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Alain Vigneault: Rangers 'Back On Track'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault is excited about the team with the playoffs right around the corner.

Speaking to Mike Francesa on Tuesday, Vigneault said the team is now "back on track" after winning 13 of their past 18 games.

"I really believe this core group, this group of players, deserved another kick of the can, deserved another opportunity and management obviously felt the same way. That's why we made the Eric Staal trade," the Rangers coach said. "They believe in this group. This group is battle-tested and hopefully we get another opportunity here to try for the big prize."

Vigneault explained the Staal trade gives him some leverage right now, especially with Rick Nash nearing his return.

"In this game, it's not always about the best team that wins, it's the team that plays the best at the right time. We got to continue our game, continue to improve our five-on-five and our specialty teams. With the addition of Eric Staal right now, it gives me a little bit more latitude as far as he can play the middle and play the left side. Rick Nash should hopefully be back here in the next couple of weeks," Vigneault said.

The Rangers are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 80 points.

Listen to the entire interview here.

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