That was the last season the Rangers qualified for the playoffs.

According to his uniform, he was both Special Forces and Ranger qualified.

Rangers qualify from the European Cup group stage for the 1st time.

The Rangers have not qualified for the playoffs since the 1996-97 season.

If the playoffs were to begin today, the Rangers wouldn't qualify.

Or did the crumbling begin before then, while the Rangers were still qualifying for the playoffs and giving their fans some reason to believe?

Despite their record payrolls, the Rangers have not qualified for the postseason since 1997.

The Rangers have not qualified for the playoffs for the past three seasons.

And that is saying something, as the Rangers have not qualified for the playoffs for five seasons running.

None of this will be a problem in the next round if the Rangers don't qualify.