Right when it looked like the New York Rangers might have picked up the slightest bit of momentum, the Blueshirts followed the same script that they have the entire 2024-25 season. After getting back-to-back wins against the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild, the Rangers were embarassed by the New Jersey Devils, 4-0, on Saturday afternoon.
Once again, New York failed to make it three straight games and has not had a winning streak over two games since mid-November. This, combined with the Montreal Canadiens rolling on a five game winning streak, makes the postseason a distinct possibility for the Rangers.
New York sits six points behind Montreal going into Monday night's matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. If the Rangers are going to extend their season, they essentially have to win five out of the remaining six games and hope for Montreal to lose steam. With everything that has happened this season, the chances for this to occur are low.
Regardless, the Rangers lace up the skates again at Madison Square Garden on Monday night as the season winds to a close. Here's three storylines to watch.
1. Can the Rangers score?
The Blueshirts were shutout for the fourth time this season against New Jersey. Combining the two games in Newark, the Rangers were outscored 9-0 and did not look competitive.
For years, New York has been known for its prolific, high scoring, offense, but for many stretches this season this has not been the case. Players such as Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck have all taken steps back production-wise.
It's why the Rangers season will likely come to a close without a postseason birth.
2. Can the Power Play do something?
The Rangers' power play is two for its last 45 chances, and over that span the unit has given up more shorthanded goals than goals scored. There's no way to sugarcoat it, that's really bad.
New York had a top-10 power play unit in each of the last three seasons — all of which it clinched a playoff birth — and this season, the Rangers are ranked 27th with a 17.2% rate.
The power play needs to be at the center in what feels like an all-time drop off for the entire team.
The Rangers power play has two goals in at least 41 attempts.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 3, 2025
There were boos.
3. Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann and a New Hope
If there's one thing to look forward to, it's the Rangers' youth. 19-year-old Gabe Perrault has played two games so far and has made an impact in both. But, he is still looking for his first point and has six games left to do it. Any NHL ice time for the potential superstar will be helpful down the road.
Brennan Othmann has also gotten more ice time as of late and has played some of his best pro hockey. Expect his time to increase over the final games.
Both Perreault and Othmann are key for New York's future. Their development should be at the forefront of this (most-likely) lost season.