Rangers Face Playoff Setback Following Loss to Blue Jackets

New York's defensive struggles and power play woes contribute to a third consecutive loss as Columbus secures a critical wild-card spot.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the New York Rangers 7-3, led by Adam Fantilli's second career hat trick and Mathieu Olivier's two goals.
The loss marks the Rangers' third straight defeat, leaving them one point behind Ottawa for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot.
New York's power play continues to struggle, going 0-for-4 in the game and 1-for-20 since defenseman Adam Fox's shoulder injury on February 25.
The Rangers briefly tied the game with two short-handed goals during the same penalty kill but were unable to maintain defensive consistency.
Columbus now holds the first wild-card position in the East, with 70 points, one ahead of Ottawa, as the playoff race intensifies.