If the lost weekend in Southern Florida was a total failure, then the next couple of days back in the tri-state area for the New York Rangers are a huge test which could go a long way to determining their playoff fate.

That’s how close the Eastern Conference race is. Had they taken care of business against Southeastern foes Florida (2-3) and Tampa Bay (0-3), we could be talking still about the realistic possibility of the Blueshirts challenging for the Atlantic and the conference’s top spot where the Devils, Penguins and Canadiens are separated by one total point.

The Devils lead the East with 90 points while the Pens and Habs each have 89 with two and a half weeks to go in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Rangers find themselves tied for sixth in the conference with Boston as both Original Six clubs have 83 points.

The slumping Flyers sit in the final spot with 80 clinging to a one point lead over Buffalo with fast comers Florida and Washington two out with 78 points.

Who wants it the most? That’s what it comes down to at this crucial time of year where we’re witnessing one of the more exciting races in quite a while.

Not much is certain except that you figure the Devs, Pens, Habs, Senators and Southeast-leading Canes will all find their way into the playoffs claiming at least five spots which leaves the final three up for grabs.

The Rangers and Bruins still have things in their favor with a four-point lead over the Sabres and five better than the Caps and Panthers. They also both have 37 victories which gives them a heads up on all competitors including Philly (35 W).

However, as many puck fans know, this topsy turvy race can change like the snap of a finger. Win and you’ll be okay and possibly move up. Lose and you can drop like a rollercoaster jeopardizing your chances.

Having been outscored 6-2 over the weekend snapping a 13-game unbeaten streak which saw them climb up the standings, the Rangers must have tonight’s Atlantic showdown against the Penguins. That means putting the clamps down on Hart contender Evgeni Malkin, who enters fresh off a two goal, two assist performance in a 7-1 home rout of the Flyers on NBC.

The 2006-07 Calder winner has been red hot and trails fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin by two points in the NHL scoring race. AO leads with 99 points including a ridiculous 57 goals. Malkin has 41 goals and 56 assists for 97 points along with a respectable plus-16 rating.

The 21 year-old seems to fare better when last season’s Hart recipient Sidney Crosby is out. Go figure.

Lately, Malkin and resurgent sniper Petr Sykora (2-2-4 in 7-1 win over Flyers) have been on a roll. They have teamed to form a solid chemistry with Ryan Malone. Needless to say, it’s vital for the Rangers to contain that line and for Henrik Lundqvist to be razor sharp tonight.

He could also use some support from Chris Drury, Marty Straka and Brandon Dubinsky as the important trio of forwards have gone quiet lately. Particularly Drury and Straka, who are such integral parts of this team. Rookie pivot Dubinsky needs to be more aggressive shooting the puck instead of dangling it.

The Blueshirts could also benefit from the return of defenseman Marek Malik. While it might pain many Ranger fans who only see what they want to, the team is better on the Blueline with the lanky positional D who works well with Michal Rozsival allowing promising rookie Marc Staal to play on the third pair with Christian Backman. That gives the Rangers more balance and keeps slow footed reserve Jason Strudwick upstairs. While the likeable vet is a great team guy, he can’t be relied on to play big minutes.

Malik also logs important minutes and is actually pretty good at keeping the puck alive in the offensive zone unlike Strudwick.

Hopefully, the Rangers get him back as he’s been more aggressive since returning last month. They could use a boost.

It also wouldn’t hurt for loyal coach Tom Renney to reinsert forward Petr Prucha on the fourth line. The feisty Czech can inject some much needed energy and has good speed and also can play power play. Let’s face it. The Jaromir Jagr pass oriented unit isn’t getting it done. Stick Prucha back on it.

The Rangers will visit the Devils tomorrow night as well. So, these are enormous games against the top two teams in the Atlantic. Win both and they’re right back in the hunt for the division. Lose both and suddenly, who knows if they even make the playoff cut.

It’s a fine line. We’ll see what they’re made of the next two nights.