NEW YORK — The way the Metropolitan Division standings look these days, it seems more and more as if the Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are going to be meeting up with each other in the first round of the playoffs six weeks from now.
So Friday’s game between the teams at Madison Square Garden had the feel of a playoff preview, with the teams battling for second place in the division, and home ice advantage for that series if it happens. In that context, the new-look Rangers no doubt sent a message to the Penguins, and anyone watching, when they jumped on Pittsburgh early and never let up, completing a convincing 5-1 victory.
The teams will see each other again on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, and again on April 7 back at the Garden.