The New York Rangers went into their game with the St. Louis Blues in 5th place in the lottery standings and with fourth place a distinct possibility. After an improbable win and no cooperation from their lottery rivals, seventh place looks like the Rangers’ fate.
By winning, the Blueshirts dropped behind idle Buffalo with 73 points to the Sabres’ 72. Since Buffalo has shown no inclination that the intend to win another game this season, it looks like they are a lock for 5th place or better.
Anaheim was roughed up by Calgary, losing 6-1 at the Saddledome.