The New York Rangers linger in first place in the Atlantic Division and in the Eastern Conference. Currently, the Rangers are on fire with a 8-1-1 record in their last ten games. With a record of 37-13 on the year, the Rangers are second in the NHL with 79 points. The only other team with more points right-now are the Detroit Red-wings, but they have played three more games than the Rangers.

The last time the Rangers won the Stanley Cup was in 1994, during the Mark Messier era. That Rangers team was-loaded with some great talent and a fan favorite Mike Richter was in the net. I remember being in New York at-the-time, when the Rangers won the final-game to become Stanley Cup Champions. It was pandemonium throughout the city as it erupted with fans roaming the streets cheering magnanimously. The Rangers fans deserved that Cup a great deal, because they had a 54-year drought before the 94' championship win.

So, now it's 2012 and the Rangers have a formidable team that has a great chance to win again. After all, it has been 18 years since the last cup, so Rangers fans have that raging-passion again. New York is beginning to buzz again as the season advances past the half-way mark. Last year's Champions Boston Bruins are nine points behind the Rangers and if the Rangers keep up the brilliant play, it will be tough to catch them.

Last year the Rangers had-a-descent team, but they were missing a few key aspects that they buttoned-up very well this year. Of course, key injuries really crippled the team last year with the loss of team Captain Ryan Callahan. Callahan is essential with the team-morale and a great leader for this team. However, the key this year has been their goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. He has been a brick-wall in the net and is having a record-breaking year to boot.

With the Rangers defense line improved as well, fans are really developing some confidence in the team. Dan Girardi has been their leader on the defensive side of the puck and continues to play well. On the offensive side it has been Marian Gaborik leading the team with 49 points and 27 goals, respectively ranked-fifth in the league. The fact is the Rangers are working very-well together this year and it has been wonderful watching them play.

In conclusion, I believe if the Rangers can sustain this kind of play in the playoffs the Stanley Cup could very-well return to New York. If that happens than you can expect a lot of fireworks, as the city will explode with madness and excitement. Plus, the Rangers are attempting to add to their success with trade rumors circling as they look to reform their team even more.