With 18 games on the road, seven sets of back-to-back contests and three separate trips across the Canadian border, the Rangers’ first 30 games of the season were a grind.

Although it was taxing, the 19-7-4 Blueshirts enter the holiday recess in playoff position at third in the Metropolitan Division, behind the first-place Hurricanes and the Capitals. The Rangers’ 42 points are also tied with the Maple Leafs for fourth in the NHL, trailing Carolina and Washington again — in addition to the reigning two-time Stanley Cup champions Lightning, who lead the league with 44.

Before tackling the final 52 games of the season, Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant wants his team to make the most of this time away from the ice.

“I don’t want guys thinking about our first 30 games or our next 50. Go home and get away from hockey. Then we come back and start to get ready all over again.”

The Mets have hired Buck Showalter to be their next manager, owner Steve Cohen announced. Showalter received a three-year deal.

The 65-year-old succeeds Luis Rojas and brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the dugout for a team that is looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Showalter, the former Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers and Orioles manager, returns to the game for the first time since being fired by Baltimore in 2018. He beat out finalists Joe Espada and Matt Quatraro, who also met with owner Steve Cohen for interviews.

The hiring of Showalter marks the Mets’ latest crucial addition this offseason, which began by hiring general manager Billy Eppler in November. They then signed four major league free agents before the lockout, headlined by three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, who was said to have high respect for Showalter.

The Miami Dolphins overcame a 10-point first quarter deficit to defeat the New York Jets 31-24 in Week 15. The Dolphins outscored the Jets 21-7 in the second half to make up for their 7-point halftime deficit.

Miami’s Duke Johnson played a big part in the win, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

In the first half Zach Wilson and the Jets played their finest half of football this season. Wilson was decisive and accurate, getting the ball out quickly and in rhythm. The Jets defense was not dominated for one of the few times this season. It all added up to a 17 – 10 Jets lead at halftime, their first halftime lead of the season.

A promising performance in the first half by Zach Wilson and the Jets was erased as the Dolphins completely dominated both sides of the ball in the second half. The Jets failed once again at putting together a complete, four quarters performance, and Jets fans were left wanting more.

With the loss the Jets go to 3-11 on the year as the season continues to spiral to oblivion. The Dolphins improve to 7-7 and stay alive in the AFC Wild Card race.