NEW YORK — The Rangers are well aware they are going to need help if they are to stay in this playoff race. They got some earlier Sunday, when the Boston Bruins lost in regulation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they took advantage.
Mika Zibanejad completed his third hat trick of the season, Kaapo Kakko had two goals, and Adam Fox had three assists as the Rangers beat the Buffalo Sabres, 6-3, Sunday night in the opener of a two-game set at Madison Square Garden. The teams play again Tuesday.
With the win, and the Bruins’ loss, the Rangers were able to draw within four points of the Bruins, who hold the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. The Rangers (25-18-6, 56 points) have seven games left in the regular season. Boston (27-14-6, 60) has nine.
