The Rangers (35-32-7, 77 points) are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and have a 5-9-0 mark this season against their final eight opponents. They are tied with the Canadiens for the final wild card, but Montreal has a game in hand. Columbus is two points back but has two games in hand on the Rangers.

Gabe Perreault headed to New York and checked in to the same hotel Brennan Othmann has been staying at since his recall from AHL Hartford.

Unfortunate his (college) season is over,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “But fortunate for us, he’s now a member of the New York Rangers.”

The Boston College hockey players were in attendance at Madison Square Garden to see the NHL debut of Rangers rookie Gabe Perreault.

Can Perreault make the difference for the Rangers, now, though, when every game is essentially a playoff game for them?

Less than 24 hours after being eliminated from the NCAA tournament, the Boston College sophomore is turning his sights to the NHL.

The Rangers brought Gabe Perreault to New York believing the 19-year-old winger can not only help the team as they push for a playoff spot, but also garner valuable experience.

The New York Rangers mistakes this season have been costly, but signing top prospect Gabriel Perreault to a three-year entry-level contract and burning the first year of his deal for just eight games remaining this season won't be among them.

Gabe Perreault got the full New York Rangers experience on Wednesday. Just 72 hours after playing his final NCAA game for Boston College, the freshly signed 19-year-old made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden.