Teams the New York Rangers Do and Do Not want to Face in the Playoffs

It was the great Ric Flair who once said, "In order to be the man, you've got to beat the man."

The Rangers still have 21 games left on their season, but their odds to going to the playoffs are bettering every day. They lead the 2nd place Boston Bruins by nine points in the standings, as the season winds down and gears up for what is looking like it is going to be a very interesting postseason.

So many teams in the Eastern Conference are in a jumble together right now, teams that have proved they can hang with the Rangers this year, and those who have yet to show it. This is a breakdown of the teams who the Rangers could potentially fare better against in the postseason.

Toronto Maple Leafs


The Rangers have lost to the Maple Leafs twice so far this year, but the last time was before the turn of 2012. The last time the Rangers and Leafs faced, the Rangers shut out the Leafs 3-0, as they shut down Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul who have became an explosive tandem this year. Since that time, the Leafs have dropped out of the playoff race, and are sitting on the outside looking in. Make no mistake, they are still very much alive in the standings despite being behind 8th place, but their overall play as of lately has taken a hard toll, and the team is in disarray. If the Rangers and Maple Leafs face off in the first round of the playoffs, I think the Rangers can show their true grit and take the Leafs in less than six games.

Winnipeg Jets


The Jets are young, nubile, and ripe for the picking. The Rangers were the only team to ever face the Atlanta Thrashers in the playoffs, and the New Jets have yet to beat the Rangers this season. In fact, out of the three games the Rangers and Jets have played this season, the Jets have only scored one goal against the Rangers, and that was back in their first meeting in October. The Jets are still in the honeymoon phase of their rebirth, and have yet to string together wins consistently. If they worm themselves into the playoffs, it would take a whole lot for the Jets to beat the Rangers.

Philadelphia Flyers


The team that the Rangers have held their number to all year long. The Rangers and Flyers were the "push" rivalry this year as the NHL really tried to gear their hatred for one another up for the Winter Classic. The Rangers have taken all four of the meetings this season so far, including the Winter Classic in major TV-scripted fashion. Ilya Bryzgalov has yet to pay a single dividend of his major contract signed this year, and it's lead to a very enigmatic goalie controversy between him and Sergei Bobrovsky. If the Rangers play the Flyers in the postseason, get ready for fireworks, both at center ice when two players drop the gloves, and in the Flyers net.



Ottawa Senators


The Rangers and Sens have had some good games against one-another this season. Both teams have come away with humongous wins over each other, and could easily take each other for a seven-gamer. The Senators have performed very well against the Rangers this season, but I don't feel that they are ready for the big show just yet. Yes, they have Karlsson and Spezza who have been untouchable this whole season, but I think their major lack of a supporting cast could really cost them when they hit the big time.

Florida Panthers


To me, the Florida Panthers are potentially the biggest fluke of the playoffs. No disrespect whatsoever, they have won their games just like everybody else has, but if the rules didn't place the top teams from each division at the top three seeds, the Panthers would be in 7th. I like what the Panthers have done this season, but I don't feel like they have it in them to make any sort of move once the playoffs start. They have managed to pull out some big points this season, but the Rangers took the last three meeting from the Cats, and I think under the spotlight of the playoffs, their formula for a winning team could crumble.


Now, the Rangers are not an unstoppable force, but I do have the utmost confidence in them to beat any team in the Eastern Conference. These, however, are the teams who I think are going to be much harder outs than the teams above.


Tampa Bay Lightning


For them to make it to the playoffs is a stretch, but still, they're still in it in my eyes. To me, the Lightning have had a thing against the Rangers all season, despite their two losses to them so far. The Bolts are always dangers with Steven Stamkos in their lineup, and despite their shortcomings this season, I think they can be a sure sleeper if they can muster up some magic and push their way into the top half of the standings.

Washington Capitals


The team that knocked out the Rangers in last years playoffs are still just as dangerous. The roles have certainly changed, with the Rangers at the top of the standings and the Caps on the bubble, but the Caps had nothing going for them even last season against the Rangers when during the regular season the Rangers beat the Caps more times than vice versa, and they still beat the Rangers in five games last season. If the Caps can stay in the playoff picture, I think they are the guaranteed sleeper for the entire Eastern Conference.

New Jersey Devils


Possibly the toughest out for the Rangers if they face in the opening round. The Rangers have had great playoff success against the Devils by going 4-out-of-5 series' with them, but I'll admit, the Devils scare me. The Devils managed to squeak out two lucky wins over the Rangers so far this season, and with a weapon like Ilya Kovalchuk, every team will have a chip on their shoulder playing against him. However, there are no shootouts in the playoffs... a place the Devils have found much of their success.

Pittsburgh Penguins


What can you really say about them? Even without Sidney Crosby, the Penguins have managed to hold the ship steady through thick and thin this season, and are by far the most polarizing team in the Eastern Conference. Evgeni Malkin has been putting up ridiculous numbers for his team, and with help from James Neal, they could potentially go places. These teams have split two games a piece so far, and if they meet up in the postseason, MSG might want to consider making it Pay-Per-View because it will be one hell of a show.

Boston Bruins


Nobody ever wants to be the team to face the defending champs. The Bruins have hung with the Rangers all season long in the standings. Including the consideration of the two wins the Rangers have pulled off against the B's (including one shutout), not playing the Bruins is easier than playing them, all Zdeno Chara ankle shattering slap-shots aside.

Take it for what it's worth, but on any given day, any team can beat anyone. Come April, we'll all see who will have to beat the man, in order to potentially become the new man.