I disagree. The Florida game is key if you care about the top seed in the East and a better matchup in round 1. No guarantee the winner gets the top seed, but that game will go a long way in deciding which team is the top seed IMO. It also could be the difference between playing TB, who will be the top WC (unless they sweep the Leafs then the Leafs could be the top WC), or the Flyers/Caps/Wings. So, I respectfully disagree if you don't think a head-to-head matchup between teams right next to each other in the standings matters for seeding with 11 or 12 games left. It is essentially a 4-point swing if it is decided in regulation. With that said, it certainly isn't the end of the world if the Rangers lose, or some monster must win game, it is not, but it matters within the context of seeding and matchups. If you can set yourself up to play the Flyers/Caps/Wings instead of TB (or longshot Toronto) I think that is beneficial. I want the Rangers to either finish with the top seed in the East, or finish 2nd in the Met behind the Canes. Winning the Met but finishing behind the Atlantic winner gives them TB (or longshot Toronto) in round 1, and I would much prefer to play the Flyers/Caps/Wings.
way too many games left to start doing this "that game will go a long way" ... if there was 3 games remaining and they faced each other and they are tied in the standings..yeah then it will go a long way...but the rangers have a possible 24 points left while the Panthers have 26 points left and a game in hand. 1 game in the last 12 is not make or break then again..with this board.. one game is the difference between heaven and hell
Agreed, as I wrote above, not some monster must win game, or the end of the world if they lose, not at all, we agree. But it is an impactful game if getting the top seed in the East is important to you or anyone. The winner of this game will have the inside track for the top seed. No guarantees, but it is impactful from that POV.
