Rangers eliminated from playoffs following loss to Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Rangers 7-3, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention for the 2024-25 season. This marks the Rangers' first playoff-less season since 2021, following a strong performance last year where they achieved franchise records. Seth Jarvis led the Hurricanes with a goal and two assists, while Carolina's victory avenged previous playoff eliminations by the Rangers in 2022 and 2024. The Rangers, who needed a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, have struggled, going 4-8-1 over their last 13 games. The loss has raised questions about the future of second-year coach Peter Laviolette, with expectations of potential changes in the offseason. The Hurricanes are set to face the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the playoffs.