“PLAYOFFS OR BUST” remains a live Rangers theme and that’s a fact.
But the final make-it-or fail result will hinge on the remaining games scheduled for the Rangers and its competitors.
Realistically, the schedule works against New York. That starts with the fact that the Montreal Canadiens won over Boston last night.
The victory leapfrogged the Habs over New York for the final Wild Card position. So, let’s check out the homestretch schedule for the WC contenders from here to the Finish Line.
RANGERS: The Blueshirts are in Newark tomorrow afternoon. After that they have six more games: Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Islanders, Hurricanes, Panthers and Tampa again.
CANADIENS: Leading for the remaining Wild Card spot, Montreal next faces Nashville, Detroit, Ottawa, Toronto, Chicago and Carolina.
COLUMBUS: Having lost to Colorado, the Blue Jackets still have games in hand on their rivals. Next up for the BJ’s are Toronto, Ottawa (home and home), Buffalo, Washington (home and home) followed by Philadelphia and concluding with the Islanders.
DETROIT: Carolina, Panthers, Habs, Panthers, Dallas, New Jersey and Toronto.
FORECAST: The Maven’s Supreme Analyst, Jess Rubenstein, puts Montreal in the Catbird Seat and insists that the Canadiens will get the final plum.
“The Habs have the easiest schedule as they play just three playoff contenders,” says Rubenstein. “Starting tomorrow in New Jersey, the Rangers will face a total of five playoff contenders.
“Columbus will have to play six of the better teams while Detroit has the worst schedule – all seven remaining games are against contenders.”
With a two-game winning streak on the line tomorrow against New Jersey, the Rangers are now in “Mustwinland” – and had better have their Victory visas ready!
Otherwise it will be a question of better luck next time! And “next time” – or next year – may never be!
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