I don't think Rangers throwing in the towel means they'll be easier to beat. No expectations means some guys' games might actually improve, for a little while.
What sucks the most is working with an Oilers fan who responds to the rightful derision of the crash of that over-hyped mess by pointing out that it will likely be the Oiler games that cost the Flames the playoffs. If they had all 6 of those points, they'd be in sole possession of 3rd place in the division now.
I agree a bunch of guys could be rotated out to give some prospects a look, and if playoffs become clearly out of reach, that likely might happen, but I expect this year the order will come down to do everything possible to win enough to keep the lost 1st round pick from possibly becoming a lottery win for the Islanders.
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