The Pittsburgh Penguins had a chance to reach the New York Rangers, but that has slipped away.

With their most recent loss to the New York Rangers, the Pittsburgh Penguins are likely stuck with battling for an Eastern Conference wild card spot to reach the postseason.

The Penguins entered a week with three games against the Rangers just a handful of points behind them in the standings.

With a decent run of games heading into the week, it wasn’t out of the question that the Penguins could propel themselves out of wild card positioning.

It was a tall task, but a very possible one; that was until the week started.

The Penguins got off on the right foot with an overtime victory over the Rangers, completing a perfect back-to-back weekend and gaining ground.

Tuesday was a different story for both teams; the Penguins laid an egg and lost a very winnable game to the Montreal Canadiens, while the Rangers took care of business with an easy victory over the Washington Capitals.

Heading into the second matchup of three, the Penguins needed a victory to still have an outside chance to reach the Rangers.

That was until the Rangers capped off a 4-2 win and all but guaruneeing the Penguins wouldn’t reach them in the standings.

With one game left between the Penguins and Rangers, there are 10 points separating them.

Even if the Penguins grab a win in the final contest, the damage has already been done, they are too far behind and are likely stuck to fend for one of the two wild card spots.

It’ll be a three-team fight for two spots between the Penguins, New York Islanders, and Florida Panthers.

The Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres have an outside chance of reaching the wild card, but that’s far less likely.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

Penguins Still Lack Identity with Month Remaining

Penguins Unable to Play from Behind in Rangers Defeat

Sidney Crosby Clinches 18th Career Point-Per-Game Season

Penguins' D Jeff Petry Exits Game Against Rangers Early

• undefined
• undefined