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Ryan Callahan bounces back, but will the Rangers?

Mats Zuccarello, Ryan Callahan

New York Rangers’ Mats Zuccarello, left, celebrates his goal with Ryan Callahan during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on Monday, March 19, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

AP

Ryan Callahan’s playoff run hasn’t been picture perfect. In fact, at one point his offensive struggles were so noteworthy that he the media began to ask him if he had injured his hand.

Callahan has bounced back lately with two goals and three points in the Rangers’ last three games. He was particularly good in Game 5, leading the Rangers in their impressive, but ultimately ill-fated comeback attempt.

“I felt good last night,” Callahan said on Thursday. “I was strong on the forecheck, which I have to be. And as a line I thought we were holding onto pucks.

“We have to continue to do that tomorrow night and hopefully we can put it in the net too.”

The Rangers have no more margin for error. If they lose in Game 6 on Friday, then they’re out of the playoffs. They need Callahan to be at his best, and Rangers coach John Tortorella is optimistic that he will be.

“Well, he’s gotten better as the series has gone on,” Tortorella said on Thursday. “So hopefully he’ll play his best tomorrow night.”