The final seven games of the Rangers season set for playoff-like atmosphere

The Blueshirts will play five games against teams already in the postseason. Here's why that matters.
New York Rangers v Tampa Bay Lightning
New York Rangers v Tampa Bay Lightning | Mike Carlson/GettyImages

The New York Rangers have taken points from four of their past five games, earning a record of 3-1-1 while trying to scrape into the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With just seven games remaining in their season, and with the Montreal Canadiens currently holding the last wild card spot, the Rangers will need to be at their very best if they hope to make a postseason appearance.

Of their remaining seven games, the Blueshirts will face-off against teams already in the playoff picture five times. The Lightning, Panthers, Devils, and Hurricanes are all familiar opposition for the Rangers, and will serve as formidable tests to end the campaign.

The Blueshirts' record against these playoff teams so far this season does not inspire confidence. The Ranger's combined record against the Panthers, Lightning, Devils, and Hurricanes is a disheartening 1-8-0, with their only victory coming on Jan. 9 in a 3-2 overtime win over New Jersey.

The Rangers haven't defeated a playoff team other than the Minnesota Wild since Feb. 2, when the Blueshirts defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. While New York has looked somewhat better as of late, it's hard to imagine the club coming out of the final stretch in a playoff spot.

That being said, there are reasons to be hopeful as the Rangers head into their matchups. Many of the teams the Blueshirts will take on in the coming weeks have been facing adversity in the form of injuries to key players. The Florida Panthers have been without the services of both Aaron Ekblad and Matthew Tkachuk due to suspension and injury, respectively. Missing these important players has taken a toll, as the Panthers have dropped their last three games in a row.

The New Jersey Devils have been missing star-center Jack Hughes for a month now and have also struggled, losing five of nine since Mar. 15. With opponents missing key pieces, and with pressure on the team to qualify for the postseason, there's a chance the Blueshirts — led by Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin —could find a way to get it done and piece together a few wins at the eleventh hour.

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