MSG play-by-play man Sam Rosen talks about the Rangers’ Stanley Cup chances as they head into a pivotal trade deadline with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Can the Rangers pick up where they left off before the break?
A: The team had a good six-week run of very consistent hockey. They were improving, there was good balance on the lines, good chemistry. The (Michael) Del Zotto trade — he just didn’t seem to fit in with what Alain Vigneault was looking to do — I think now they have pretty good balance defensively. Vigneault really liked his offensive lines. Now with the injury to Mats Zuccarello, they’ll have to change some things up and hopefully that doesn’t hurt them.
Q: As constituted, are the Rangers Stanley Cup contenders?
A: I think they have the talent to be a threat. They don’t have a tremendous amount of depth, so if they lost a key player for long periods of time that would hurt their chances. But if all things fall into place, this team can be a threat in the Eastern Conference without a doubt. They match up well and all the parts are in place for this to be a dangerous team.
Q: And that’s dependent on the Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi trade situation?
A: When you look at both players they fit this team very, very well. They’ve grown up with this team and been a part of the fabric of this group. I know they want to be Rangers and the Rangers want them. Hopefully they can find a common ground and work it out, so the team can stay together.
Q: Do you think Henrik Lundqvist can keep the momentum after his silver-medal performance in Sochi?
A: He’s come back with a very positive attitude. Sure, there was disappointment in not winning the gold, but Sweden worked very hard to win that silver medal and Henrik is part of that. He played very, very well and (it’s) no embarrassment losing to a great Canadian team. He’s got the silver. Now I think he’d love to win a Stanley Cup.
Q: Did it just take some time for the team to adjust to Vigneault?
A: The attitude and atmosphere around the team has been very, very positive. He gets his message across and the players know what their roles are, but he is not heavy-handed in any way and I think there’s a real good atmosphere around the team and in the locker room. They’ve grown to understand him and what he wants, and he’s demanding in his own way.