Sunday, March 9, 9:30 AM on NBC, TSN2, RDS2

Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

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Detroit has a stranglehold on the 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite two straight losses but is in a virtual tie with the Columbus Blue Jackets. On top of that only 2 points separate Washington and New Jersey so every game counts from here on out for the Red Wings. The Rangers aren't exactly heating up the ice either, losers of three straight games and in danger of falling out of the postseason hunt themselves.

The Olympic break turned out to be a momentum killer for New York. They had won 6 of 7 before taking two weeks off for the Sochi games. Since the return they're 1-3 and fading fast in the Eastern Conference playoff race. With 70 points they stand only 1 ahead of Columbus and Sunday's opponent Detroit as well as 2 over Washington. This game will go a long way in providing either separation or devastation for New York.

Detroit started off strong winning their first two back from the Olympics before dropping consecutive games against New Jersey and Colorado. They'll look to avenge their last visit to Madison Square Garden, which resulted in a 1-0 loss on January 16th. A Mats Zuccarello goal at 14:02 proved to be the difference in that game. The Rangers could get an added lift with Zuccarello's return after the forward injured his hand playing for Norway in the Olympics.

Rangers bettors were able to squeeze out a -165 moneyline payout in that first battle while the total went well below 5.

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