The Rangers have had a disappointing 1-1-1 performance in California, intensifying concerns about their playoff viability. As they sit at 77 points with eight games left, they currently occupy the final wild-card position, though their standing is precarious with the Canadiens closely pursuing. Coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the need for improvement after a mixed week, praising moments of direct play while acknowledging struggles in close situations. With competitive teams like the Canadiens and Blue Jackets also in the playoff push, the Rangers must demonstrate better consistency to secure their postseason berth.
The Rangers' uninspiring 1-1-1 showing in the Golden State this past week very well could've been the nail in the coffin on a season that is begging to be put out of its misery.
We needed to be better in those situations on those specific plays, but the game prior to that we were doing the right things.
The Canadiens and Blue Jackets have been the Rangers' biggest competition, with both teams aiming to end multi-season playoff droughts.
Despite losing their past five games before beating the Panthers 4-2 Sunday afternoon, Montreal still had a chance to rip the second wild-card spot away from the Rangers.
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