The New York Rangers' playoff hopes dimmed further after a disheartening 4-0 defeat to the New Jersey Devils, marking their inability to secure a three-game winning streak since mid-November. Despite entering the match with momentum from consecutive wins, the Rangers succumbed to the Devils, who were missing key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. With only six games remaining, the Rangers now sit two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

Critical issues have plagued the Rangers' performance, particularly on the power play, where they have struggled significantly. Their recent power play efficiency has dropped to 27th in the league, going just 2-for-45 over the last stretch. Coach Peter Laviolette's insistence on sticking to the same veteran lineup for the power play unit is raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, as the team continues to suffer from self-inflicted errors and ineffective strategies that have derailed their postseason aspirations.