5 Reasons the New York Rangers Will Sneak Into the NHL Playoffs

5. Vincent Trocheck’s Play In The Dot

Vincent Trocheck is in his third season with the Rangers since signing in the summer of 2022. This year, he sits third in points on the team with 30, but what stands out to me is his consistency in the faceoff circle. Trocheck currently ranks second in the league in faceoff win percentage, at 60.1%, and last season, he finished in the top 10 in the league. This consistency must continue if the Rangers want to make the playoffs.

2. Panarin And Offense Starting to Click

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Artemi Panarin is a superstar player getting paid superstar money to put up superstar numbers for the Rangers. He currently leads the team in goals (20) and points (49) and will be relied upon heavily to create more offense alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere. New York's chances at sneaking into the playoffs depend on Panarin’s overall health and play on the ice.

Odds to Win Eastern Conference: +1900

3. Rangers Are Only A Few Points Out

Get inside the crease and access who is starting in tonight’s NHL matchups and save projections with SportsGrid’s Starting Goalies Page.

There is still plenty of time left in the season, and when looking at recent years, it’s right around now that the New York Rangers begin to really heat up. When looking at the metropolitan division, the Rangers sit just two points out of a wildcard spot, and only eight points behind the New Jersey Devils for third place in the division. Come mid-March, expect them to give the Devils a run for that 3rd spot.

Odds to Win Metropolitan Division: +22000

4. Strong Penalty Kill

Deke the sportsbooks and score with SportsGrid’s free NHL Picks and NHL Player Props.

The Rangers rank fourth for the best penalty-kill percentage in the league. Chris Kreider and Braden Schneider are both players who have been a crucial part of this team’s PK for years now. A good penalty kill will win this team games and ultimately sneak them into the playoffs.

Odds to Make Playoffs: -104

5. Vincent Trocheck’s Play In The Dot

Vincent Trocheck is in his third season with the Rangers since signing in the summer of 2022. This year, he sits third in points on the team with 30, but what stands out to me is his consistency in the faceoff circle. Trocheck currently ranks second in the league in faceoff win percentage, at 60.1%, and last season, he finished in the top 10 in the league. This consistency must continue if the Rangers want to make the playoffs.