Disappointment — perhaps even heartbreak — is expected for some teams this final week of the regular season as they compete for the last playoff spots. However, for the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, teams with high expectations at the start of the year, the introspection has already begun.
The New York Rangers` playoff hopes ended with a 7-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. This marked the second time in three games that the Rangers conceded seven or more goals.
The Vancouver Canucks were already out of playoff contention going into the weekend. A 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild highlighted their disappointing season. The game was overshadowed by concern for Derek Forbort, who suffered a broken orbital bone after a late punch from Minnesota’s Yakor Trenin.
The game itself was not kind to the Canucks, who squandered a 2-0 lead in the third period and managed only 14 shots on goal in another poor home performance. Vancouver’s home points percentage is .513, better than only three other NHL teams.
Of the teams missing the playoffs, the Rangers and Canucks had strong previous seasons. New York won the Presidents’ Trophy and reached the final four, while Vancouver topped the Pacific Division and nearly made the Western Conference final.
Now, both teams face significant questions. For the Rangers, a complete overhaul of hockey operations is possible. For the Canucks, the question is whether they can re-sign coach Rick Tocchet, whose contract is expiring.
Roster changes are also coming. The Rangers have many long-term contracts with trade protection, limiting their ability to reshape the team quickly.
In Vancouver, Brock Boeser is expected to leave as a UFA. Thatcher Demko has one year left on his contract and has struggled with injuries. Elias Pettersson, despite a large contract extension, has not performed like a top-line center recently, raising questions about his future with the team.
Difficult seasons rarely have easy solutions, and it will be a significant challenge for both franchises to return to the top of the league.
Weekend Takeaways
- Despite defeating Vancouver, the Minnesota Wild have not yet secured a playoff spot. They need one point in their home game against Anaheim. With key players returning from injury and the addition of Zeev Buium, Minnesota could be a notable wild-card team. Buium`s potential is comparable to Brock Faber`s impact in 2023, suggesting he could quickly contribute to the Wild.
- The Columbus Blue Jackets responded strongly over the weekend with two dominant wins against the Washington Capitals. Adam Fantilli led with four goals, approaching the 30-goal mark, and Jet Greaves made 51 saves on 52 shots. Columbus needs to win their remaining games and hope Montreal falters to secure a wild-card spot.
The Week Ahead
- Nikita Kucherov is set to win his third Art Ross Trophy as Nathan MacKinnon rests for Colorado`s final games. Kucherov leads the league with 119 points.
- The St. Louis Blues can clinch a playoff spot with a win against Utah. After a 12-game winning streak, they have lost three straight, making their final game crucial.
- Alex Ovechkin is chasing his 900th goal, needing four more this week. The Capitals play the Islanders and Penguins, with a potential milestone game against Sidney Crosby.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday. See you in the second season.
