Why a win against Tampa Bay is crucial for the playoff race

An intense matchup against the Tampa Bay Lighting is a foot. The New York Rangers need this win to be a contender in the wildcard slots. Two mere points is what the Rangers are shooting for.

Will the Rangers be able to light it up and take away the light from the Lighting?

The Rangers need to win this game against the Lighting, if they want to have the slightest chance to enter the playoffs. The team is currently tied for third position with the Detroit Red Wings at 79 points. The Blueshirts only have six games before they can say bye to the regular season and hopefully hello to the playoffs.

Even though the Rangers points seem close to getting into a wildcard spot, the gap between the team and the second wildcard slot is widening in regards to points. The Montréal Canadiens hold the territory of the second spot for now. The Rangers would need to have a six-point jump to take that spot and that is only if those teams start losing. This would mean three wins for the Blueshirts to be able to have a glimmer of hope.

Based on stats, the Lighting is the better team. It would take exhilarating plays by the Blueshirt roster to secure a win. Let’s hope the Rangers are awake and ready to eliminate any goals for Tampa. The defense needs to be alert and constantly checking the weather to keep the Bolts from scoring. The Lightning have already secured their playoff spot in the Atlantic division, but maybe this will be to the Ranger’s advantage.

The Lightning are already in so Tampa Bay could be a bit sloppy tonight and this could give the Rangers the window to take the Lightning down. These two teams last met up on Dec, 28,2024 in Tampa at Amalie Arena and the Rangers went home with a loss, with a score of 2-6. The Rangers record is 36-33-7 and the Lightning is 44-26-6. Rangers need redemption, and they need to be hungry for it.

Time is running out for the Rangers. The time is now to start playing like a playoff team. It is time to win every game, and time to play as a unified team. This team needs to make shots in order to have attempts at goals. They need to make goals. The two points that they need if they win are close, and they need to play confidently. New York City has their back in this matchup. They have the home team advantage, with screaming Ranger fans. The team needs to absorb the electricity and magical energy that MSG provides. It should be an entertaining hockey game. Tampa needs to leave New York alone, because this is the Ranger’s home and they deserve the win if they play as if they just watched the movie “Miracle”.

The intensity and focus is what NYC needs to see on the ice. There truly needs to be “No Quit in New York.”