With their game-81 victory over the rebuilding Blue Jackets, the Rangers have secured the Atlantic division for the third time since GM-Nick took over in 2019, and for the second straight year.

"We've had 45 wins every year for 3 straight years, though I'm not ready to say we won't hit #46 tonight..." GMN stated to reports after the post game scrum. "These guys are hungry for the playoffs, that's what really matters, but it's part of my job to make sure they feel good about other, hard fought accomplishments too."

The Rangers missed the playoffs GMN's first year, made the Conference finals the next, but have left in the first round every year since. This off season, the Rangers rebuilt a core around stronger defense, with Glukhov and Gildon being massive impact players in their first years with the team. Rookie Lian Bischel has been exceptional as well.

"We've been relatively healthy this year, for a change, and everyone's played key roles..." Captain Michael Dal Colle added. "This time of year, every opponent is good. Whoever it is in round 1, we'll be ready."

At the moment, the Rangers are slated to play Atlantic-rival Pittsburgh, but while their #3 seed is locked, PGH/MTL/TOR are all susceptible to change depending on the last games of the season. � Full story