Are the Rangers and Wild on Thin Ice for the Playoffs?

The New York Rangers, who previously won the Presidents` Trophy, and the Minnesota Wild, who led the league in standings in early December, both had high expectations for the 2024-25 season playoffs.

However, as they approach their Wednesday night game, the playoff outlook for both teams is uncertain. Each team has a record of 8 wins, 9 losses, and 3 overtime losses in their last 20 games.

Despite this, the Wild are currently in a playoff spot and Stathletes gives them a 93.7% chance of making the playoffs. This is largely due to their relatively easy remaining schedule. Their opponents have a combined winning percentage of 46.0%, making it the second-easiest schedule remaining in the league.

In contrast, the Rangers have a much lower 19.0% chance of reaching the playoffs and are currently not in a playoff position. Their remaining schedule is significantly tougher, with opponents having a 54.1% winning percentage, the second-toughest in the league.

If the Wild secure the first wild card spot, they would likely face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. If they get the second wild card, their likely opponent would be the Winnipeg Jets. Notably, Minnesota has lost all three games against both of these potential opponents this season.

For the Rangers, their more probable path to the playoffs is as the second wild card, which would mean a first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, a team that has defeated them in all three games this season. Alternatively, the Rangers could take the first wild card and face the champion of the Atlantic Division. Against Atlantic teams, they have a mixed record: 1-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, 0-2 against the Florida Panthers (with another game scheduled for April 14), and 0-1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning (with games on April 7 and April 17).

Therefore, neither team has a guaranteed easy path in the playoffs. However, simply making it to the playoffs opens up possibilities for unexpected outcomes.

With just over two weeks left in the season until April 17th, the NHL playoff race is intensifying. We will continue to provide updates on the playoff scenarios and the teams vying for a better position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery as the season concludes.

Current Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

• A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
• A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
• M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
• M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

• C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild
• C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
• P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues
• P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

Wednesday`s Games

Note: All times ET. Games streaming on ESPN+ may have local blackout restrictions.

• Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
• Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. (TNT)
• Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado Avalanche at Chicago Blackhawks, 9:30 p.m. (TNT)
• Seattle Kraken at Vancouver Canucks, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday`s Scoreboard

• Washington Capitals 4, Boston Bruins 3
• Montreal Canadiens 3, Florida Panthers 2 (OT)
• Buffalo Sabres 5, Ottawa Senators 2
• Columbus Blue Jackets 8, Nashville Predators 4
• Tampa Bay Lightning 4, New York Islanders 1
• St. Louis Blues 2, Detroit Red Wings 1 (OT)
• Utah Hockey Club 3, Calgary Flames 1
• Edmonton Oilers 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2
• Anaheim Ducks 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (SO)
• Los Angeles Kings 4, Winnipeg Jets 1

Expanded Standings

Atlantic Division

Metro Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Note: An `x` means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An `e` means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Race for the No. 1 Pick

The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order. A team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if they win the lottery. Matthew Schaefer is currently projected as the No. 1 draft pick.