The New York Rangers were on the verge of securing a crucial road victory against the Ottawa Senators and gaining control of the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card playoff spot. However, their season-long struggles with closing out games reared their ugly head once again, resulting in a devastating 4-3 overtime loss.
Leading 3-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Rangers seemed poised to head back to Madison Square Garden with two vital points. But the Senators, refusing to go down quietly, stormed back with late goals from Ridley Greig and Michael Amadio, sending the game into overtime. It took just 33 seconds of the extra period for Brady Tkachuk—who had been a thorn in New York’s side all night—to capitalize on a Rangers miscue and net the game-winner, leaving the Blueshirts stunned.
Instead of entering Sunday’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets as the East’s top wild-card team, the Rangers find themselves tied in points with Columbus, which has played one fewer game and now holds the advantage for the second wild-card spot. Meanwhile, the Senators, who were on the brink of disappointing their home crowd of 18,224 at Canadian Tire Centre, now sit in the driver’s seat as the East’s first wild-card team.
This crushing defeat marks yet another instance of New York’s inability to close games when it matters most. With the playoff race tightening, the Rangers must find a way to finish strong—or risk watching their postseason hopes slip away.
Leading 3-1 with just over 10 minutes left in regulation, the Rangers allowed late goals from Ridley Greig and Michael Amadio, forcing overtime. It didn’t take long for Brady Tkachuk—who had been a constant threat all game—to capitalize on a New York turnover, scoring the game-winner just 33 seconds into OT.
Instead of heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets as the top wild card, the Rangers (31-26-6) now find themselves tied in points with Columbus (30-24-8), who have played one fewer game, for the second spot. Meanwhile, Ottawa, who seemed destined for a disappointing loss in front of 18,224 fans at Canadian Tire Centre, now holds the first wild-card position.
