New York Rangers wins in their Last Match
The New York Rangers’ most recent game resulted in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild on April 2, 2025. Defenseman Braden Schneider scored the decisive goal at 1:51 of overtime, securing the win for the Rangers. ESPN.com
This win improved the Rangers’ season record to 33 wins, 28 losses, and 6 overtime losses, placing them fourth in the Metropolitan Division. The team has been striving to secure a playoff spot, and every game has been crucial in their pursuit.ESPN.com
In their previous game, the Rangers achieved a 4-0 shutout victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 31, 2025. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin earned his fifth shutout of the season, making 18 saves. Vincent Trocheck contributed significantly by scoring twice in the third period, propelling the Rangers into a playoff position. New York Post+2ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
The Rangers’ recent performances highlight their resilience and determination as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season, aiming to solidify their place in the playoffs.
The New York Rangers, a team that has consistently found itself in the thick of the playoff race throughout the season, delivered a crucial win against the Minnesota Wild in their most recent matchup. This victory, a 3-2 overtime win, was not just a typical game, but a reflection of the grit and resilience the team has shown all season long as they inch closer to securing their playoff spot. The overtime winner, a goal by defenseman Braden Schneider just under two minutes into the extra frame, was a testament to the Rangers’ unrelenting drive and their ability to capitalize on critical moments.
The game was a tense and hard-fought battle from the very first puck drop. Both teams came out with intensity, knowing how important this game was for their respective standings. The Rangers were looking to build momentum after a decisive 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets just a couple of days earlier, while the Wild were hoping to continue their push for a higher seed in the Western Conference.
First Period: Back and Forth
The first period was a highly competitive affair. Both teams traded chances early on, with the Rangers looking to establish their physical presence while the Wild countered with quick, fast-paced transitions. It didn’t take long for the Rangers to get on the scoreboard. A strong forecheck by Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin led to an early power-play opportunity, which the Rangers capitalized on with an exquisite one-timer from Mika Zibanejad. The goal was a product of quick puck movement and precision, with Panarin’s pass setting up Zibanejad perfectly for the finish. It was a typical Rangers power-play goal, showcasing their top-tier special teams play.
However, the Wild were quick to respond. They didn’t let the early deficit demoralize them, as they pressed the Rangers in the offensive zone. The Wild’s persistent pressure paid off when their captain, Jared Spurgeon, found the back of the net midway through the period. The goal came off a rebound that Igor Shesterkin initially stopped, but the second-chance opportunity was too much to handle. It was a gritty, blue-collar goal that highlighted the Wild’s ability to pounce on any mistake or lapse in concentration.
The remainder of the period saw both teams battling for control, with Shesterkin making some key saves to keep the game tied. The Rangers’ defense, led by Schneider, Adam Fox, and Jacob Trouba, did a solid job of limiting the Wild’s chances, though the Wild’s aggressive forecheck continued to challenge them throughout the first 20 minutes.
Second Period: A Test of Patience
The second period was one of the most tightly contested of the game, with both teams tightening up defensively. While the Rangers still had the edge in terms of possession, the Wild’s defensive structure was proving to be difficult to break. Minnesota’s goaltender, Juuse Saros, had settled in after the early power-play goal and was making key saves to keep his team in the game.
It was during this period that both teams realized the magnitude of the game and the fact that one mistake could shift the balance of the contest. The Rangers struggled to maintain offensive zone time, often forced to play in their own end as the Wild’s forecheck grew stronger. But despite the pressure, the Rangers defense stood tall, with Shesterkin keeping the score tied.
One of the best moments of the second period came from the Rangers’ penalty kill. After a tripping call on Vincent Trocheck, the Rangers found themselves down a man, but their penalty-killing unit was flawless. It was a great example of how well-coached and disciplined the Rangers have become in all facets of the game, even when shorthanded. They were able to clear the puck several times, kill precious seconds off the clock, and make sure that the Wild didn’t gain any momentum from the power play.
The period ended with the game still tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic third period.
Third Period: The Chase for the Win
The third period was when the intensity really reached a boiling point. The stakes were clear—both teams needed the win. The Rangers were trying to improve their playoff position, while the Wild were in a similar situation, hoping to earn the points necessary to stay competitive in the wild Western Conference race.
The Rangers came out strong in the third period, peppering Saros with shots from all angles. Their top line, consisting of Zibanejad, Kreider, and Panarin, was especially dangerous, generating several quality chances. The Wild responded in kind, and both teams traded offensive bursts, with Shesterkin and Saros both making critical saves to keep their teams alive.
Minnesota took the lead midway through the third period on a beautifully executed goal by Kirill Kaprizov. The Rangers’ defense was caught out of position as Kaprizov found himself in the perfect spot in front of the net to redirect a pass past Shesterkin. It was a well-timed play by one of the NHL’s most dangerous wingers, and the Rangers were now in a deficit that they had to fight their way out of.
But the Rangers weren’t about to give up. They responded with relentless pressure, finally breaking through with just under four minutes remaining in regulation. A point shot from Fox was deflected in front by Trocheck, and the puck found its way into the net to tie the game. The crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted as the Rangers’ resilience paid off, and it was clear that the team was determined to take this game to overtime if necessary.
Overtime: Schneider’s Heroic Moment
With the game tied at 2-2, the teams entered overtime, knowing that a single mistake could be the difference between a win and a loss. The Rangers, with their fast-paced, skill-heavy lineup, had the advantage in 3-on-3 hockey, and they wasted little time in taking advantage of the extra space.
It took just 1:51 for Schneider to become the hero. After some quick puck movement by Panarin and Trocheck in the offensive zone, Schneider, who had been a key contributor all night on the blue line, found himself in the right place at the right time. A shot from the point beat Saros cleanly, giving the Rangers the 3-2 win. It was an emotional moment for Schneider, who had been working hard all season to contribute offensively while maintaining his strong defensive game. The goal was a testament to his growth as a player, and it sent the Rangers’ faithful into a frenzy.
The Bigger Picture
This win was about more than just two points. It was a clear demonstration of the Rangers’ character, determination, and overall team chemistry. As the regular season enters its final stretch, every point matters, and the Rangers are finding ways to win in tight situations. The play of Shesterkin in goal has been exceptional all year, and despite some occasional struggles, he continues to show his elite status as one of the league’s top netminders.
Offensively, the Rangers’ depth has been a major factor. The top line of Zibanejad, Kreider, and Panarin is as dangerous as any in the league, and the secondary scoring from players like Trocheck and Schneider is making a huge difference. The Rangers’ power play is also among the league’s best, and their special teams play has been a major asset throughout the season.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Rangers are entering the final games of the regular season with confidence and momentum. The team’s blend of skill, physicality, and determination makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the postseason. If they continue to play with the same intensity and focus they displayed in this win over the Wild, the Rangers could very well make a deep run in the playoffs, and their fan base is certainly hoping for that.
The victory against the Minnesota Wild may only be one step in their journey, but it was a big one—both for their playoff hopes and for proving that the Rangers are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. As the season winds down, it will be fascinating to see how the team continues to evolve, and how far they can go when the stakes are at their highest.