The fight to make the playoffs was valiant, and the experience for their young players has been priceless.
But the fight is all but over for the Rangers. Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Islanders, in what is likely the Blueshirts’ final game in Nassau Coliseum, has pushed them to the brink of elimination. While the victory clinched a playoff spot for the Isles, it left the Rangers with a tragic number of one point in their playoff chase. The next point gained by the Boston Bruins, or lost by the Rangers, will end the Rangers’ playoff hopes.
That could happen Monday, if the Rangers don’t beat the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden, and the Devils don’t beat the Bruins in regulation time in Newark.