New York Rangers playoff outlook positive despite difficult schedule
The New York Rangers have their work cut out for them for the remainder of this season as they try and secure another playoff berth.
After a surprise second place finish in the Metropolitan Division followed by a run to the Eastern Conference Final, many expected the Rangers to contend for first place in 2022-23. They’re currently in third place, 9 points back of the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot and 7 behind the Devils for second. With plenty of hockey to go, it’s still possible to finish atop the heap.
At the start of play today, the Rangers are a point up on the Washington Capitals with with three games in hand and are in good position to make the postseason.
New York Rangers playoff outlook
On Monday night, the Rangers will host the Florida Panthers in their 47th game of the season.
According to the website Money Puck, the team currently has a 62.8% chance of making the postseason. You can learn more about their predictive model here.
This is excellent considering the Rangers have the 5th hardest schedule in the NHL per Tankathon. In the Metropolitan Division, only the Columbus Blue Jackets have it harder. Unfortunately, going by ease of schedule the Pittsburgh Penguins (3 points behind) have the more favorable outlook. They’re then followed by the Capitals, Hurricanes, and Devils.
Of the Blueshirts 36 games remaining with 13 games left versus opponents in the Metro Division:
- Hurricanes, 3 (1 at home)
- Devils, 1 (on the road)
- Capitals, 3 (1 at home)
- Penguins, 3 (2 at home)
- Islanders, 0
- Flyers, 1 (on the road)
- Blue Jackets, 2 (1 at home)
“I think that’s good for us,” Ryan Lindgren told The Post of playing in a tight division. “Makes us not take any games off.”
NY Post
The Rangers have three more games to go before the All Star Break (Panthers, at Toronto Maple Leafs, and Golden Knights).
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