The New York Rangers got arguably their biggest win of the season on Saturday night, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 to move into the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With 15 games remaining, the Blueshirts need to get more wins to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Goalie hugs for Igor Shesterkin!!! 5th shutout of the season - huge W for the @NYRangers on the road and now sit in the final wild card spot in the East! #NYR pic.twitter.com/ZcJFqdRQ5q
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) March 16, 2025
Sunday night, the Rangers are right back at it, this time against the Edmonton Oilers. While it is not a divisional opponent or a wild card contender, it's another opportunity for the Rangers to pick up a crucial two points.
Here's three storylines to watch as New York returns to Madison Square Garden after a three-game road trip.
1. How will the Rangers contain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?
Every time any team laces up to face the Edmonton Oilers, the primary concern is Connor McDavid. McDavid is the best player in the NHL, and whenever he is on the ice, he is a problem. Next to him is Leon Draisaitl -- another top five player in the league -- who is second in the NHL with 100 points this season.
New York is coming off one of its best defensive efforts of the season, shutting out the Blue Jackets and limiting high-danger chances. The task is much harder against Edmonton, especially when these two players can create something from nothing in seconds.
How the Rangers approach both McDavid and Draisaitl will be worth following, whether it's the lines and defensive pairings on the ice, how aggressive they are and so forth.
2. Will Igor Shesterkin play?
Saturday night, Igor Shesterkin earned his fifth shutout of the season, making 21 saves in the effort. Shesterkin has now given up two goals or less in three straight games.
In a back-to-back against the Ottawa Senators and Blue Jackets, head coach Peter Laviolette was under fire for not playing Shesterkin for the pivotal game against Columbus. Laviolette has always been a coach who splits his goalies in back-to-backs, but Quick did not perform well.
The Rangers have posted eight shutouts this season, tied for the most in the NHL. #NYR pic.twitter.com/KwQ8yf5SGF
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) March 16, 2025
In a big game against Edmonton and Shesterkin coming off a shutout, the question is this: if Shesterkin is not going to play in this back-to-back, when are the Rangers ever going to use him in these situations?
3. Inch by inch, can the Rangers keep their foot on the gas?
On March 11, the Rangers were reeling. They lost four straight games and were the outside looking in on the Stanley Cup playoffs. Just a few days later, the Blueshirts find themselves in playoff position but needing more wins to keep pace with teams and extend their season.
With 15 games remaining, how do the 2024-25 New York Rangers want to be remembered?
In time, we'll find out.