PERFECTION

If the script that is unfolding at Madison Square Garden this season seems familiar, that's simply because it is.

As was the case one year ago, when the Blueshirts surged over their final 20 games to finish sixth in the Eastern Conference and set the stage for a memorable playoff run, they are doing it again with the added confidence that came from last year's experience.

Indeed, the current Rangers are now five points ahead of their pace from the 2006-07 season as they drive toward what would be their third straight playoff berth in April.

The latest victim in the Rangers' late-season rejuvenation was the Florida Panthers on Sunday night at MSG. The Blueshirts dominated from start to finish in beating the Panthers 5-0 for their second straight victory and their seventh straight game with at least one standings point.