Rangers' playoff possibilities
GP W L OT Pts
6. Boston 80 37 30 13 87
6. Montreal81 39 33 9 87
8. Philadelphia81 40 35 6 86
8. Rangers81 38 33 10 86
WHERE THEY STAND:
With the Rangers' win, they have 86 points (38-33-10) and are tied with the Flyers with the regular-season finale at 3 p.m. Sunday in Philadelphia. A win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would put them in the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
Two games Saturday also will be factors in the playoff race:
The Bruins (37-30-13), with 87 points, host the Hurricanes at 1 p.m. If the Bruins get two points, they'll have 89 (38-30-13) and cannot be caught by the Rangers. If the Bruins get one for 88 (37-30-14), the Rangers can catch them with two points Sunday and a Boston loss against Washington on the road Sunday at noon. Even if the Bruins lose in regulation (37-31-13, 87), they have another shot to grab a spot against the Caps.
The Canadiens (39-33-9, 87) close their regular season at home against the Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. Montreal needs a point to secure a spot. If Montreal loses in regulation, the Rangers, with a win Sunday, would pass them, too.
