Contenders or Pretenders? That is the Question

Getty ImagesNow fifty-three games into the regular season, the New York Rangers are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 29-20-4. They have been streaky as of late, but looking at the year as a whole, have been able to stay on a stable pace despite battling through a multitude of injuries. Now that they are starting to get healthy again, with players like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Vinny Prospal all returning to the lineup, it is time to seriously analyze this hockey team.Now different fans will interpret that different ways, but I am referring to if this team can go all the way or not. I am asking the defining question that many are afraid to face the answer to. That question is simple: Are the Rangers contenders or pretenders?As we know, the players in the locker room are quite confident that they can go far in the playoffs once they make it, as we found out first hand right here on The Rangers Tribune. That is great and I am happy to see ...