Celebrating 1,300 episodes, the Locked On New York Rangers podcast takes a light-hearted approach by ranking all 16 Stanley Cup playoff teams based on likability from a Rangers fan perspective. The Minnesota Wild tops the list, largely due to fan favorite Mats Zuccarello, who continues to shine post-trade. Next up are the Colorado Avalanche, buoyed by former Rangers Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, both of whom have shown strong performance this postseason. The underdog Ottawa Senators follow, with an exciting young roster facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. The St. Louis Blues round out the top four, driven by the beloved Pavel Buchnevich, while other teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs see mixed sentiments. Meanwhile, the podcast highlights teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals as undesirable winners, creating a spirited discussion around rivalries and fan sentiments.

A deep dive into the NHL landscape reveals exciting storylines as teams prepare for the upcoming matches. With players shaping their narrative through performances, attention is drawn towards teams looking to capitalize on their rosters. The dynamics of team strategies and individual contributions will define the season ahead.

Stats and player efficiency will play pivotal roles in fantasy lineups, demanding a keen eye for shifts in player form and injury updates. As teams jostle for position, keeping abreast of trades and lineup changes becomes essential for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their rosters.

The NHL playoffs are heating up, and the action has brought forth fiery rivalries and impactful performances. The Washington Capitals continued their dominant series against the Montreal Canadiens with a significant 5-2 victory in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead. The Capitals' top line, featuring Dylan Strome and Anthony Beauvillier, has been electric, totaling 16 points over the series. A key moment included a controversial hit by Tom Wilson on Alexander Carrier that shifted the momentum drastically in the Capitals' favor, leading to a game-tying goal and a subsequent win. In contrast, the Canadiens struggled to find their rhythm, managing just two goals on the power play.

In the West, Edmonton Oilers rallied for a crucial 4-3 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings, showcasing their resilience. Leon Draisaitl's first career playoff overtime goal helped level the series at 2-2 as they head back to Los Angeles. The Oilers have relied heavily on their power play, which remains a crucial factor as they navigate this intense matchup. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues tied their series against the Winnipeg Jets with a convincing 5-1 win, capitalizing on the Jets' inconsistent play. Connor Hellebuyck's struggles in goal for Winnipeg raised questions about their defensive strategy.

The St. Louis Blues are showing remarkable resilience in their playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets, having leveled the matchup at 2-2 after a slow start. The key to their resurgence has been an increased offensive pressure, a shift in line combinations by coach Montgomery, and the impressive performances of players like Jordan Binnington and Jake Neighbors. Binnington's solid goaltending has been crucial, as he's demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of the playoffs, reminiscent of his Stanley Cup-winning form. Meanwhile, Neighbors emerged as a surprise star in Game 4, contributing significantly with a goal and two assists, which speaks volumes about the team’s depth and adaptability.

Brayden Schenn's physical play has also quietly bolstered the team, providing leadership and grit that often goes unnoticed compared to flashier plays. The atmosphere in Enterprise Center has returned to its playoff glory, energizing the players and contributing to their success. As the series shifts back to Winnipeg for the final three games, the Blues will need to maintain momentum and capitalize on their confidence to secure a spot in the next round.