The Rangers are rolling. Behind stellar goaltending and a deep, balanced group of forwards, the Blueshirts have surged among the league's elite, and Madison Square Garden is buzzing with playoff anticipation months ahead of schedule.

The team's blend of veteran leadership and emerging young talent has proven potent. The fictional winger Lukas Berg has broken out this season, his scoring touch giving the offense a new dimension to complement its stingy defense.

Hockey in New York lives and dies by the postseason, and the Rangers know a strong regular season means little without October success in the spring. But for now, the Garden faithful are savoring a team playing some of the most complete hockey the city has seen in years.