Rangers Climb Power Rankings, Eye Spoiler Role

0:00On April 4, the New York Rangers are the only team out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference this 2025-26 NHL season. After three straight years of triple-digit points and postseason runs, they're facing a second straight miss, but they're climbing in ESPN's latest. Power rankings from number 31 to number 29. They just snapped a three-game win streak with a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, their first defeat against an Atlantic Division rival this year. Still, the squad's showing real grid by when franchise goalie Igor Shesterkin dropped the gloves in a scrap this week. Players aren't waving the wife flag, even with playoffs off the table, and fans are appreciating that fire amid the disappointment. It's a tough step back from their recent glory, but the fight keeps the energy alive at Madison Square Garden. Now they're in a seven-game homestand, kicking off a back-to-back against the Detroit Red Wings on April 4th and Washington Capitals on April 5th.

1:00Both teams are scrapping for spots, with Detroit at 88 points through 75 games tied for the last wildcard in Washington at 85-76. Their final home tilt comes April 8th versus the Buffalo Sabers, sitting second in the Atlantic with 100 points through 76 games. The Rangers could play real spoilers here, turning the end of their season into a headache for contenders chasing the dance. That's the story for today, NHL News Today, driven by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.