Rangers season comes down to this

The New York Rangers are on the brink of elimination.

In a regular season full of inconsistencies, the Rangers have no control of their playoff fates, as they set to host the New Jersey Devils at the Garden later this afternoon.

The Rangers lost control of their destiny when they lost another game earlier this week. The Carolina Hurricanes, who are chasing the Rangers for the final playoff spot, beat up Atlanta 6-1 to move into a tie in the standings.

The Hurricanes own the tie-breaker, and if the regular season finale didn't count, the Rangers would be out.

So here is the scenario:

Rangers win, Hurricanes lose - Rangers are in.
Rangers win, Hurricanes lose in OT - Rangers are in.
Rangers win, Hurricanes win - Hurricanes are in.
Rangers lose in regulation, Hurricanes lose in regulation - Hurricanes are in.
Rangers lose in OT, Hurricanes lose in OT - Hurricanes are in.
Rangers lose, Hurricanes win - Hurricanes are in.
Rangers lose in OT, Hurricanes win - Hurricanes are in.

In short it 'ant looking good. The Devils will be amped up for this game, even if it's on the road. Even though New Jersey isn't going to the playoffs, they would love to beat the Rangers and knock them out cold.