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Rangers newly acquired player reveals the mood surrounding the locker room is taken effect on players

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Ryan Hall
January 15, 2025 (10:08)

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2025 seems to have turned the fortunes of the New York Rangers to the positive the vibe around the team and the dressing room has shifted as the team has returned to a winning brand of hockey.

With December behind them and a month that felt like it would never end, the Rangers have changed the course and have gone 4-1-1 and appear to be seen a playoff spot on the horizon.

Rangers players have noticed the changes in the dressing room

Urho Vaakanainen has noticed the difference and told Peter Baugh of the Athletic at the mood has really changed and that players are starting to feel good about themselves again.

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«The feeling in the locker room is way better,» Vaakanainen said via Peter Baugh of The Athletic. «Obviously before Christmas we played like s-t. We didn't play well at all. Mood wasn't that great. It's really picking up right now. We're playing really well.»

In 43 games played, the Rangers are at .500 hockey. For 43 points and holding a record of 20-20-3, it puts them five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets who are currently holding the second wild card spot.

There is a glut of teams between them and the Blue Jackets and the next couple of months will determine who will remain in the race and who will fade.

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Trade talks have gone quiet and Rangers have responded

The first half of the year was one of the most turbulent times in Rangers history as the team had started off well in October but faded quick and began a downward spiral that turned into a dive that could not stop.

Many around the organization began to point fingers on who was responsible for this downfall as general manager Chris Drury began to make changes including trading their captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks along with Kappo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken.

Drury and his management team have gone silent which seems to have had a positive effect on the roster as players have begun to settle and understand what they need to do to help turn things around as this team won 55 games last year and won the Presidents Trophy.

It remains to be seen on how the Rangers will respond going forward till the end of the year but with the March trade deadline looming and many games to be played, the Rangers have an opportunity to right their ship and try to get themselves back into a playoff spot.

Source: The Hockey News
The Feeling Around The Rangers Locker Room Is Beginning To Shift

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

Metro Divison veteran Evgeni Malkin falls victim to burglary, Most prized possession stolen

Will Borgen proven to be more valuable to the New York Rangers following Kaapo Kakko trade

NHL Insider Links New York Rangers Defenseman to Original Six Team in Major Trade

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JANVIER 15 \| 1101 ANSWERS Rangers newly acquired player reveals the mood surrounding the locker room is taken effect on players Do you think the Rangers will make the playoffs this season?
Yes	644	58.5 %
No	457	41.5 %
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Rangers newly acquired player reveals the mood surrounding the locker room is taken effect on players

2025 seems to have turned the fortunes of the New York Rangers to the positive the vibe around the team and the dressing room has shifted as the team has returned to a winning brand of hockey.

Rangers players have noticed the changes in the dressing room

Trade talks have gone quiet and Rangers have responded

Do you think the Rangers will make the playoffs this season?