Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Highlights: WSH 3, NYR 2 (5:02 video via NHL.com)
• Game Recap: The Rangers found a way to lose, as a late goal against from Henrik Lundqvist and an overtime winner handed two points to Washington (CBS)
• Brett Cyrgalis relays word that Chris Kreider has mixed feelings about being his team’s nominee for the Masterton trophy (NY Post)
• Larry Brooks addresses the reality of a being out of the playoff race being the very end of the regular season (NY Post)
• Justin Tasch reports that Lindy Ruff suffered a concussion after stepping on a puck and slipping at practice (NY Daily News)
• Colin Stephenson heard from Alain Vigneault about his thoughts on the team’s playoff chances prior to their trade deadline fire sale (Newsday)
• Stephenson also chatted with Henrik Lundqvist about missing out on the playoffs (Newsday)
• Michael Delasandro ponders whether or not Lundqvist should continue playing down the stretch (Blue Line Station)
• Dave Shapiro attempts to project Kevin Hayes’ next contract (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Brandon Spreckels breaks down why moving up in the Entry Draft is a necessary part of the rebuild (Elite Sports NY)
• Jess Rubenstein delivers another prospect update, with bits on Libor Hajek, Brett Howden, and more (Blueshirt Bulletin)
• Media Availability: Alain Vigneault,(1:09) Henrik Lundqvist,(1:33) and Kevin Hayes (1:23) (Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Elliotte Friedman authors another edition of 31 Thoughts (Sportsnet)
• After sending five teams to the playoffs last year, the Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to be the only Canadian teams to qualify for the dance twelve months later (TSN)
• Justin Cuthbert ranks the Stanley Cup contenders (Puck Daddy)
• Jared Clinton reports that 41 year old defenseman Zdeno Chara is set to return to the NHL next season after signing a one year extension with the Boston Bruins (The Hockey News)/