I think you take the positive approach here. I know fans don't want to accept this, but the playoffs were always a long shot this season. To get in we needed to play unreal hockey, and have almost everything go our way (including injuries). Odds are long things like that happen over a period of time, it's why mathematically our playoff odds were at 30% early week, and over 35% into yesterday.
To me I say we got some unexpected meaningful hockey the past few weeks. We have a stud goalie for the future. We added another 1st round pick (could have two lottery picks if the Canes and Leafs both miss the playoffs - unlikely but possible and worst case unless a big upset is pulled off we'll get two top 15-17 picks). We have a loaded system (especially on D). And this season isn't over yet. Sure odds remain long, even more so without Kreider, but who knows what can happen.
Next season we should be a playoff team. The following season I believe will be the start of the true open SC window for a handful of years for this team. So it is an exciting time to be a Rangers fan. Very good years ahead starting real soon (next season I think). Be excited and enjoy the last 19 games of this season as well.