Overview

• The New York Rangers routed the New York Islanders 9-2, sweeping the season series and briefly delaying their playoff elimination.
• The Rangers are six points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, with the Canadiens needing just one point in their next game to eliminate them.
• Artemi Panarin and rookie Brett Berard both scored twice, while Igor Shesterkin made 44 saves to anchor the Rangers' victory.
• The Islanders, without injured starting goalie Ilya Sorokin, struggled defensively, conceding 23 goals across four games to the Rangers this season.
• Both teams face likely elimination, with the Islanders' injuries and inconsistent performances compounding their late-season collapse.