The New York Rangers find themselves on the brink of advancing to the conference finals, a scenario that many never expected when the season began. As they prepare for Thursday's potential Game 6 clincher in Raleigh, N.C., the Rangers must tread a fine line between confidence and caution.

Although the team has come close to securing victory in the previous three games, they are aware that a Game 7 could still be on the horizon. Coach Peter Laviolette and his staff understand the importance of maintaining focus and mental resilience, regardless of the outcome in Game 6.

In terms of lineup adjustments, the Rangers will have to rely on internal options as injured players like Blake Wheeler and Filip Chytil are unlikely to step in. One proposed change is to increase ice time and role for Jimmy Vesey, who has shown speed and intensity on the ice. Vesey could be shifted to the right alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider to generate more offensive threat.

Another adjustment could involve moving Jack Roslovic from the right wing to the center position on the third line, replacing Alex Wennberg. The Rangers aim to improve both offensive consistency and physicality from the top-six forwards, while also demanding productivity from the third line, which has shown promising analytics but lacks impactful shooting from Wennberg.

The power play has been a struggle for the Rangers, with a lackluster performance in their recent 4-1 defeat. Assistant coach Michael Peca made an early decision to switch to the second unit during a power play, given the first unit's ineffective play. However, questions arise over Wennberg's suitability on the second unit, considering his offensive limitations.

Comparisons to last season's struggles against the New Jersey Devils have highlighted the need for adjustments. The Carolina Hurricanes have shown dominance in the time-and-space game, leaving the Rangers feeling rushed and resorting to desperate plays. The Canes have been able to exploit weakside outlets and find open space, exposing the Rangers' defensive weaknesses. Addressing this issue will be crucial for the Rangers' chances of success.

As the Rangers head into Game 6, it is clear that they must make strategic changes and adjustments to secure their place in the conference finals. The game promises to be a crucial test for their resilience and ability to overcome the Hurricanes' dominance. Whether they achieve victory on Thursday or face a potential Game 7, the Rangers must remain focused on their ultimate goal of advancing to the next round.