Game #80: New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Open Thread

In what will be the final road game of the regular season for the Blueshirts, Gerard Gallant's squad will be wrapping up their season series with the divisional rival Columbus Blue Jackets. Although the Rangers will continue playing once the regular season concludes while Columbus' season will be over this time next week, there's an argument to be made that tonight's contest means significantly more for the home team.

While New York is all but locked into the #3 seed in the Metropolitan Division bracket, Columbus is in the thick of the race to the bottom of the league standings. The Blue Jackets are currently tied with the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks with 56 points through 78 games played. With the last place finisher earning the best lottery odds and the opportunity to draft teenage phenom Connor Bedard that comes with the top overall pick, it would behoove the Blue Jackets to lose tonight. With any luck, the Rangers can and will accommodate them.

Player to Watch: Patrick Kane

After sitting out both games of New York's back to back set on Wednesday and Thursday, Kane is slated to get back into action tonight. Keep an eye on Kane as the Rangers look to earn the easiest two points remaining on their regular season schedule.

Enjoy the game!