Bantering Points: 4/12/23

Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

Larry Brooks heard from Chris Kreider about how even in spite of falling short of last season's lofty goal total, the star winger is playing with a level of confidence he hasn't experienced before (NY Post)

Andrew Crane highlights the contributions that Mika Zibanejad has made to the Blueshirts throughout the season (NY Post)

Colin Stephenson reports that in the wake victories by the Devils and Hurricanes last night, the Blueshirts are guaranteed to finish in third place in the Metropolitan Division (Newsday)

Erik Casey lists three elements the Rangers will need to have on their side in order to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs (The Hockey Writers)

Brian Abate points to Niko Mikkola's emergence as a welcomed surprise not many people were expecting upon his arrival from St. Louis (The Hockey Writers)

Around the NHL:

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Minnesota Wild by a 3-1 margin to clinch the second wild card berth in the Western Conference playoff race, locking in all eight teams to qualify for the post season (TSN)

Jake Michaels relays word that the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes will square off in a pair of pre-season games in Melbourne, Australia in September 2023 (EPSN)

In the most shocking result of the night, the Pittsburgh Penguins ceded control of their playoff destiny as they fell at home to the lowly Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 5-2 (Sportsnet)