Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Mollie Walker explains what would need to happen in order for the Blueshirts to sneak into the playoffs in the wake of their pitiful efforts against the Islanders (NY Post)
• Walker also discusses that being able to beat up on bottom feeders won’t do the Rangers any good when the time to square off against playoff contenders comes (NY Post)
• Colin Stephenson relays word that with four games against playoff-bound teams remaining, David Quinn’s squad can use those contests as measuring sticks to see where they stack up (Newsday)
• Frank Curto previews tonight’s matchup with the Washington Capitals (Empire Sports Media)/

Around the NHL:

• Marisa Ingemi notes that in spite of being on a level of their own the last few seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning will face some stiff competition just to emerge from their divisional playoff bracket (NBC Sports)
• After rumors emerged that he might return to North America next season, defenseman Nikita Tryamkin agreed to a two year contract extension with KHL Yekaterinburg (Sportsnet)/