Magic numbers and the importance of clinching early

Six points in three games please.

With Columbus’s loss to Chicago last night, the Rangers magic number to clinch a non-wild card playoff spot is down to just four. The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is one (meaning they can clinch tonight as long as the game gets to overtime). The magic number to clinch home-ice against the Flyers is seven. With five games remaining, the Rangers are all but guaranteed two of these, but home-ice will take a few days to clinch.

The Rangers have three gimme’s of their four remaining games: Three home games against Ottawa, Carolina, and Buffalo. Those are three games where they should gain six points, assuming they don’t throw in the towel like they did the last time they played against Carolina. Those six points are pretty crucial for the playoffs. It guarantees them a non-wild card playoff spot, and –at the very least– gets them to one point of home-ice in the first round.

Why is all this important?

The final game of the regular season is in Montreal. Despite Henrik Lundqvist’s superb play of late, Calgary excluded, Montreal still gives him the willies. Heading into that game in need of a win could spell disaster for a Rangers club that needs all the momentum they can muster heading into the playoffs. Montreal has already clinched, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to send a message (with a strong win) to a Rangers team they may see in the playoffs.

Another reason for clinching early: It allows Cam Talbot to get the start in Montreal. This serves two purposes: Keeping Hank out of Montreal, and giving Hank rest for the playoffs. The Rangers will need him to steal a series, possibly two, as New York goes deeper into the playoffs. A fresher Hank is better.

The next three games represent six easy (well, sort of) points that will go a long way to giving the Rangers much needed rest before the playoffs begin. Clinching tonight is a start, but home-ice in the first round would be pretty super as well. The Rangers are 8-0 in their last eight against the Flyers at MSG. Home ice matters.