The New York Rangers may not be playing tonight but could make some noise. According to the NHL, the Blueshirts can clinch a spot in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs if the following scenario happens:
Montreal Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres in any fashion AND the Florida Panthers lose to the Ottawa Senators in regulation.
Should that not come to fruition tonight, the Rangers can clinch a berth with a win tomorrow against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
How to Watch the New York Rangers in 2023
Rangers playoff scenarios
The Rangers are all but a shoe-in for the playoffs this season, but with 9 games remaining it will be about positioning.
With a record of 43-20-10 for 96 points, they hold third-place in the Metro Division. The Rangers are currently four points behind the New Jersey Devils for second and home-ice advantage in round one.
The Devils will face the New York Islanders tonight on Long Island. Should they lose and the Rangers win tomorrow, the game Thursday between the Rangers and Devils could be for a second-place tie.
Per the website Playoff Status, there’s an 87% that they will square off to open the playoffs.
Ryan Lindgren remains day-to-day
Ryan Lindgren was a full participant in practice today but apparently remains day-to-day.
“We’re not going to rush him back,” Gerard Gallant said on Monday. “When he’s ready, he’s ready. He’s doing good. You saw him out there for a full practice, but we’re going to make sure.
The 25 year-old has 17 points in 57 games this season, and missed 11 games with a shoulder injury prior to tweaking it against the Carolina Hurricanes last week and missing the next two.
“It felt pretty good to be out there skating with the guys,” Lindgren explained. “We’ll talk to the medical staff and take it day by day. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow. We’re pretty secure where we are at (in the standings) and you don’t want to deal with this in the playoffs.”
Per Newsday’s Colin Stephenson, Lindgren subbed in on rushes. I would take that as he’s not expected to play tomorrow against the Jackets at Madison Square Garden.
