Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog has ramped up his skating, fostering optimism about his recovery, though no specific timeline is available yet. Teammate Jonathan Drouin exited the latest game early due to a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen approaches two months post-knee surgery, eyeing a return possibly in the first round of the playoffs if the Stars face the Avalanche. In Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov is traveling but won’t play until at least the team's next practice. San Jose Sharks' Shakir Mukhamadullin suffered a hit that raised concerns about his availability, while Filip Chytil of the Vancouver Canucks is dealing with concussion symptoms, casting doubt on his return this season.

In a thrilling contest at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers edged out the Minnesota Wild 5-4 in overtime, a game characterized by crucial turnovers and missed opportunities. Early in the third period, Marco Rossi equalized for the Wild, only to have Vincent Trocheck net the game-winner for the Rangers in the extra frame. This victory pushed the Rangers into a tie for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Wild remained in eighth place in the West, tied with the idle St. Louis Blues.

Both teams displayed moments of brilliance, yet a series of self-inflicted mistakes plagued their efforts. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves, while Filip Gustavsson of the Wild was under constant fire, finishing with 34 saves. The game saw multiple lead changes, with key contributions from players like Artemi Panarin and Marcus Johansson, who had a goal and two assists for Minnesota. The Wild's next challenge comes against the New York Islanders.

The 2024-25 NHL schedule poses unique challenges for teams, especially for the New York Rangers, who experience significant gaps between games due to Madison Square Garden's busy event calendar. While the Minnesota Wild have enjoyed a packed schedule, playing numerous games in quick succession, the Rangers face the complex task of balancing player rest and performance on the ice. Coach John Hynes emphasizes the importance of managing the transition from rest to game readiness. Key players like Kirill Kaprizov are also in the spotlight as he progresses in his rehab, hinting at a potential return before the season's end.

The New York Rangers face a challenging road ahead if they want to extend their season, starting with a match against the playoff-bound Minnesota Wild. With the pressure mounting, all eyes are on rookie Gabe Perreault as he makes his NHL debut alongside JT Miller and Alexis Lafreniere. This infusion of youth comes at a critical time for the Rangers, who have struggled recently, but Perreault's arrival injects a beacon of hope.

While the team's playoff chances may be slim, Perreault's debut provides a fresh narrative for fans looking for excitement during the season's final weeks. With the Wild's formidable lineup, including Marcus Foligno and Matt Boldy, the Rangers will need a strong performance to pull off an upset. Game time is set for 7 PM, with the potential for a stunning debut from Perreault dominating the pre-game discussion.

The New York Rangers, reigning Presidents' Trophy winners, began the season as favorites for a playoff berth. However, as the 2024-25 season winds down, they find themselves in precarious playoff odds, currently holding a mere 27.3% chance as they face the Minnesota Wild, who boast a 91% playoff probability. Both teams have struggled recently, posting identical 8-9-3 records over their last ten outings.

The Rangers are on the outside looking in, facing a tough remaining schedule with opponents averaging a 54.1% win rate. In contrast, the Wild's path appears easier, with upcoming opponents holding only a 46% win rate. Should the Wild secure a wild-card spot, their likely first-round opponents would be the Vegas Golden Knights. The Rangers, if they qualify, may face the Washington Capitals, who have dominated them this season.

With just over two weeks remaining until the playoffs begin, both teams must rally to secure their spots, as anything can happen once they make it into the postseason.