The New York Rangers hopes of making the playoffs this season are starting to fade. With the final 11 games being against the 15th hardest schedule in the league, according to Tankathon.com, things are starting to get worrisome.
As the pressure starts to build, can this erratic and unstable Rangers team pull it together to earn a playoff birth? Or, is it already too late?
Falling Behind in the Wild Card Race
At 34-31-6 for 74 points, the Blueshirts still sit outside of the Wild Card spots. Those are currently occupied by the Ottawa Senators at 79 points and the Montreal Canadiens at 75 points. Both of those teams have played in 69 games this season, which is two in hand on the Rangers.
The last 10 games of this season feature a three-game west-coast road trip, and then one last game against a western conference team in the Minnesota Wild, then six heavy hitters to end off the year. They have two bouts against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and one more “Hudson River Rivalry” game against the Devils, Philadelphia, Carolina, and Florida. Finally, a potential win-and-in scenario against the New York Islanders.
That is certainly not an easy schedule, and they are going to have to earn every point they can out of it.
The Threat of an Early Summer
It pains to hear it, but an early summer is very likely for this team. And, rightfully so. Yes, they fought to the bitter end, and the fat lady has yet to sing on the 2024-25 season, but the Rangers should be locked up and clinched a playoff berth at this point. This season featured a multitude of mismanagement and underwhelming performance on the ice. That combo doomed this season.
If the Rangers do not make the playoffs, what happens then? Do they tear everything down and start anew, or do they try and look to hook in a big fish this offseason with the extra $8 million they earn with the salary cap increase?
There are so many questions to be asked this offseason, but with 10 games remaining, let us enjoy what could be the last of Sam Rosen and this 2024-25 Rangers run.