Despite their current standing, the New York Rangers are sitting at the poker table trying to bluff their way into the postseason. They are in the game, but all the cards are stacked against them.
With only eight games left in the 2024-25 regular season, the Eastern Conference wildcard race is coming down to the wire. The Rangers' path for the rest of the season is dominated by two giant hurdles: the strength of their opponents and the amount of time left.
Third hardest schedule left
According to tankathon.com, the Rangers currently have the third-hardest schedule remaining in the NHL. They have bouts with seven different teams, five of which are currently in the playoffs. They have to win out against some of the hardest competition out there. One saving grace in this department is that the Detroit Red Wings, who sit behind the Rangers at 74 points, have the hardest schedule remaining of all teams.
But the two teams the Rangers are chasing have relatively easy schedules, and their path to the playoffs looks a whole lot brighter. Montreal has a very good chance of making it in ahead of the Rangers, not only because of the lack of tough opponents but also because they play more games than the Rangers do before the end of the year, with nine.
Running out of time
Having one less game than their wildcard rivals is a distinct disadvantage. The Rangers are playing catch up for the rest of the year, but they cannot gain ground if they no longer have games to play.
The hope is to win as many games as possible and hope for losses by Montreal. If they win two more games than Montreal in this last stretch, the Blueshirts will see postseason hockey. Well, in theory, anyway. This is shaping up to be a photo finish.