Rangers face elimination after 8-5 loss to Flyers

The New York Rangers faced a devastating 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, pushing them to the brink of playoff elimination. This defeat follows a series of poor performances, leaving the Rangers with a 12-14-3 record in their last 29 games and a six-point deficit for the second wild-card spot. Despite a strong start to the season, their decline began in late November and has continued with defensive collapses and missed scoring opportunities, including an 11-game penalty shot drought. Artemi Panarin remains a bright spot, leading the team in points, but the pressure is mounting as the Rangers must win their remaining games and rely on other teams to falter to maintain playoff hopes. The team's future hinges on their upcoming match against the Islanders, which could seal their fate in the postseason race. Fans are left anxious as the Rangers' playoff hopes dwindle with each game.