WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Rangers stood by their defensive structure in the immediate aftermath of their Weekend of Missed Opportunities, in which they had two chances to capture the top wild-card spot in the East and failed to do so <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/09/sports/rangers-demolished-by-blue-jackets-as-they-fumble-crucial-back-to-back/">in such disappointing fashion</a>.

After they took a 3-1 lead in the third period in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon, the Blueshirts were then outscored 10-3 by the Senators and Blue Jackets combined. 

The Madison Square Garden crowd even booed them off the ice Sunday night following their third straight loss, a sound this team has heard on several occasions this season.

So what changed from the back-to-back shutouts they posted on March 2 and 3 to their back-to-back collapses on March 8 and 9?

If it feels like teams barrel into the Rangers zone too easily, it’s because they do.{ai:summary}<p>The Rangers failed to capitalize on opportunities to secure a wild-card spot, losing two crucial games after leading against Ottawa. They were outscored 10-3 by the Senators and Blue Jackets, leading to boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd after their third consecutive loss. </p><p>The team's recent performance starkly contrasts their earlier back-to-back shutouts, raising questions about their defensive structure and consistency. #sports</p>

Rangers need to clean it up in dirtiest area of the ice

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