There are 14 games remaining for the New York Rangers, and every point is going to matter. Currently, New York sits in the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Montreal Canadiens and two ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings.
Tuesday night is another opportunity for the Rangers to pick up a crucial two points and stay in playoff position, where they welcome in the Calgary Flames (30-25-11) into Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts suffered a tough loss against Edmonton on Sunday night, and now they welcome in another Canadian team.
It looks like the NHL playoff race is going to come down to the wire. Here's three Rangers to watch in Tuesday night's matchup with a lot on the line.
1. J.T. Miller
There's no doubt that J.T. Miller has changed the trajectory of the 2024-25 New York Rangers. Since arriving in early February, the Rangers have climbed back into playoff position; Miller has 18 points in 18 games in New York so far.
Recently, Miller's goalscoring has gone quiet. He has gone seven games — dating back to March 3 against the Islanders — without a goal and will be looking to break that streak against Calgary.
Having a Leader matters.
— Snagz (@call_me_snagz) March 16, 2025
JT Miller has completely changed the course of the season for the NY Rangers.
He leads by example and plays hard every shift. pic.twitter.com/YaqdSRbYON
2. Alexis Lafreniere
One of the most disappointing storylines for the Rangers this season has been Lafreniere, who after a career season in 2023-24 has taken a step back. Some nights, the 23-year-old shows superstar potential, and others, he is a non-factor.
If the Rangers are going to go on a run, Lafreniere needs to elevate his play and become someone that New York can rely on any given night. That's why New York signed him to an eight-year extension.
3. Adam Fox
Fox returned from the injured reserve on March 15 against the Blue Jackets, and since returning, he has injected some life into this Rangers' defense. He had an assist in his return, and on Sunday against the Oilers he was once again more of a positive.
Down the stretch, the Rangers will need to rely on Fox in crucial situations, whether in the defensive zone, on the power play or the entire whole 200-foot game. He is still one of the premier defensemen in the NHL and gives the Rangers an advantage against most teams.