“I got a couple of junior teams that I wouldn’t have minded playing against them last night,” said a former Washington Capitals coach after watching their second game in a row. Talk about being harsh. However, the NHL veteran had a point with his harsh criticism of the New York Rangers, as the Metropolitan division’s 4th place team’s season is now in irredeemable territory.

A spirited run saw them win three games in a row, knocking down rivals Columbus Blue Jackets from the playoffs’ wildcard spot. However, since then, the Rangers have lost back-to-back games against the Edmonton Oilers and now the Calgary Flames. Yet it was the loss to the Flames that led Bruce Boudreau to express his harsh criticism.

“I’ve always said the Rangers are going to be there, but after last night’s game, I do not know,” explained the 70-year-old. The former Capitals coach’s statement almost surprised host Jamison Coyle, who asked if Boudreau was changing his pick. “Well, I’m changing it,” confirmed the Canadian. And there was a good reason behind Boudreau’s loss of faith in the New York Rangers.

After turning their season around in January and then forcing themselves into a position to earn the wild card entry, the blue shirts played woefully when push truly came to shove. On a night when the Rangers had no other choice but to win, they lost to a team that’s not been 100% for a while. Bruce Boudreau explained exactly why it broke his heart.

“First of all, it was a back-to-back for Calgary. They had to travel, go through immigration. They got waxed the night before in Toronto,” explained the 70-year-old. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers had everything going for them on paper. “The Rangers are sitting home, rested, in a game they have to win,” against a tired Flames team, said Bruce Boudreau. So it’s no wonder the NHL veteran lost all faith in the Rangers as they lost their will card spot in a listless loss. The team still seems to be holding on to a sliver of hope.

It’s now or never for the New York Rangers

Thanks to their 2-1 loss against the Flames and wins from the Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders, the Rangers lost their playoff position once again. Thankfully, the post-match interviews showed that the players were aware that they had no one to blame but themselves. “We just didn’t show up to play… One of the biggest games of the year,” said K’Andre Miller.

The New York Rangers had just 13 shots on goal, and four of them came in the last 5 minutes. Unfortunately, that was too little too late for the Metropolitan Division team. However, players like Braden Schneider are focused on putting this dismal performance behind them. While the Rangers may lose their position, it’s not impossible to qualify for the playoffs just yet.

“It’s all about how we respond. We want to make sure we come back with a game that we’re proud of, that we’re working hard in,” said the 23-year-old. Coach Peter Laviolette also expressed his faith in the players. “We talk about the things that make us successful, and I think we played a better brand of hockey for the last four games,” said coach Laviolette.

Yet, their next challenge will be a tough one as the New York Rangers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are on a two-game win streak. Will the Rangers sink or swim? Well, the fans won’t have to wait too long to find out because the teams will clash tomorrow.