Lightning in the 2022 playoffs. Table key Year by year Notes From the 1926–27 season to the 1937–38 season, the Rangers played in the American Division. From the 1938–39 season to the 1966–67 season, the NHL had no divisions. Before the 1967–68 season, the NHL split into East and West Divisions because of the addition of six expansion teams. The NHL realigned before the 1974–75 season. The Rangers were placed in the Clarence Campbell Conference's Patrick Division. Before the 1981–82 season, the NHL moved the Patrick Division to the Prince of Wales Conference. The NHL realigned into Eastern and Western conferences prior to the 1993–94 season. New York was placed in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 1994–95 NHL lockout. Beginning with the 1999–2000 season, teams received one point for losing a regular-season game in overtime. The season was cancelled because of the 2004–05 NHL lockout. Before the 2005–06 season, the NHL instituted a penalty shootout for regular-season games that remained tied after a five-minute overtime period, which prevented ties. The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 2012–13 NHL lockout. The NHL realigned its divisions before the 2013–14 season. The Rangers were placed in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers' season was shortened to 70 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rangers qualified for the NHL's expanded 24-team postseason. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 NHL season was shortened to 56 games. References General Specific New York Rangers National Hockey League team seasons seasons