The Rangers fell to 24-22-4 (52 points) and failed to gain ground in their chase for a playoff berth. They remained three points behind Tampa Bay for the final wild-card spot. They’ll try to pick up the pieces when they go to Boston for an afternoon game Saturday before coming back home Sunday for a game against Vegas.

In a heated playoff race, the Rangers don’t need moral victories, they need points, so these two consecutive losses certainly set them back in the standings. The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon against the Boston Bruins.

Andrei Svechnikov scored twice and added an assist, Frederik Andersen made 22 saves, and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Rangers 4-0.