With a goal and two helpers on Saturday, Gostisbehere snapped a three-game drought, finishing February with five points in five games (and six points over the last eight) after potting five goals in just nine games in January. He already has more goals than he did all of last season, reaching double digits for the sixth time in his career.

When looking at the current state of the New York Rangers, it’s hard to believe that just two seasons ago they won the President’s Trophy by having the best record in the NHL. Last season regression at both ends of the ice – but especially defensively – saw the team slip to barely over .500 and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.

The Seattle Kraken surprised everyone when they racked up 100 points and made the playoffs in their second season in 2022-23, but it’s been downhill since… until this season, that is.

After a down season in 2023-24, the New Jersey Devils bounced back last season and returned to the playoffs. They weren’t nearly as dominant as they’d been in 2022-23, but were at least good enough to qualify for the postseason. However, there is still work to do in the swamp as the Devils have not got past the second round since 2011-12.

However, the team has been unable to get past the second round since this current incarnation of the Jets, which moved from Atlanta in 2011-12. The other major issue? The club struggles to attract top free agents to the city, so has a tough time improving itself other than by trading, drafting smart and enjoying organic growth of its current roster.