In a crushing 5-4 overtime defeat against the Anaheim Ducks, the Rangers squandered a two-goal lead in the final six minutes of regulation. Mason McTavish netted the decisive goal just 59 seconds into overtime. This loss marks the Rangers’ ninth in their last 12 games, placing them in a precarious tie for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with Montreal and Columbus at 75 points, just one point ahead of the Islanders. 
Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen rejoined the Rangers’ lineup to face his former team, the Ducks. After being a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, Vaakanainen logged 13:59 minutes on the third defensive pair alongside Braden Schneider. His return led to Zac Jones being scratched, ending Jones’ 14-game streak.
The Rangers are set to face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM PDT. This matchup is critical for the Rangers as they strive to secure a playoff spot. The Sharks, currently at the bottom of the league standings, present an opportunity for the Rangers to regain momentum.
General Manager Chris Drury faces a tough decision regarding the team’s conditional first-round draft pick tied to the J.T. Miller trade. If the Rangers finish 20th or lower overall, Drury can opt to retain the 2025 pick, deferring the obligation to Pittsburgh until 2026. This choice involves evaluating the depth of upcoming draft classes and the potential impact on the team’s future.
The handling of Jacob Trouba’s trade has highlighted the need for timely decision-making in the offseason. Delays in addressing Trouba’s $8 million cap hit led to structural and psychological challenges for the team. This experience underscores the importance of prompt action in managing player contracts and trades to maintain team stability.
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