The Rangers have lost three in a row heading into Saturday afternoon’s matchup with the Capitals, and head coach Gerard Gallant isn’t hiding the possibility that trade rumors have been a distraction for the team.
“It always does. I can’t say no,” Gallant told reporters on Friday. “This time of year, it’s tough on some players. But at the end of the day, you’re trying to make your team better every day. and that’s what management does.
It’s going to be over in a week’s time, but you just got to focus on playing the games.”
The Blueshirts have been particularly entwined with Patrick Kane when it comes to trade rumors and reports, as New York looks to bolster its roster to try and make another deep playoff run. Kane, arguably the biggest star on the trading block, would represent the second big splash the Rangers have made in the trade department this season after acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko, and Gallant won’t deny that the thought of who could join the team, and who could depart, has affected the group’s concentration.
“I think we lost a little bit of focus last night,” Gallant said. “I thought we looked a little tired for the first time [Thursday] night.
“We think we’re one of those teams that has a chance to legitimately win, and you try to make your team better.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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