NY Rangers Making Late-Season Push up NHL Power Rankings

The New York Rangers remain competitive despite just playing out the stretch of the regular season.

Apr 2, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jaroslav Chmelar (49) controls the puck in the third period against the Montréal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 NHL season has not gone according to plan for the New York Rangers, who are currently the only team eliminated from playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.

After making the postseason for three straight years, finishing with triple-digit points each campaign, this will be the second straight season that the Rangers miss the postseason. The step backward is certainly disappointing, but the players have yet to throw the towel in on the season.

As a result, it should come as no surprise that New York has made a small move up in the latest NHL power rankings done by the staff over at ESPN. The Rangers have landed at No. 29, moving up from No. 31 in the previous edition.

New York made the jump despite their three-game winning streak coming to an end against the Montreal Canadiens in their most recent game. The Rangers were defeated 3-2, losing to their Atlantic Division foes for the first time this season.

Rangers moving up NHL power rankings

Apr 2, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) skates over to his bench after scoring a goal in the third period against the Montréal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

However, the players on the team are still showing a lot of fight despite the playoffs being out of reach. And, they will have the chance to play spoiler, with some games against playoff hopefuls on the horizon.

“The Rangers are mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. But they're still playing spirited hockey; to wit, franchise goalie Igor Shesterkin got in a fight this week. And for teams that are out, it's time to spoil some dreams, and New York can do just that against the playoff hopeful Wings and Caps,” as written over at ESPN.

New York is in the midst of a seven-game homestand that will continue with a back-to-back set against the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals on April 4 and 5. Both squads are right in the mix for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and there is nothing the Rangers would like more than to spoil their seasons.

Final from The Garden, back at it on Saturday pic.twitter.com/Ei4l8kwrPi

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 3, 2026

The Red Wings currently have 88 points through 75 games played, which is tied with the Ottawa Senators, who are holding the final wild card spot, and the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are behind them in the standings.

The Capitals, who currently have 85 points through 76 games played, will be cheering on New York before their game. A Rangers win over Detroit would help them immensely in trying to make up ground in the standings.

New York’s final game of the homestand at Madison Square Garden, and last home game of the season, is set for April 8 against the Buffalo Sabres, who are in second place in the Atlantic Division with 100 points through 76 games.