Anaheim Ducks vs New York Rangers Picks and Predictions March 28th 2025

Rangers Desperate for Wins as They Face Ducks in California Clash

The New York Rangers are running out of time and excuses. With just a handful of games left in the regular season and a tight playoff race unfolding in the Eastern Conference, the Rangers know the importance of results — not just effort — as they visit the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.

Despite holding a 1-0 lead midway through their last outing against the red-hot Los Angeles Kings, the Rangers fell 3-1 — a loss that summed up their recent struggles. New York (34-32-6, 74 points) has just one win in its last five games and sits outside of the second wild-card spot, tangled in a five-team race for postseason survival.

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“There have been some games where we haven’t been good at all, and I think we did a lot of good things (against the Kings), but it’s getting tiring,” said Mika Zibanejad. “We still find a way to lose.”

No Time for Moral Victories

Last year’s regular-season champions are now fighting to stay relevant. And while other contenders like the Canadiens, Islanders, Blue Jackets, and Red Wings are slipping, the Rangers have failed to capitalize. It’s a frustrating stretch defined by close calls and missed opportunities.

“We need wins if we’re going to do anything,” defenseman Braden Schneider said. “We can talk about a good effort or a good game, but it’s the end of the year and we need two points to have it mean anything.”

Sam Carrick rejoined the lineup after missing time for the birth of his child, but Matt Rempe is likely out for the rest of the season with an upper-body injury — a blow to New York’s depth.

Ducks Showing Life Late in the Season

The Anaheim Ducks (31-32-8, 70 points), all but eliminated from playoff contention, aren’t going quietly. They enter Friday’s matchup coming off a commanding 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, displaying energy and cohesion that has been absent for much of the season.

The Ducks dominated from the start, outshooting Boston 15-5 in the first period and scoring three in the second to bury the game.

“Just a good game overall,” said veteran Alex Killorn. “A ton of shots, a ton of opportunities… our (defense) was getting up the ice, we had a ton of possessions and we got rewarded.”

Coach Greg Cronin echoed that sentiment, praising his team’s commitment to setting the tone early.

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“We wanted to try and create a difficult environment right from the beginning, and I thought we were able to do that,” Cronin said.

Anaheim is also seeing promising flashes from its young talent. Rookie forward Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has been particularly sharp, racking up 12 points in his last 13 games. His shorthanded goal against Boston was a prime example of his growing offensive instincts.

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“He’s got good instincts, got length, is quick, good hand-eye coordination,” Cronin said. “I’m trying to use these last 12 games to give other people an opportunity.”

Must-Win Territory for New York

For the Rangers, this game is more than just another matchup — it’s a must-win against a non-playoff team that’s finding rhythm. New York has no room for error as they try to claw their way back into playoff position.

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