Rangers Blow Control of Their Own Destiny; Hurricanes Stay Red Hot

A home game to Atlanta with huge playoff implications resting on the result; It seemed like a win would certainly occur for the Rangers. But that would be too easy for Rangers fans, right?

The Rangers would fail to score throughout the game, and would lose 3-0 to a Thrashers team already eliminated from possible postseason considerations. This would leave the Rangers still two points ahead of the Hurricanes, but Carolina still had a game in hand, against Atlanta, the next night.

Atlanta would travel home to play the Hurricanes Friday, and once again Atlanta would do the Rangers no favors, as Carolina defeated the Thrashers 6-1.

Heading into the final day of the season, the Hurricanes now control their own destiny, needing a win against the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning to guarantee a playoff berth. The Canes can also clinch a berth with a Rangers loss against their rivals, the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers will play at 12:30, and with a win will have to wait it out at 7pm for the Canes and Lightning to drop the puck.

Going against the Rangers is the hot streak of Carolina.The Canes have gone 5-0-1 in the past six games, and will host Tampa. Rangers fans are not feeling very confident about this. Will it be another late season heartbreak for the Rangers?

Gotta love the NHL, always comes down to the last day of the season.