New York Rangers: Lottery movement and prospects playoff update

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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 23: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Andreas Johnsson (18) and Center Auston Matthews (34) are defended by New York Rangers Goalie Alexandar Georgiev (40) during the regular season NHL game between the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs on March 23, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The New York Rangers ended a five game losing streak, beating Toronto in overtime on the road. It was a great win for the Blueshirts, but didn’t help their lottery aspirations.

The New York Rangers, like all lottery eligible teams, face a nightly conundrum. Win or lose? No team should ever want to lose and no fan should root for a team to lose, but at this stage of the season, any points achieved only can do one thing, hurt the team’s standing in the lottery race. The Blueshirts were officially eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs last night so all they have to play for is pride and the lottery.

On a night when the Rangers fielded their youngest lineup ever, it’s worth taking a look at how some future Rangers did in their post-season contests.

WHL Playoffs

The Western Hockey League playoffs began on Friday night. The Ranger representative is newly signed Jake Elmer of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Lethbridge has jumped out to a 2-0 lead in their series with the Calgary Hitmen. In their 3-2 overtime win on Friday night, Elmer had the primary assist on Dylan Cozen’s tying goal in the second period.

Elmer was held off the scoresheet in Saturday’s 4-1 win. He also wasn’t involved in the game ending brawl that resulted in 42 minutes in penalties including six major penalties and five misconducts.

The war continues with game three of the series on Tuesday night.

OHL Playoffs

Two Ranger prospects are in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs and both of their teams won the opening games of their series.

Joey Keane plays defense for the London Knights who defeated the Windsor Spitfires 4-3 Friday night. Keane didn’t score and was minus one on the night. The teams resume their series tonight.

Swiss defenseman Nico Gross mans the blueline for the Oshawa Generals. The Generals overwhelmed the Peterborough Petes 7-0 on Friday night. Gross was a plus two on the night. Game two is tonight in Oshawa.

ECAC Championship

Morgan Barron is one of the stars for Cornell University and has become the focus of a lot of attention after a fantastic regular season. Cornell had made it to the championship weekend in the ECAC playoffs and played Friday and Saturday.

In the Semi-FInal game on Friday night, Cornell defeated Brown University decisively 6-0. Barron scored a power play goal in the second period. He had four shots on goal and was 7-16 in the faceoff circle. With that win, Cornell is assured of a place in the NCAA tournament.

In the Championship game against Clarkson College on Saturday night, it was a nailbiter that went to overtime. Clarkson won their second consecutive ECAC title when they scored 14:36 into the first OT, minutes after Cornell’s starting goalie had to leave the game with an injury. Barron was held off the scoresheet, taking four shots and he was 7-15 on faceoffs.

Barron’s college season will continue when the NCAA tournament begins on March 29. He has scored 14 goals and notched 33 points in 34 games.

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