New York Rangers’ Playoff Odds
Playoff season is inching nearer and the New York Rangers appear to be in a good position
Photo by Robby Sabo
The New York Rangers currently sit at 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with 79 points in 61 games. They are currently seeded to play the New Jersey Devils, who have 85 points in 60 games, in the first round of the playoffs.
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The Rangers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year where they faced off with Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers ultimately ended up losing in Game 6 to the Lightning. However, their recent playoff experience gives them a huge advantage over the Devils, who have not made a playoff appearance since 2018 when they lost in the first round.
The Rangers also recently made some huge trade acquisitions.
Photo by Eliot J. Schechter
On Feb. 9, the Rangers acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues. Tarasenko was a key part of the Blues’ cup winning team in 2019. He scored 11 goals in 26 games during the 2019 playoffs. Tarasenko’s speed and one-on-one skills will add depth to the Rangers’ offense.
Then, on Tuesday, the Rangers acquired the biggest trade prospect of the 2023 season: Patrick Kane. After 16 years with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane was incredibly hesitant to leave Chicago. However, since the Blackhawks are attempting a rebuild, trading away Kane seemed inevitable.
After the Rangers acquired Tarasenko, it appeared that they were no longer interested in acquiring Kane. Kane later told media sources that if he were to be traded from Chicago he was only interested in either the Toronto Maple Leafs, or the Rangers. Surprisingly, the Rangers were able to acquire both Tarasenko and Kane without surpassing their cap hit.
Photo by Michael Reaves
Kane is a three-time cup champion; the Blackhawks won the Stanley cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He has also been named one of the 100 greatest NHL players.
With their playoff experience and recent talent acquisition, the Rangers are sitting in an excellent position to advance to the second round where they would face either the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Islanders.
Last year, the Rangers bested the Hurricanes during the second round to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Hurricanes currently have 86 points in 59 games, however, with the recent acquisition of Tarasenko and Kane, the Rangers have a decent shot at beating them in the second round again this year.
Should the Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, they would likely face the Boston Bruins who currently sit at No. 1 in the NHL with 99 points in 60 games. The Bruins have had an incredible season having won 47 of their 60 games played, and making them one of the toughest teams to beat. It is unlikely the Rangers will be able to surpass the Bruins and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
