New York Rangers vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Slumping Flames Look to Regain Momentum Against Rangers

The Calgary Flames and New York Rangers are neck-and-neck in their fight for a wild-card playoff spot. While both teams share similar point totals, their paths to the postseason are vastly different. The Rangers are battling in the ultra-competitive NHL Metropolitan Division race, whereas the Flames have fewer direct opponents in the NHL Pacific Division playoff push.

Tuesday’s clash in New York carries significant weight as both teams try to solidify their standings and avoid slipping further in the NHL Conference Winner Odds battle.

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Rangers Struggle for Consistency Amid Playoff Pressure

The New York Rangers (33-29-6, 72 points) have 14 games remaining to secure a postseason berth, a stark contrast to last season when they captured the Presidents’ Trophy. Currently holding the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot, their position is fragile, with five teams within four points and another just six points behind.

Their recent form has been inconsistent:

• A brutal 4-15-0 stretch from November to late December
• A promising 8-1-3 rebound in January
• A middling 9-9-2 record in their past 20 games

The Rangers’ latest setback was a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, despite a strong defensive effort. Their offense failed to capitalize, with Will Cuylle netting their only goal. Even with defenseman Adam Fox back from injury, the team’s power play continues to struggle, going 1-for-25 in the last eight games.

Flames Face Uphill Battle in NHL Pacific Division Playoff Race

The Calgary Flames (30-25-11, 71 points) are two points behind both Vancouver and St. Louis for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. With 16 games left, they are locked in a tight race, sharing the same point total as Utah Hockey Club but maintaining a six-point cushion over Anaheim.

However, Calgary’s form has dipped:

• A 6-9-4 record since January 25
• A 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in their last outing
• A struggling penalty kill, ranked 27th in the NHL at 73.9%

Monday’s game against Toronto exposed Calgary’s weaknesses. The Flames allowed three power-play goals, two of which came from Auston Matthews, marking the 12th time this season they’ve surrendered five or more goals.

“Our special teams need to be better,” said defenseman MacKenzie Weeger. “We didn’t step up to the challenge, and that’s where the game got away from us.”

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Power Play Woes and Playoff Implications

Both teams have struggled on the power play, which could be a decisive factor in Tuesday’s game.

• New York: 1-for-25 on the power play in the last eight games, 4-for-41 in the last 16
• Calgary: 5-for-33 in the last 12 games (15.2% efficiency)

Special teams will play a huge role as the Rangers look to stay ahead of Montreal and Ottawa in the Eastern Conference, while the Flames fight to keep pace in the NHL Central Division wild-card race.

Flames’ Recent Success Against Rangers

Despite their struggles, Calgary has dominated recent meetings against New York:

• 7-2-1 in their last 10 matchups
• A 3-2 win on November 21, where they fired 49 shots on goal

The Flames will need another aggressive performance to overcome their recent slump and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Stanley Cup Odds and Betting Outlook

For bettors, this game has significant implications in the Stanley Cup Odds race. The Rangers have seen their odds fluctuate due to inconsistent play, while the Flames are still on the fringe of playoff contention.

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Final Thoughts

With the postseason race intensifying, both teams are desperate for a win. Will the Rangers tighten their grip on the wild-card spot, or can the Flames shake off their struggles and regain momentum? Expect a high-stakes battle at Madison Square Garden.