Gallant has Rangers headed to playoffs in first season
By VIN A. CHERWOO
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Rangers pointed to Gerard Gallant’s success as a head coach when he was hired last June. He took over a team that was struggling to develop an identity during its three-year rebuilding effort. The Rangers finished second in the Metropolitan Division and grabbed their first playoff appearance in five years. New York also has its first 50-win season since 2015. That’s a remarkable turnaround and it helped the Rangers land home ice when the playoffs open next week.