Rangers clinch 6th straight playoff berth

There will be playoff hockey in Manhattan for a sixth consecutive spring.

The New York Rangers officially clinched a berth in the NHL's postseason tournament with a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.

New York still has a chance to finish second in the Metropolitan Division, but appear more likely to land in third, re-matching the Pittsburgh Penguins, or even slipping into a wild-card slot. The New York Islanders remain hot in pursuit, staying two points back (with a game in hand) after a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Rangers have eight playoff-series wins over their previous five entries - including the five-game series win over the Penguins last spring, and three series victories en route to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014.