NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Can the Rangers Overcome the Odds? Key Battles Ahead in Final Stretch
As the NHL season nears its climax, the New York Rangers face a daunting path to the playoffs while Montreal holds the wild-card edge. Full playoff projections and key matchups analyzed.
The Rangers' Uphill Battle for a Playoff Spot
The New York Rangers, last season's Presidents' Trophy winners, now find themselves in a precarious position as the 2024-25 NHL season enters its final stretch. With just six games remaining, the Blueshirts trail the Montreal Canadiens by six points for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Here’s what needs to happen for the Rangers to keep their playoff hopes alive:
Critical Games Ahead:
- vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (April 7): Despite clinching a playoff berth, the Lightning are fighting for the Atlantic Division lead.
- vs. Philadelphia Flyers (April 9): A must-win against a non-playoff team.
- Road Trips: Games against the Islanders, Hurricanes, and Panthers—all playoff contenders—will test New York’s resilience.
- Season Finale vs. Tampa Bay (April 16): Could this be a win-or-go-home scenario?
Meanwhile, the Canadiens have a slightly softer schedule, facing the Red Wings, Senators, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, and Hurricanes. For the Rangers to overtake Montreal, they’ll likely need a 4-2 or 5-1 record down the stretch—and some help from Montreal’s opponents.
Updated Playoff Projections
Eastern Conference Outlook
- Toronto Maple Leafs (A1) vs. Ottawa Senators (WC1)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) vs. Florida Panthers (A3)
- Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (WC2)
- Carolina Hurricanes (M2) vs. New Jersey Devils (M3)
Western Conference Outlook
- Winnipeg Jets (C1) vs. Minnesota Wild (WC2)
- Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (C3)
- Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. St. Louis Blues (WC1)
- Los Angeles Kings (P2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)
Key Games to Watch (April 7-9)
| Date | Matchup | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 7 | Lightning @ Rangers | Rangers’ playoff hopes hinge on home ice. |
| Apr 8 | Canadiens @ Red Wings | Montreal must avoid slipping against Detroit. |
| Apr 9 | Hurricanes @ Rangers | A potential elimination game for New York. |
Draft Lottery Watch
While the Rangers fight for the playoffs, others eye the future. The San Jose Sharks (50 points) are locked into the best odds for the No. 1 pick, with defenseman Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters) as the projected top prospect. Teams like Chicago (54 points) and Nashville (62 points) round out the bottom three.
Conclusion
The Rangers’ path is narrow but not impossible. With a mix of grit, luck, and clutch performances, they could defy the odds—or join the growing list of Presidents’ Trophy winners who missed the postseason entirely. Stay tuned for nightly updates as the NHL’s playoff picture takes shape.
Follow ESPN’s NHL coverage for live scores, brackets, and analysis.
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