Rangers and Panthers in Unlikely Battle for Last Playoff Spot

The season comes down to three games. 

On one side are the New York Rangers, with their passionate fans, highly paid free agent signings, high profile new coach, and a couple of rental players to support the cause.  Oh...and of course the circus that is Sean Avery.  They started the season strong, but have faded consistently throughout the year.  Their lack of offense has been mitigated only by Henrik Lundqvist's consistently strong net minding.

On the other side are the low budget Florida Panthers, where marketing execs have to beg fans to come off the beach and sit a while despite bargain prices.  Their unknown coach guides a team who traded away their best player, captain, and all time point leader before the season started. 

Their current star has made it clear he will leave the team as soon as his contract expires in a few months.  They have somehow managed to stay competitive, however, with balanced scoring, two offensive defencemen, and superb goaltending.

The Rangers face Montreal next, then finish with two games against the Philadelphia Flyers.  They will be in tough spot against a hot again Montreal team (should be a great game), but the Flyers look vulnerable. 

Despite a recent schedule against weak teams, the Flyers have not put up consistent wins, losing to Toronto and Ottawa, and only winning in a shootout vs. the Islanders.  The team will, however, be looking to go into playoffs with some momentum, and their star Jeff Carter seems to be heading into top gear. 

The Panthers play the Flyers, Atlanta, and Washington.  Atlanta should mean an easy two points for them, but they will have to play well to get points in either of the other games.

My projection: Rangers split vs. the Flyers, while the Panthers wins vs. Atlanta and the Flyers, and lose vs. the Caps.  If this happens, this leaves the Rangers vs. Montreal game tomorrow night as the deciding game.  There is a very good chance it could go to overtime, but the Rangers would need both points.  Mark it on your calender as a 'must win' for the Rangers.