bantering points: 4/17/24

in solidarity with the rangers as we now know their opening round playoff opponent, the washington capitals, bantering points and game threads will be written up in the #nocaps format until further notice.

here today's news and links:

rangers news:

jared schwartz relays word that by the time the dust settled on a wild tuesday night in the eastern conference playoff chase, the washington capitals clinched the final wild card spot to set up an opening round matchup with the presidents trophy winning rangers (ny post)

schwartz also points to the strong play of the trio of chris kreider, mika zibanejad, and jack roslovic coming at the right time with the playoffs up next (ny post)

colin stephenson argues that even with the high stress environment of the stanley cup playoffs about to begin, residents of rangerstown should be appreciative of the historic regular season they were treated to over the past six months (newsday)

vincent mercogliano lists three storylines to keep an eye on as new york and washington prepare for another playoff series against each other (lohud)

dan rosen previews the upcoming series between the rangers and capitals (nhl.com)

lucas standel recaps the rollercoaster journey that was the rangers' 2023-24 regular season campaign (the hockey writers)

around the nhl:

longtime boston bruins' play-by-play announcer jack edwards will retire at the conclusion of boston's playoff run (sportsnet)

the buffalo sabres fired head coach dom granato after the team wrapped up its league-high 13th consecutive season of missing the postseason (nbc sports)

tuesday's results locked in the remaining eastern conference playoff matchups, as the bruins and toronto maple leafs will clash once again, and the florida panthers and tampa bay lightning will meet in the battle of florida (tsn)