NHL analyst makes shocking NY Rangers Stanley Cup playoffs prediction after "extreme turmoil" filled season start

NHL analyst Carlo Colaiacovo made a bold prediction about the New York Rangers' chances of making the Stanley Cup playoffs this season after their rocky start. The Rangers, last season's President's Trophy winners, have struggled to a 15-12-1 record and have lost eight of their last 11 games.

Speaking on TSN, Colaiacovo said that he thinks the Rangers could miss the playoffs entirely.

"I still think the Rangers could miss the playoffs, but there's a better chance that they make the playoffs because the talent that they have and the goaltending (Igor Shesterkin) they have." Colaiacovo said,

"So I'm going to go with the Rangers to miss because if you've watched anything that's gone on in New York right now, they are going through extreme turmoil.”

Colaiacovo cited that they just traded their captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks to send a message to the players, but they haven't responded. He also pointed out that the next message could be to the coach, wondering which direction things are going to go for the Rangers.

Colaiacovo still thinks the Rangers are good enough to make the playoffs with their talent and goalie Igor Shesterkin, but he won't be surprised if they miss out.

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Rangers focus on building success with win over Sabres

The New York Rangers got back on track with a much-needed 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. Coming into the game on a two-game losing streak, the Rangers were desperate for a victory to halt their skid.

Reilly Smith, Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad provided the goals for New York, while Tage Thompson and Owen Power scored for Buffalo. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 29 saves.

The win was a critical one for New York as it looks to build some momentum.

“That’s what we talked about before the game, just one, one win. That’s all we care about. Obviously, you want to be able to stand here with an unbelievable effort for 60 minutes and have only positive stuff (to say), but I’ll take the win. We’ll take the win, and keep building," Zibanejad said.

The Rangers will look to keep things going in their next matchup against Los Angeles Kings on Friday at Madison Square Garden.