The New York Rangers are a point out of the playoff spots. They're knocking on the door of that final wild card spot after all the results from last night's round of NHL games favoring the Blueshirts. New York's strong start to 2025 has aided them in their quest to get back to where they want to be in the league, but the Rangers' resurgence shouldn't stop at a wild card spot since there is more on the table for New York.
The New Jersey Devils are currently in the third divisional spot. As of the morning of January 24th, when this is being written, the Devils remain 8 points ahead of the Rangers, having played two games more than New York. The Blueshirts little brother across the Hudson is not far ahead if the Rangers can win those two games in hand, and with another head-to-head matchup this season, there's a chance for the Rangers to close that gap even further. It'll require almost perfect hockey from the Rangers, but it's doable.
Looking ahead of the Devils, the second divisional spot getting home ice in round one is the Carolina Hurricanes. They're 11 points ahead of the Rangers, having played a game more, but that is the sort of gap the Blueshirts will not make up. It's too large with insufficient ammunition to close the distance between the two franchises. It's important to note these two teams because the Rangers aren't a million miles away.
Why should you care about this? Carolina is far behind the division-leading Washington Capitals, so it looks like they're locked into the two spots. New York has an exceptional record in the postseason against Carolina, the Devils aren't out of reach, and the Rangers are red hot, while New Jersey has had a recent wobble. There's everything the Rangers need to get a first-round matchup with a favorable opponent.
If New York can get Carolina in round one and beat them like they have so many times before, they'll be in round two, probably against Washington. New York swept Washington last year, so there's a chance there. If the Blueshirts progress, they get a rematch with Florida and are halfway to the Stanley Cup. This season is salvageable for the Rangers with a bit of ambition.
New York needs not be content with a wild card spot. Looking beyond the scope of the situations ahead of them, the New Jersey Devils should be the team the Rangers are watching. Jumping the Devils would leave them against Carolina, even without home ice. New York will look dangerous in that series, and then who knows what happens because it is the postseason. New York cannot settle for a wild card.