Rangers Secure Playoff Spot with Shutout Win Over Blue Jackets

New York climbs to the second Eastern Conference wild-card position after a commanding 4-0 victory in Columbus.

Vincent Trocheck scored two third-period goals, while Alexis Lafrenière and Artemi Panarin each contributed a goal and an assist in the Rangers' critical win.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin recorded his fifth shutout of the season, making 21 saves and marking his second consecutive shutout against Columbus.
The Rangers' victory moved them ahead of the Blue Jackets into sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 15 games remaining in the regular season.
Defenseman Adam Fox returned to the lineup after missing eight games with an upper-body injury, providing a significant boost to the team’s defensive and offensive performance.
The win capped a three-game road trip for the Rangers, who now prepare for a four-game homestand against Canadian opponents, starting with Edmonton.