Overview

• A 5-1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning has left the Rangers six points behind the final wild-card spot with only five games remaining.
• The loss, coupled with Montreal's strong performance and five-game win streak, makes a playoff berth highly unlikely for the Rangers.
• Management, led by GM Chris Drury, is using the remaining games to evaluate players and determine offseason roster adjustments.
• Defensive pairing changes, including Adam Fox's new partnership with Carson Soucy, are being tested as part of these evaluations.
• The Rangers' inconsistent season, marked by blown leads and losing streaks, has starkly contrasted with last year's championship success.