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New York Rangers: Evaluating the Eastern Conference Playoff Teams

By Jake Mozarsky

Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers salute the crowd after the game against Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers salute the crowd after the game against Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports /
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SUNRISE, FL – DECEMBER 29: Goaltender Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers stops a shot by Patric Hornqvist #70 of the Florida Panther during second period action at the FLA Live Arena on December 29, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Florida Panthers

Florida is currently at the top of the Eastern Conference with 108 points, and they only improved with the addition of Claude Giroux.

Rangers’ head to head vs Florida: 2-1-0

November 8 at the Garden: 4-3 Rangers. New York jumped out to a 4-0 lead, then held on due to the heroics of Shesterkin.

December 29 at Florida: 4-3 Panthers. The Rangers took a 2-1 lead into the third period then gave the game to Florida.

February 1 at the Garden: 5-2 Rangers. Complete dominance from New York. This was when the Rangers looked like a true contender.

Deadline acquisitions: F Claude Giroux and D Robert Hagg from Philadelphia, D Ben Chiarot from Montreal.

Florida’s biggest strength: Florida has one of the top offenses in the league. The Panthers overwhelmingly lead the league in goals per game at 4.15, and they look unstoppable on the offensive front. They also lead the league in shots per game and boast a top ten power play.

Florida’s biggest weakness: Their penalty kill ranks among the bottom half of the league. Florida has struggled all year when down a man. The Rangers’ power play should be able to take advantage of the Panthers’ kill in a potential playoff match-up.

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