The Rangers begin Game 1 of meaningless hockey, as they travel to Tampa with zero playoff implications. They are locked into the #3 seed and a likely date with the NJ Devils in the first round. The only thing they have left is some potential home ice over some Atlantic opponents should things play out that way. Aside from that, it’s about figuring out the lines and powerplays, along with actually showing up for first periods.
Tampa has seemingly flipped the switch as well as they gear up for the playoffs. They aren’t nearly as deep offensively as they’ve been in the past, but they are still a well coached team with strong depth and a great goaltender.