The NHL playoffs will begin with significant turnover in the 16-team bracket, with four teams that didn't compete last year's postseason already qualified. The Sabres, Mammoth, Penguins, and Bruins have all already qualified for the tournament, while Buffalo ended a 14-year playoff drought. The Rangers are caught up in the middle as they inch closer to their second early summer in a row. Boston general manager Don Sweeney made several key decisions that helped the team turn around, including the addition of 10 players to the current Bruins roster from trade. The team's depth scoring was crucial in their push to clinching a playoff berth, while the Rangers had two strong seasons that preceded their successful runs to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024. The success of the Rangers will depend on the captain and coach of the team, both on and off ice.