J.T Miller News

The time, ladies and gentlemen, is fast approaching. If the New York Rangers ' organization expects to realize the full potential of a host of young and talented players and capitalize on an all-world, in-his-prime goalie in Henrik Lundqvist, John Tortorella , their feisty, brusque, irreverent and stubborn coach, simply must go.

It was a strange and somewhat sad sight. Brad Richards, 32, was on the ice for an optional skate before a back-to-back game, an event generally reserved for fourth-liners, rehabbing players and spares.

It sounded kind of crazy when the words came out of John Tortorella's mouth Saturday -- not that you don't expect the occasional baloney from the Rangers coach.

Chris Kreider spent his 22nd birthday as the last player on the ice at the MSG Training Center, taking shots at an empty net after nearly all of his teammates had begun unlacing their skates in the locker room.

The other day I got an e-mail from a friend asking about my thoughs on the New York Rangers upcoming playoff series against the Washington Capitals .

The New York Rangers were able to use a strong second-half push to secure a trip to the playoffs, and finished the season sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Despite early-season struggles that earned the squad an "overrated" label for much of the season, the team surged through its final stretch of the regular season to solidify a spot in the playoffs.

Ryane Clowe was helped off, appearing to favor his right leg, during the Rangers' first power play at 10:16 of the first period and did not return.

The XL Center was quiet and dark Tuesday morning as Connecticut Whale players reported for their exit interviews with coaches.

When practice drew to a close, Henrik Lundqvist didn't linger for extra work. He skated to the visiting locker room at BB & T Center and began peeling off his equipment.