Ticket punched: Rangers become first team to clinch 2015 playoff berth

The New York Rangers were the last team to be “eliminated” from the 2014 playoffs. They’re now the first team to officially make the 2015 postseason.

With their 5-1 win against the Ottawa Senators and the Anaheim Ducks’ comeback OT victory against the Boston Bruins in the books, the Rangers clinched their playoff spot on Thursday night.

The @NYRangers (47-19-7, 101 points) are the first team to clinch a berth in the #StanleyCup Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/4HPjzW3e2u

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 27, 2015

The reigning Eastern Conference-champion @NYRangers are headed to the #StanleyCup Playoffs for 57th time in club history (5th straight year)

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 27, 2015

Update: The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning failed to clinch spots tonight, so only the Rangers did it.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins