Vigneault: Rangers out of playoff picture due to inconsistent goaltending

New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault has pinpointed one specific area that has hindered his team's success this season.

"I believe that we're a goaltender getting on a roll here (away from) being back in the hunt and back into the playoffs," Vigneault said Friday, per Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post. "We started our season 4-7-2 and we were a little inconsistent in the goaltending department. I felt we were playing better than our record indicated.

"Goaltending got better, we went on a run (of 18-7-3). Came back from the bye week and since that time, we've been on a (3-10) run. A little inconsistent in the goaltending department."

Ondrej Pavelec was given the start against Calgary despite Henrik Lundqvist's overall solid play this season.

The Rangers recently announced they're entering a period of roster rebuilding, and some players are likely to be traded prior to the deadline. Vigneault isn't ready to pack it in on this season, however, again citing the need for consistent goaltending to get back into the playoff picture.

Related: What could a Rangers rebuild on the fly look like?

"I believe we're playing better than our record indicates and I really believe that Hank and Pav can get on a roll and we can get back in the hunt and get back in the playoffs," Vigneault added.

The Rangers entered Friday's game against the Flames with a record of 25-24-5, three points out of a wild-card playoff spot.

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