With Playoffs in Sight, Rangers Look to Lower Magic Number...On Their Own

Thanks for nothing Washington.

After getting little help from the other teams last night, outside of Toronto beating Buffalo, the Rangers will have to help themselves tonight. They return to the ice after a well-deserved 3 day break, for a 7 pm tilt against those same Buffalo Sabres, at HSBC Arena. The Boys in Blue are in the midst of their best stretch of the season, collecting 13 out of a possible 14 points during a 6-0-1 stretch, and currently sit in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, with 87 points. They are 2 behind the Canadiens, who moved back into sole possession of 6th last night, after defeating the Atlanta Thrashers, 3-1.

Hopes of possibly clinching a playoff spot Thursday night against the Islanders, ended with Carolina also winning last night, keeping the Blueshirts magic # at 8. However, if all goes well the next few nights, they have a chance to wrap up a spot by this weekend, provided they beat the Sabres tonight, and Carolina loses to, hey, guess who? The Canadiens!

These games become more and more important with each passing day.

That is why it is extremely important that the Rangers don't let up now, and also not count on other teams to do their dirty work for them. Last night proves how quickly things can change. They went from a chance to move ahead of Montreal tonight and close within 1 of point of 5th place Tampa Bay, to back to 7th. A loss to Buffalo tonight will put them back into 8th. A win tonight, and some help from other teams, will put things back to the way they were yesterday morning. But first things first, take care of your business, and let the rest, hopefully, fall into place.

Henrik Lundqvist will make his 21st consecutive start for the Blueshirts tonight. The King is, once again, doing what he does best when it comes down to the stretch run...finishing strong. He has 2 shutouts in the last 2 games, adding to his league best 11, and has given up just 1 goal in the past 3 games. Don't think that Chad Johnson is going to see the ice for a start anytime soon.

This will be a tough one tonight. HSBC is going to be packed to the gills, the crowd will be antsy, and Buffalo is going to be hungry for a win after losing to the Maple Leafs last night. Nothing less than their best effort will get the Rangers the necessary 2 points they need tonight. Hopefully, they won't be too rusty after 3 days off.

The push for the playoffs continues tonight.