After dropping another game where their stars were more a ball of gas than reliable contributors, the Rangers are faced with outmuscling the Panthers to the final buzzer to extend their season.

It’s a task that New York has struggled with as Florida has held the steering wheel in the final period of the past three contests.

It stunted the Rangers with a suffocating forecheck that helped generate a handful more turnovers and high-danger scoring attempts.

The above sarcasm regarding high-profile incompetence in critical moments of course excludes Igor Shesterkin, who once again provided the Rangers with a bevy of key saves to keep a win within reach.

Despite back-to-back losses, Shesterkin has stopped over 93 percent of 76 shots and has yielded two goals on 33 high-danger chances.

Remember, the Rangers secured two wins without maintaining consistent offensive zone time. One lapse proved the difference in both Games 4 and 5.

The Rangers hopped out to strong starts at five-on-five in both games, but once the momentum was relinquished the following two periods, they didn’t have their power play to fall back on.

Nevertheless, they still lead the Panthers with a 53.9 percent high-danger scoring rate.

Betting on the NHL?

It may be 1-for-14 with the man-advantage, but the Rangers aren’t starving for shooting lanes and aren’t as hesitant with decisions on the power play.

This series was always more likely than not heading to seven games, which is why the Blueshirts’ Game 6 moneyline price drives attention.

The play: Rangers (+145, bet365)