Zak MacMillan: OTT G47 @ New York Rangers — Opposite Stories; Weekend Recap

Atlantic
3. Tampa - 53 points - 96.5 point pace

Wild Card
1. Ottawa - 52 points - 92.7 point pace
2. Boston - 52 points - 88.8 point pace
----------------------------------------
9. Columbus - 51 points - 89 point pace
10. Montreal - 50 points - 89.1 point pace
11. NY Rangers - 48 points - 85.5 point pace

I don't see the Lighting falling out of a playoff spot. The teams I'd be watching the most would be the Rangers, Bruins, Habs, and the Blue Jackets (in that order). Rangers have 1 regulation loss in 2025 (11 games) and Shersterkin is warming up with back to back shutouts. It's a toss up between Boston and Montreal for the biggest threat to the Sens. I don't see Penn teams being a threat. Seems like 90-92 points will get you in. Thoughts?

Montreal is this year's Philly. Pens are going to rebuild and Crosby might be forced to retire or play on another team because Dubas is the worst GM in hockey. Rangers will do better, Columbus will falter

Montreal is this year's Philly. Pens are going to rebuild and Crosby might be forced to retire or play on another team because Dubas is the worst GM in hockey. Rangers will do better, Columbus will falter
- PogBoi

For me, the following are 4 point games!

Thurs - OTT @ BOS
Feb 22 - MTL @ OTT
Mar 13 - BOS @ OTT
Mar 18 - OTT @ MTL
Mar 27 - OTT @ DET
Mar 29 - CBJ @ OTT
Mar 30 - OTT @ PIT
Apr 06 - CBJ @ OTT
Apr 08 - OTT @ CBJ
Apr 11 - MTL @ OTT

Those games in early April might be some of the most critical games.

Atlantic
3. Tampa - 53 points - 96.5 point pace

Wild Card
1. Ottawa - 52 points - 92.7 point pace
2. Boston - 52 points - 88.8 point pace
----------------------------------------
9. Columbus - 51 points - 89 point pace
10. Montreal - 50 points - 89.1 point pace
11. NY Rangers - 48 points - 85.5 point pace

I don't see the Lighting falling out of a playoff spot. The teams I'd be watching the most would be the Rangers, Bruins, Habs, and the Blue Jackets (in that order). Rangers have 1 regulation loss in 2025 (11 games) and Shersterkin is warming up with back to back shutouts. It's a toss up between Boston and Montreal for the biggest threat to the Sens. I don't see Penn teams being a threat. Seems like 90-92 points will get you in. Thoughts?
- AlfieisKing

Senators are staying put. Pens going into rebuild. Bolts stay. My preseason pick was Detroit in and Tampa out. The low 90 mark is generally where the second wild card tends to slot year after year. Boston and the Rangers’ falls from grace wow me; Bruins less so than New York.

To me the second wild card will come to the final day of the regular season. Columbus will be a welcomed surprise given the tragedy of Gaudreau and performance of Werenski. Montreal or Detroit would be welcome but they’ll get bounced by the Caps early.

Atlantic
3. Tampa - 53 points - 96.5 point pace

Wild Card
1. Ottawa - 52 points - 92.7 point pace
2. Boston - 52 points - 88.8 point pace
----------------------------------------
9. Columbus - 51 points - 89 point pace
10. Montreal - 50 points - 89.1 point pace
11. NY Rangers - 48 points - 85.5 point pace

I don't see the Lighting falling out of a playoff spot. The teams I'd be watching the most would be the Rangers, Bruins, Habs, and the Blue Jackets (in that order). Rangers have 1 regulation loss in 2025 (11 games) and Shersterkin is warming up with back to back shutouts. It's a toss up between Boston and Montreal for the biggest threat to the Sens. I don't see Penn teams being a threat. Seems like 90-92 points will get you in. Thoughts?
- AlfieisKing

I feel the Rangers are going to get in easily. Their roster is too good to miss the playoffs. It will be hard with so many 3-point games these days, but they seem poised for a run.

If the Sens could solidify the top 6 with a move or Perron finally plays effectively and score like they did at the start of the year, I think they should be ok. If the Lighting falter, things will get interesting.

How do you not have a shot on a 5-on-3 PP? I understand it was only like 30 seconds of 5-on-3, but 5-on-4 also had 0 shots. Like... Boston is not that good this year. Korpi isn't even playing out of this world. Ottawa is playing like absolute trash. What's going on?

OTT shutout in 5 of their last 11 games, but hey they leading the league in passes made/attempted.

both CBJ and MTL lost, like i said OTT is (frank)ing lucky to be close to a WC spot.