New York Rangers will open 2023 Playoffs on the road

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Chris Kreider New York Rangers
Feb 15, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider (20) and goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) celebrate their victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Rangers won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers don’t have to stress about tomorrow’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That’s because they’re locked into third-place in the Metropolitan Division after both the New Jersey Devils (110) and Carolina Hurricanes (111) won on Monday night.

However, after Thursday night’s action, the Blueshirts will find out if they are heading either to Carolina or New Jersey to open the 2023 Playoffs.

“If we want to win the Stanley Cup we have to beat anybody anywhere,” Filip Chytil said on Monday.

New York Rangers will open playoffs on the road

NHL: New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s some good news for the Rangers, they appear to be a better team on the road this season, even if its by a marginal difference.

The Rangers concluded their schedule away from Madison Square Garden with a 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets last Saturday. On the year, they’re 24-9-8 for 56 points compared to 23-12-5 for 51 points at home with a game left to play.

CATEGORYHOMEAWAY
Record23-12-524-9-8
GoalsFor per/game3.453.24
GoalsAgainst per/game2.782.49
Shots per/game31.831.4
ShotsAgainst per/game29.529.4
PP23.30%24.60%
PK79.70%82.60%
NYR Stats Home vs Away (NHL.com)

Furthermore, Igor Shesterkin has also posted slightly better road numbers this season.

CATEGORYHOMEAWAY
Record20-9-417-4-4
GAA2.572.36
SV%.913.920
SO21
Igor Shesterkin Home vs Away (Hockey-Reference)

Here’s a quick look at the Rangers head-to-head results this year versus their potential playoff opponents:

Record vs Hurricanes: 3-1-0

  • Goals For: 15
  • Goals Against: 9
  • Rangers leading scorer: Artemi Panarin (6 goals, 2 assists)
  • Igor Shesterkin: 2-1-0 (GAA 2.37, SV% .924)

Record vs Devils: 1-2-1

  • Goals For: 11
  • Goals Against: 14
  • Rangers leading scorer: K’Andre Miller (5 assists)
  • Igor Shesterkin: 1-2-1 (GAA 3.23, SV% .907)

Note: Stats via Hockey-Reference

The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 17. New York’s start/schedule has not yet been set.

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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