The red hot Rangers have managed thus far to stay on pace of meeting the lofty expectations of a first place finish in the Eastern Conference. They have ridden the number one offense in the SHL to an 11 game unbeaten streak which was snapped just last night with a 2-1 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. Whats even more impressive is that you would have to go back 16 games to find that last time that the Rangers were beaten in regulation time. The Rangers will look to extend that number tonight when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers who are only 4 points behind for the division lead.

One of the biggest reasons for the Rangers success thus far, is the emergence of John Carlson as one of the leagues elite powerplay quarterbacks and playmakers. In a lineup that consists of names like Shea Weber and Roman Josi, the often overlooked Carlson has made a statement, leading the league in assists and quickly building a case as the front runner for Norris trophy.

Another major factor to the Rangers offense is the play of under rated free agent signing Jiri Hudler, who currently leads the team in points, is tied for the team lead in goals scored, and is 3rd on the team in assists. With names like Tarasenko, Backes, Simmonds and Plekanec, Hudler was a long shot at the beginning of the season to lead this team in offensive production and was seen more as an inexpensive addition to round out the top two lines. The only thing the Rangers regret about his signing is that it wasn’t for a longer term.

The final contributing factor to the Rangers success has been the outstanding play of goaltender Jonathan Quick. Quick has spent most of the season flirting with a sub 2.05 GAA and a .920 SV%. That is a big improvement on the 2.50 GAA and the .914 SV% he posted last season. Whats more impressive is in the massive improvement in his conditioning and stamina. As we approach the half way point of the season, Quick has appeared in all but 3 of the Rangers games and currents sits 4th in the league in minutes played. He is also tied for 1st in shutouts with 6.