Do you think the Islanders are capable of making a deep run?
A: It all comes down to matchups, but they have that ability. They are a quick team, they are a real exciting team to watch. They are getting great goaltending and that’s the key. Evgeni Nabokov has given them a chance and John Tavares has emerged as a superstar in the league.
Q: And the Blackhawks are clear favorites in the West?
A: They are the team to beat for sure. They’ve gotten great goaltending, depth on defense, they are very mobile. (Patrick) Kane and (Jonathan) Toews have had MVP-type seasons, so I don’t think there’s any doubt.