A loss by the Senators last night means the Rangers remain in fifth. Unfortunately the Devils also won, which means that the Bueshirts still need help to get to 4th spot, perhaps tonight when the Bruins meet the Devils.

New York can clinch a playoff spot tonight if the Hurricanes lose in regulation. If Carolina loses, they cannot pass the Rangers and it wouldn’t matter what the Capitals did.

The Rangers have scored five power play goals in their last three games, and there’s hope that it’s finally turning around. Still even with the success, two of those goals came 5 on 3, and one was 4 on 3.

Christian Backman appears to have stabilized his play in recent games, and has even started to contribute offensively. The patience shown by coach Tom Renney appears to be paying dividends.

The Checkerw won last night, but Tom Pyatt‘s nine game point streak came to an end.