Up In The Blue Seats: Rangers’ Polarizing First Half

The Rangers have reached the All-Star Break. It’s tough to imagine anyone thinking the Blueshirts would be tied for third in points in the league when the season started, but that’s exactly where they find themselves. After a big win against the Panthers to close-out the first half of the season, the Rangers will now get a much needed break to gear up for a potential Stanley Cup run in the second half.

To talk about about the first half of the season, we bring you a jam-packed “Up In The Blue Seats” podcast with Ron Duguay and Mollie Walker. They discuss the Henrik Lundqvist retirement ceremony and answer questions from the Post Sports+ mailbag. Later, Larry Brooks joins the show.

Up In The Blue Seats Podcast with Ron, Mollie & Andrew:

• HENRIK NIGHT: A magical night was held at Madison Square Garden when Lundqvist’s No. 30 was raised to the rafters. Igor Shesterkin has taken over the throne, making a rather smooth transition for the Rangers.
• BIG WIN OVER PANTHERS: Chris Kreider scored two goals en route to the Blueshirt’s 5-2 victory over the first place Florida Panthers. Scoring his 33rd of the season — a new career high. Will he hit the 50-goal mark this season?
• NYR POLARIZING: The Rangers have been a tough team to figure out at times this season. While their record and point total shows they’ve been successful, often there have been times of frustration at their play, often displayed by coach Gerard Gallant.

Larry Brooks Interview:
The Post’s Hall of Fame hockey columnist

• NEW CONTRACT FOR STROME: There is mutual interest from both sides in making Ryan Strome a Blueshirt for the foreseeable future. However, the Rangers’ salary cap issue is going to be a big player in moving forward with a deal.
• LAFRENIERE ON THE MOVE: Alexis has taken advantage of the opportunities that have come his way following the absence of Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, but should he stay in the top 6 when they return?
• TO GET SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO GIVE: There’s no doubt the Rangers will be in the market to improve their team for the second half, but it will more than likely cost them one or more of their young guns.

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Catch up on all episodes of “Up In The Blue Seats,” a New York Rangers podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop Thursdays during the regular season.