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[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers lineup changes influence both current, future roster decisions with young talent

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers start their California road trip Tuesday against a Los Angeles Kings team that has been as dominant any at home this season, posting a 25-3-4 record. It should be great test for the struggling Rangers, who are playing for a postseason berth while trying to re-establish their identity.

After a woeful effort to start their most recent game, an eventual 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks at home Saturday, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette threw his lines in a blender. They were being out-shot 21-4 when Adam Fox scored to tie the game 1-1 at the 11:03 mark of the second period. That’s something that should honestly be hard to do with the talent of this group. Especially at home. Yet, it has happened far too often this season.

Some of the line changes sparked better play, including sliding rookie Brennan Othmann up to play on a line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. Othmann picked up his first NHL point on Fox’s goal and fit in nicely getting to the net and playing physically on that line.

Lines change throughout the season on all NHL teams. A key takeaway from the moves Laviolette made was how the team was able to rally and respond, leading to a win that for two periods didn’t seem to be the likely outcome.

Jonny Brodzinski scored twice in the third period, elevated from the bottom six to play with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, who was sparked by the move and picked up a pair of assists. Mika Zibanejad was reunited with Chris Kreider and Will Cuylle.

“Third period I thought we came out playing better, attacking more,” Laviolette explained. “I like the responses in the third as well, you know. if we scored, they scored. Kick it back to even. We put it back in there again. Obviously, Johnny had a big third period for us too so it was nice to get responses and get the win”

A road trip, with two actual practice days baked in (Monday and Thursday), couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rangers. Fewer distractions and a chance for the more-balanced lineup to build chemistry. Simple things like defensive-zone structure, breaking the puck out, establishing a forecheck and supporting the puck once you get there to create chances will be front and center on this trip, if these lineup changes stick.

Related: Brennan Othmann skates in top-six at Rangers practice; Sam Carrick may miss Kings game

Rangers aiming for playoffs, keeping eye on next season​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Laviolette is doing his job, trying to find the right fits with the lineup. Trying to mix younger players who are deserving of more opportunity with tried and true veterans who helped the Rangers to past success. It’s a tough needle to thread.

Also difficult is the job of constructing a changing roster. That’s general manager Chris Drury’s area. He’s drafted the likes of Othmann, Brett Berard, Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, and helped bring along Cuylle, who was selected before Drury’s tenure as GM. Now they’re all here (except for Edstrom, who is injured) itching to play big roles as the Rangers try and find a way into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and looking to be lineup regulars next season.

Balancing their playing time in key situations is not easy. They still need support from the veterans on the roster, who, of course, may see some their responsibilities change along the way. It’s the Yin and Yang of professional sports, the veterans are helping the kids, who, in turn, are looking to one day replace the veterans.

The Rangers could learn some from the Dallas Stars, who’ve done an excellent job of maximizing what they get from veteran players while bringing along young talent in key roles. It’s not apples to apples comparison because the Stars have more high-end young talent, but look at how they’ve been able to get the most out of their lineup. Players past their prime like like Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Matt Duchene still excel in important roles, just as Joe Pavelski did before he retired. Supporting them are young cost-controlled players in recent years like Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven (before he was traded for star forward Mikko Rantanen), and Mavrik Bourque.

In addition, Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, have since become stars though drafted well outside of the top 10, playing mostly with Pavelski who helped bring them along in his final NHL seasons. It’s a model that over time, just like Dallas, can establish a stronger culture for development that the Rangers organization has failed at far too often.

It’s time for the Rangers management to see what they have in the incoming youth, no matter what path they take this offseason. This may even come with plenty of losing lessons next season. But sooner than later, an energized culture can be established, when the vets still with the team find new life in their own games being around the young guns whose confidence will only grow with opportunity.

Whether it’s behind the bench, on the roster, environment in the locker room, something must change with the Rangers. Perhaps a full season with J.T. Miller, as well as the growth of Othmann, Cuylle, Berard, Edstrom and Rempe, and addition of Gabe Perreault (if he turns pro), helps solve immediate bottom-six concerns for now, with spots higher in the lineup over time being taken care of organically.

This probably also comes at the cost of moving some veterans out, perhaps Kreider, perhaps more than him. But this team needs a more fresh approach, and doing so integrating more youth in the lineup as they are now is a good starting point.

Let’s give this group a chance and see how it produces far away from home this week and finishes out the regular season before we push the panic button on how much Drury should do this offseason. The answers may be right in front of his eyes.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...current-future-roster-decisions-young-talent/

 

[New York Rangers]

Winner, losers from Rangers 3-1 loss to Kings, including Igor Shesterkin, special teams play

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Overall, it was a better showing by the New York Rangers on Tuesday. But their 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings was a wasted opportunity to pick up points in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.

Despite hanging with, perhaps, the hottest team in the NHL — the Kings have won nine of 10 — the Rangers came away with nothing to show for it. Moral victories mean zero with 10 games remaining on the Rangers schedule.

“From the second period on, I thought we were doing a really good job playing that game and we walk away with nothing,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said postgame. “Its disappointing, its frustrating. You can’t take anything from that, so its tough”

That said, let’s check out the winners and losers from the Rangers latest loss.

Related: 3 Rangers takeaways from 3-1 loss to Kings, including Brennan Othmann promotion

Winner – Igor Shesterkin – Rangers​

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images​

Making his season-high eighth straight start, Igor Shesterkin was excellent again in goal for the Rangers, certainly giving them a chance when they were dominated in the first period. Shesterkin made 30 saves and held the Rangers in it with a slew of clutch stops when this was a one-goal game late in the second period and throughout the third before the Kings scored into an empty net. The 29-year-old goalie didn’t allow an even-strength goal, beaten twice on open power-play looks.

Loser – Special teams – Rangers​

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images​

The Rangers were 0-for-3 on the power play and are now in a 1-for-28 funk since March 3. Their penalty kill wasn’t much better Tuesday. The Rangers allowed the Kings to score twice on the power play in the second period, turning a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit they never crawled out from. The Kings, by the way, had scored more than one power-play goal in a game once this season — back on Oct. 14 against the Ottawa Senators. Digest that for a bit when considering the Rangers woeful special teams play.

Loser – Fourth line – Rangers​

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images​

After a string of good games with limited ice time down the stretch, the Rangers fourth line was manhandled by the Kings bottom six. Matt Rempe, Juuso Parssinen and Nicolas Aube-Kubel (in his Rangers debut) were out-chanced 10-1 in 4:49 TOI at 5v5, per Natural Stat Trick. They provided zero energy, failed to get in on the forecheck, weren’t physical enough and were stapled to the bench for all but one shift in the third period. New York’s bottom six badly missed Sam Carrick, who’s back home for the birth of his baby boy.

Winner – Darcy Kuemper – Kings​

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images​

Darcy Kuemper continued his outstanding play this season with another strong showing. Yes, he benefits greatly by a terrific team defensive structure and commitment in front of him. But when called on, Kuemper came up big against the Rangers. He only faced two shots in the first period, but stopped 13 of 14 shots in the second when the Rangers controlled more of the play. He absolutely robbed Vincent Trocheck with a diving stop during a Rangers power play early in the third period to keep it 2-1, and finished with 22 saves.

Loser – Strong starts – Rangers​

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images​

True, the Rangers did score first in this game, a J.T. Miller goal at 2:10 of the second period. But that doesn’t mean the Rangers started quickly at all. New York had two shots in the first period, was out-attempted 24-7 by the Kings and out-chanced 14-1 in the opening 20 minutes, per Natural Stat Trick. Shesterkin kept it scoreless until the Rangers got untracked in the second period. This is a brutal trend for the Rangers, whose starts last week against the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks were pathetic.

Winner – Braden Schneider – Rangers​

Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images​

You know who typically rises above the muck with the Rangers? Braden Schneider. The 23-year-old defenseman was active at both ends of the rink and logged 18:35 TOI, including over four minutes short-handed. Yes, it was his man, Kevin Fiala, who scored a tap-in goal to tie the game 1-1 in the second period, but that was a fairly brilliant power-play pass by Andrei Kuzmenko, too. Schneider started the Rangers’ lone scoring play by driving a low shot on net through traffic, picking up his second assist in as many games. Quick to hop into the rush, Schneider, who has two goals in the past nine games, recorded six shot attempts, tops among Rangers defensemen, and three shots on goal.

Loser – Mika Zibanejad – Rangers​

Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images​

You know who looks lost again? Mika Zibanejad. The veteran Rangers forward is now without a point in five straight games after a rejuvenated six-week run. He didn’t have a shot on goal Tuesday and only managed two attempts in 18:45 TOI. He and linemates Chris Kreider and Will Cuylle combined for two shots on goal in over 10 minutes TOI 5v5.

Winner – New York Islanders​

Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images​

First the Montreal Canadiens, the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, lost on Tuesday. Then the Detroit Red Wings, still somehow alive in this playoff chase despite a freefall down the stretch, lost again. Then the Rangers lost for the fourth time in five games. Each defeat benefitted the Islanders, who are tied with the Rangers for ninth in the conference, one point behind the Canadiens, one ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and two in front of the Red Wings. Each of those teams has two games in hand on the Rangers, except for Detroit which has played one less game than New York.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...oss-kings-igor-shesterkin-special-teams-play/

 

[New York Rangers]

Top NHL free-agent defenseman for Rangers to consider after massive Jakob Chychrun contract

Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It feels like Jakob Chychrun has been a pipe dream for the New York Rangers for years now. First, when the defenseman was on the trade block with the Arizona Coyotes, then again when the Ottawa Senators made him available this past summer.

Most recently, there was hope the Washington Capitals would let the 29-year-old make it to free agency this summer and somehow the Rangers could move out enough money to be able to afford signing the top-pair defenseman.

That dream blew up Tuesday with word that the Capitals signed the pending unrestricted free agent to a massive eight-year, $72 million contract worth a whopping $9 million annually.

As stated above, Chychrun to the Rangers this offseason always felt like a pipe dream. Now it’s an impossibility.

So, with a host of big-name defensemen already off the board this summer after signing or re-signing with their current teams, who’s left for the Rangers to consider if Chris Drury and Co. want to explore the free-agent market and improve a defense corps that’s already gone through a major shakeup this season?

Let’s take a look at some of the names and possible fits.

Related: Rangers prospect Noah Laba ‘as advertised,’ scores goal in pro debut for AHL Hartford

Vladislav Gavrikov – Los Angeles Kings​

Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images​

Vladislav Gavrikov is 29, a top-pair left-shot defensemen in the midst of a terrific season as a stalwart on the Los Angeles Kings blue line. It’d be hard to imagine they’ll let him reach free agency, but if he does, Gavrikov is arguably the best player available at the position. He’s big (6-foot-3, 220 pounds), durable, plays more than 23 minutes a night and has some offensive skill on top of impressive defensive chops. He’s likely going to command a lot of coin as a UFA, but, boy, he’d look good next to Adam Fox on the Rangers top pair.

Ivan Provorov – Columbus Blue Jackets​

Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images​

Ivan Provorov tops many free-agent lists for good reason. He turned 28 in January, is a skilled left-shot who plays on the top pair and averages more than 23 minutes TOI per game, and has recorded as many 41 points in a season (he has 30 in 70 games in 2024-25). The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to him ahead of the trade deadline and are trying to sign him before free agency. Like Gavrikov, he’s going to land a big deal.

Dante Fabbro – Columbus Blue Jackets​

Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images​

Now here’s an intriguing option for the Rangers. Dante Fabbro was kind of picked up off the scrap heap from the Nashville Predators, who had soured on the 2016 first-round draft pick, and has played exceptionally well for the Blue Jackets this season. He’s second on Columbus with 117 blocked shots in 51 games, a solid 6.27 blocks per 60 minutes. For what it’s worth, he’s also second with a plus-18 and has 17 points. Fabbro won’t be a big-ticket free agent, though he’ll get a decent bump off his current $2.5 million AAV. He’s a right shot, which could intrigue the Rangers if they’d like to move Braden Schneider to his off side on the left.

Neal Pionk – Winnipeg Jets​

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images​

It’s unlikely there’ll be a reunion with Neal Pionk on Broadway, but the former Rangers defenseman has had himself a real good season with the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets. Though sidelined now with an undisclosed injury, Pionk is second among Jets defensemen with 37 points and fourth among all teammates in blocked shots (97) and hits (109). The 29-year-old is also a righty, and a more expensive one than Fabbro, but would be a nice second-pair fit if Schneider shifted to the left side. But he feels like a “been there, done that” option.

Dmitry Orlov – Carolina Hurricanes​

Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images​

He’ll turn 34 this summer, but Dmitry Orlov is still playing some solid hockey, averaging just under 20 minutes a night for the Carolina Hurricanes. He plays left the side and is suited for a second-pair role for a couple of seasons, which you might be able to get him to sign for at this stage. If he landed on Broadway, it’d mean the Rangers would move K’Andre Miller up to the top pair with Fox, or possibly trade him.

Aaron Ekblad – Florida Panthers​

Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images​

Aaron Ekblad is not a fit for the Rangers but deserves mention here since he’s one of the biggest names available in free agency. He’s the most talented two-way defenseman on this list, but recurring injuries are taking away from his value, not to mention that 20-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs. Plus he plays top-pair minutes and is a right-shot defenseman. The Rangers already have one of those in Fox.

Matt Grzelcyk – Pittsburgh Penguins​

Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images​

Now here’s a more feasible option and better fit for the Rangers. Matt Grzelcyk has quietly had himself a solid season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, averaging more than 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career and racking up an NHL career-high 34 points so far, second most among Penguins defensemen. The 31-year-old is also third on the Penguins with 90 blocked shots and could be a nice — and affordable — fit on the left side of the second pair if Miller moves up to play with Fox.

Brent Burns – Carolina Hurricanes​

Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images​

He’s 40-years-old and not the All-Star he once was, but Brent Burns never misses a game (his consecutive games streak is up over 900 games), is in amazing condition, plays more than 21 minutes a night and can still deliver a heavy shot. Who says no if he’s on the right side of the second pair, behind Fox, with the Rangers for a season? It’s intriguing, even if unlikely. But, hey, he would liven up the the team photo, no?!

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ree-agent-defenseman-jakob-chychrun-contract/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers 1st-round bust lands 2-year contract with Capitals

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

Things didn’t exactly work out for Dylan McIlrath on Broadway after he was selected by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. But more than a decade later the hulking defenseman has found a role as a depth piece for the first-place team in the Metropolitan Division and signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

McIlrath joined the Capitals organization ahead of the 2021-22 season and spent most of his time since playing for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League. He was Hershey’s captain the past two seasons when they won consecutive Calder Cup championships.

This season, he’s appeared in 11 games with the Capitals, though none since Dec. 23. He played well stepping in for the injured Matt Roy for 10 games from Oct. 15 – Nov. 3, and then was scratched for 22 consecutive games before playing against the Boston Bruins two days before Christmas.

McIlrath hasn’t appeared in a game since, and is expected to be a healthy scratch Thursday for the 38th straight game, when the Capitals visit the Minnesota Wild.

MATT REMPE VS. DYLAN MCILRATH

WHAT A SCRAP pic.twitter.com/gZgjbpQqy3

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 29, 2024

Still, the 32-year-old has been on Washington’s active roster all season. That’s not a bad gig considering his disappointing career arc in the NHL and the fact that he’s on the best team in the NHL. The Capitals (47-15-9) have 103 points, one better than the Winnipeg Jets for most in the League.

McIlrath has two assists and 14 penalty minutes in 11 games played this season. Last season, he appeared in three regular-season games with the Capitals and each of their playoff games against the Rangers in New York’s four-game sweep in the first round.

His signing comes three days after the Capitals signed star defenseman Jakob Chychrun to a whopping eight-year, $72 million contract. McIlrath and Chychrun each was a pending unrestricted free agent.

Related: Top NHL free agent defensemen for Rangers to consider after massive Jakob Chrychun contract

Rangers missed by selecting Dylan McIlrath No. 10 overall in 2010 draft​

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Rangers selected McIlrath with the No. 10 overall pick in 2010 and he’s played just 86 games in the NHL with the Rangers, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Capitals. Two picks later, the Anaheim Ducks selected defenseman Cam Fowler, who’s currently with the St. Louis Blues and sitting on 1,033 NHL games played and counting. Among the forwards picked after McIlrath in the first round in 2010 were Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko, Brock Nelson and Jaden Schwartz.

It wasn’t a wise pick in retrospect, of course. McIlrath’s always been a good teammate and feared enforcer, but he was slow and not mobile enough at the NHL level, and that only got worse after he sustained a serious knee injury early in his Rangers career.

McIlrath did play an NHL career-high 34 games with the Rangers in 2015-16. Four seasons later, he appeared in 16 games with the Red Wings.

A feared fighter, McIlrath earned the nickname “The Undertaker” referring to the popular professional wrestler. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound McIlrath has 146 penalty minutes in 86 NHL games, including five for a massive heavyweight showdown on Oct. 29 when he bloodied Matt Rempe of the Rangers.

In 618 games in the AHL, McIlrath has 1,204 penalty minutes and 122 points. He had 165 penalty minutes two seasons in a row for Hartford, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, from 2013-15.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/dylan-mcilrath-2-year-contract-capitals/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers injury update: Matt Rempe week to week with upper-body issue

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers will be without towering forward Matt Rempe for the immediate future. It was announced prior to practice in Anaheim on Thursday that Rempe is week to week with an upper-body injury.

Rempe got into a fight with Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot at 15:33 of the second period Tuesday and played only one more shift the rest of the game, a 31-second shift early in the third period. That didn’t stand out at the time because Rangers coach Peter Laviolette often shortens his bench in close games, and the Rangers were trailing 2-1 in the third period, en route to a 3-1 loss.

And it wasn’t as if Rempe was singled out. Fellow fourth-liners Juuso Parssinen and Nicolas Aube-Kubel each played only one shift in the third period, as well.

There weren’t any big punches landed in the fight. However, Rempe did lose his balance and fell somewhat awkwardly to the ice while still tangled up with Jeannot. The Kings forward then pulled Rempe up to continue fighting, but the linesmen stepped in to end the altercation.

It’s possible that somewhere in there, Rempe sustained an injury.

Rempe and Jeannot drop the gloves pic.twitter.com/RrH9NQ9H06

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 26, 2025

Sam Carrick returned to the Rangers on Thursday after missing the start of the road trip to remain in New York for the birth of his son. The veteran center, who played in each of the first 71 games this season before missing the loss in L.A., will be back in the lineup Friday against the Anaheim Ducks.

That leaves Laviolette to choose between two of the following to play alongside Carrick on the fourth line with Rempe out: Brett Berard, Parssinen and Aube-Kubel. Berard was a healthy scratch Tuesday.

Related: Top NHL free agent defensemen for Rangers to consider after massive Jakob Chychrun contract

Matt Rempe had played 31 of past 32 games for Rangers before injury​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Since returning Jan. 9 from an eight-game suspension for elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, Rempe has been a regular in the Rangers lineup, playing 31 of the past 32 games. He’s done a better job of avoiding penalties and being a force on the forecheck.

In 36 games, Rempe has five points (two goals, three assists) and 63 penalty minutes. Keep in mind, he had 71 penalty minutes in 17 games last season.

Laviolette still doesn’t completely trust Rempe, though. The 22-year-old averages 7:59 TOI per game, which is more than two minutes more than last season, but still not a lot, even for a fourth-liner. He’s topped 10 minutes of ice time on six occasions this season.

The Rangers (34-32-6) are ninth in the Eastern Conference, one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card, pending Montreal’s game Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. New York plays back-to-back games this weekend, Friday at Anaheim and Saturday in San Jose against the Sharks.

LISTEN to the latest Rink Rap podcast, talking Peter Laviolette’s future, Rangers playoff chances, prospects turning pro with Hartford of AHL

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/injury-update-matt-rempe-out-upper-body/

 

[New York Rangers]

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin classy tribute honors Marc-Andre Fleury: ‘You’ve just got to respect greatness’

Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesMatt Krohn-Imagn Images

The NHL handshake line is one of the greatest traditions in sports; it is a perfect display of sportsmanship and respect at the end of each Stanley Cup Playoff series, no matter how hard fought, nor how much the two teams may dislike each other.

However, an impromptu regular-season handshake line took place Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center.

Filip Gustavsson picked up the win in the Minnesota Wild’s 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals, but as the Caps headed for the locker room, Alex Ovechkin waved them back on the ice to shake hands with Minnesota’s backup goalie.

Legend recognize legend

Alex Ovechkin brought the Capitals back onto the ice to shake hands with Marc-André Fleury in their last matchup pic.twitter.com/UMnhZ2pptM

— ESPN (@espn) March 28, 2025

With Marc-Andre Fleury set to retire at the end of this season, Thursday night marked the final matchup between Ovechkin and Fleury in their long-running personal rivalry. As the Wild celebrated their win, Ovechkin and the rest of the Capitals lined up on their side of the red line.

Fleury skated over, shook hands with the line-leader Ovechkin, then made his way down the rest of the line.

“I think he deserves all the accolades that he’s gotten. He continues to play well. I think he’s been a great teammate everywhere that he’s been,” Wild coach John Hynes said about Fleury. “He’s been a tremendous competitor to compete against. And obviously the quality of a human being that he is, all those things combined, I think we’re witnessing in part of a Hall of Fame player, a Hall of Fame person.”

Fleury will go down as one of the greatest goaltenders the NHL has ever seen; he’s third in NHL history for the most career wins by a goalie, including playoffs, with 665. Along the way, he’s also hoisted the Stanley Cup three times with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and won the Vezina Trophy in the 2020-21 season with the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Fleury’s played a lot of games in this league and has had some really good series with the Caps,” Washington forward Dylan Strome said postgame. “It’s one of those things where you’ve just got to respect greatness and Fleury’s been great his whole career.”

Related: Why Rangers shouldn’t replace Peter Laviolette with John Tortorella as coach

Postgame gesture provides storybook ending to Alex Ovechkin – Marc-Andre Fleury rivalry​

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Ovechkin and Fleury, two future first ballot Hall of Famers, played key roles in the marquee NHL rivalry of the late 2000s and early 2010s between the Capitals and Penguins. The respect is there between the two hockey legends.

“Obviously, he’s one of the best goalies to ever play,” Ovechkin said before the game Thursday. “It was a pretty good battle out there between me and him … It’s almost 20 years that we’ve played against each other. Pittsburgh, Vegas, it’s been an honor to play against him.”

As the faces of the NHL, Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby fostered an iconic rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals, often matching up in the playoffs for much-anticipated series.

“Those were the games I loved playing because the intensity was always high and the atmosphere in the building, both sides, was always good too,” Fleury said.

Pittsburgh often got the best of Washington; the Penguins defeated the Capitals three separate times in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, each time en-route to winning the Stanley Cup later in the postseason.

In 2018, the Capitals finally got their revenge, defeating the Penguins in six games in the second round on their way to winning the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. But Fleury was not a part of the second-round series – he had been scooped up by Vegas in the 2017 expansion draft.

But that meant he was the losing goalie in the Cup Final, because Washington bested Vegas in five games, despite Fleury’s heroics. Ovechkin tallied three goals and two assists in the series.

While Fleury’s been receiving accolades throughout this season as he makes his final lap through the League, Ovechkin’s been front and center in his chase to become the all-time goals leader in NHL history. He currently sits six away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals with 10 games remaining on the Capitals schedule this season.

For the record, Ovechkin scored more goals against Fleury (28) than any other goalie. This season, he’s added seven more goalies to that list and has a whopping 36 goals in 56 games, despite missing 16 due to injury.

“I feel fortunate I was able to play in his time,” Fleury said of Ovechkin earlier in the season. “He probably owes me a few things for scoring so many goals on me. I helped him out pretty good. I’m glad I got to face him. He’s one of the best and always brings the best out of you. It’s been fun battles with him.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...tals-alex-ovechkin-tribute-marc-andre-fleury/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers blow late two-goal lead in 5-4 OT loss to Ducks that keeps them out of playoff berth

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers looked like they were all set to move back into the second wild card in the Eastern Conference by cruising past the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. But a late collapse turned a two-goal lead into a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss at Honda Center.

The inability of the Rangers (34-32-7) to close out a weaker opponent left them even with the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-29-9) and Montreal Canadiens (33-30-9) in the battle for the last playoff berth in the East. The Blue Jackets, who overcame a three-goal deficit and defeated the visiting Vancouver Canucks 7-6, hold the second wild card because they’ve played just 71 games; Montreal, a 4-1 loser to the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, have played 72 and the Rangers have played 73.

The New York Islanders (32-29-10), who’ve also played 71 games, are one point behind all three.

The Rangers never trailed until Mason McTavish converted Jackson Lacombe’s pass 59 seconds into overtime for the win. Igor Shesterkin, who made 28 saves, had no chance after the Ducks capitalized on a defensive breakdown to hand the Rangers their seventh loss in nine games decided in 3-on-3 overtime.

MAC-T

WE WIN IN OT!!!!#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/SSSE67okKn

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 29, 2025

Adam Fox, J.T. Miller, Alexis Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad scored for the Rangers, who are 0-1-1 on a West Coast trip that ends with a visit to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

Leo Carlsson had a goal and three assists for the Ducks. Anaheim got a first-period shorthanded goal by Alex Killorn, and Carlsson’s 19th of the season early in the third period made it 3-2. Zibanejad’s power-play goal put New York back up by two, but the Rangers failed to capitalize on the last four of their seven power plays, and goals by Cutter Gauthier at 14:12 and Olen Zellweger with 1:45 left in regulation sent the game into overtime.

Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

Former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, who was traded to the Ducks on Dec. 6, played against his old team for the first time. Trouba was his usual physical self — he had no shots on goal and just one attempt, but was credited with four hits and two blocked shots in 15:50 of ice time before leaving 5:20 into the third period after crashing into the end boards behind the Rangers’ net.

Related: Matt Rempe injury creates Rangers opportunity for 2 young forwards

Anaheim Ducks 5 – New York Rangers 4 (OT)​

Luckily for the Rangers, Shesterkin was ready to go from the opening face-off in his career-high ninth consecutive start.

He got a break when a deflection by Jansen Harkins leaked through his pads but went off the post and stayed out, then survived a high-sticking penalty to Will Borgen — making three saves as his teammates kept losing face-offs.

The Rangers then grabbed the lead thanks to a fortunate bounce.

Artemi Panarin fired wide of the net from the right circle, but the puck came out cleanly to the right of Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. Fox got inside position on Lacombe below the left circle and was able to chip the puck just under the crossbar at 3:20 to put the Rangers up 1-0.

FOXY BURIES THE REBOUND. pic.twitter.com/oNNKCjO2dT

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 29, 2025

The Ducks owned the next several minutes, getting a number of Grade A chances as the Rangers largely stood around and watched — all except Shesterkin, who made his best save when he robbed a wide-open Killorn from the slot just over five minutes in.

The shots were 10-3 Anaheim as the first period neared the halfway point when the Rangers finally woke up. For the next few minutes, they dominated play, hit a post and forced Dostal to make a couple of excellent saves, including one on Johnny Brodzinski on a shot he never saw.

The Rangers got their first power play at 15:21 when ex-Ranger Frank Vatrano was called for tripping K’Andre Miller. The Blueshirts controlled play for the first 75 seconds until Carlsson broke up a play in his own zone and sprung Killorn for a breakaway. Shesterkin stopped his first shot, but Killorn put home the rebound at 16:55 for a 1-1 tie. It was just the fourth short-handed goal the Rangers have allowed this season.

But the deadlock didn’t last long. J.T. Miller went to the net and found himself all alone when a pass intended for Will Cuylle ticked off the young forward’s stick and came right to him. Miller’s backhand swat went over Dostal’s glove went over Dostal’s glove for a 2-1 lead.

A BACKHAND BEAUTY. pic.twitter.com/vAgFYFvVxl

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 29, 2025

It became 3-1 just 14 seconds into the second period when J.T. Miller picked up an errant Ryan Strome pass behind the net and found Lafreniere racing into the zone. A perfect pass, a great shot from the right of the slot just under the crossbar on the short side and the Rangers found themselves with a two-goal lead.

New York dominated play for the next 10 minutes as the atmosphere in Honda Center grew quieter and quieter.

PICKED THE SPOT. pic.twitter.com/DyiVz3VQwT

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 29, 2025

Anaheim got a power play at 11:48 when Carson Soucy was called for cross-checking, but Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras took a holding penalty 21 seconds later by grabbing J.T. Miller to prevent a breakaway, putting the teams at 4-on-4. However, Urho Vaakanainen tackled Lacombe in front of the net to end the Rangers’ brief power play and give the Ducks another man-advantage opportunity.

It became a 5-on-3 power play when J.T. Miller’s clearing pass went over the glass at 15:12, but the Rangers killed off Anaheim’s two-man advantage and the Ducks generated little at 5-on-4. The silence in the building was funereal as the Rangers skated off with a two-goal lead after 40 minutes.

Carlsson cut the margin to 3-2 at 2:22 of the third period when he stripped K’Andre Miller outside the Rangers’ blue line, cut to the high slot inside the zone and beat Shesterkin with a rocket of a screened shot. But Strome took a needless slashing penalty soon after, and the Rangers regained their two-goal lead at 4:35 when Zibanejad converted a pass from Fox.

FoxyFeed + Mika buries it. pic.twitter.com/JBMZ1r0hAs

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 29, 2025

But the failure to capitalize on four power plays in a span of less than 12 minutes came back and bit the Rangers when Anaheim refused to quit.

Gauthier chopped in a rebound of Carlsson’s shot with less than six minutes to play, and Zellweger tied it by finishing off a 4-on-2 rush after a penalty kill with a perfect shot over Shesterkin’s shoulder and just under the bar.

The Rangers never had the puck in overtime before McTavish’s game-winner.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...o-ducks-that-keeps-them-out-of-playoff-berth/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Sharks: 3 things to watch for in must-win game against last-place team in NHL

Stan Szeto-Imagn ImagesStan Szeto-Imagn Images

Talk about must-wins. The New York Rangers face that exact prospect Saturday, when they face-off with the woeful San Jose Sharks at SAP Center.

After losing the first two games (0-1-1) of their three-game California road trip, and coming off a brutal 5-4 overtime loss to the Ducks in Anaheim 24 hours prior, the Rangers must take care of business and secure two much-needed points against the team that sits at the bottom of the NHL standings.

Of course, the Rangers have already lost twice this season when playing against the 32nd-overall team in the League. Incredibly, they were defeated 2-1 at home by the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 9 when they were last, and then were shut out eight days later by the Nashville Predators after they fell into the cellar.

The Sharks (20-42-9) are closing out an eight-game homestand, that started out terribly with four losses in the first five games but has turned the corner in the past two. San Jose first picked off the Boston Bruins 3-1 last Saturday and then won a wild 6-5 shootout against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

So, that’s too say, two points are hardly in the bag for the Rangers, who’ve lost five of six (1-4-1) after blowing a two-goal lead late in the third period Friday.

Despite all that, the Rangers are percentage points out of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, and could be in a playoff spot with a win and some help after all the games are played Saturday.

Related: Winners, losers from Rangers atrocious 5-4 OT loss to Ducks

3 things to watch for when Rangers visit Sharks​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

1. Get the jump​

The Rangers never trailed against the Ducks, and scored the first goal just 3:20 into the first period when Adam Fox buried his seventh of the season. That was good. What wasn’t was the Rangers defensive play and the amount of chances they allowed the Ducks in that first period. It wasn’t the brutal start we saw against the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks or Los Angeles KIngs in the past week-plus, but it wasn’t great.

It got worse when Alex Killorn tied it up with a shorty late in the first. J.T. Miller’s goal shortley thereafter made it a winning period, though, for the Rangers.

They must start fast against the Sharks, bury them early. The young Sharks allowed five goals Thursday and have the worst goals-against average in the NHL (3.66). There should be tons of opportunities to score and score often for the Rangers. They simply need to finish, and not forget to play in their own zone either.

The Sharks are 3-32-4 when their opponent scores first. ‘Nuff said.

2. Accentuate the positive​

The Rangers did so some good things against the Ducks. They managed 30 shots on goal, and 34 scoring chances, including 14 high-danger, per Natural Stat Trick, in all situations. They scored their first power-play goal in eight games (though they did allow a short-handed goal and were only 1-for-7).

Individually, Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and assist, only his second goal in 21 games. But he did extend his point streak to three games (one goal, four assists). Zibanejad ended a five-game pointless streak and a stretch of seven in a row without a goal. Fox, Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller each had two points.

That means the big boys produced. The Rangers need more of that Saturday and down the stretch.

3. Dusting off Jonathan Quick​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Igor Shesterkin started his ninth straight game Friday, the longest consecutive games streak of his NHL career. While wise to ride their No., 1 goalie when in a tight playoff race, that means Jonathan Quick hasn’t played in 18 days.

Quick will start on the back end of this back-to-back-set in San Jose. His last start wasn’t pretty for him or the rest of the team, a 7-3 loss at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 11, when Quick made 21 saves on 28 shots. He’s 3-0-2 in his previous five starts before the Columbus disaster.

The 39-year-old has seen a lot of the Sharks in his career since he spent of it with the Los Angeles Kings. He’s started 45 games against the Sharks and is 20-15-8 with a 2.72 GAA, .902 save percentage and three shutouts.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Panarin – Trocheck – Othmann

Lafreniere – J.T. Miller- Brodzinski

Kreider – Zibanejad – Cuylle

Berard – Carrick – Aube-Kubel

Soucy – Fox

K. Miller – Borgen

Vaakanainen – Schneider

Quick

Shesterkin

Rangers vs. Sharks: When, where, what time, how to watch​

Who: New York Rangers vs. San Jose Sharks

When: Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET

Where: SAP Center

How to watch: MSG

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...iew-sharks-must-win-game-last-place-team-nhl/

 

[New York Rangers]

Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox help Rangers move back into playoff spot with 6-1 win against Sharks

Robert Edwards-Imagn ImagesRobert Edwards-Imagn Images

Playing with a sense of purpose and urgency right from the first drop of the puck, the New York Rangers skated to a dominating 6-1 win against the last-overall San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at SAP Center. With the win, the Rangers moved into the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of both the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was a must-win game for the Rangers (35-32-7), who let a two-goal lead slip away in the third period Friday during a 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks and were playing the worst team in the NHL just 24 hours later. It was their first victory on the three-game California road trip (1-1-1).

Artemi Panarin scored two first-period goals to get the Rangers off and running and now has 33 on the season, his second most in a season. Adam Fox also scored two goals for the third time in his career. Fox has four goals in his past four games.

Jonny Brodzinski scored his 10th goal of the season and Vincent Trocheck added his 21st, short-handed, for the Rangers. Twelve New York skaters recorded at least one point, including five of the six defensemen.

J.T. finds Troch for the shorty. pic.twitter.com/NM4mBdTqEY

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 30, 2025

Making his first start since March 9, Jonathan Quick came within 2:14 of his fourth shutout this season. San Jose rookie Cam Lund scored his first NHL goal on the power play late in the third period, the only one of 22 shots that got past Quick.

Former Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev finished with 27 saves on 33 shots for the Sharks, who had won two in a row coming into the game.

Related: Rangers prospects Gabe Perreault, Drew Fortescue help Boston College advance in NCAA Tournament

New York Rangers 6 – San Jose Sharks 1​

Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

After that terrible finish in Anaheim the night before, the Rangers came out and thoroughly outplayed the Sharks in the first period Saturday, achieving the fast start they craved against the worst team in the League.

The Rangers out-shot the Sharks 13-5 in the first period, and held a whopping expected goals share of 70.21 percent, per Natural Stat Trick. Panarin scored twice in a span of 1:54 and the Rangers carried a well-deserved 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Brodzinski thought he had give the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 8:24, when he whipped a backhand shot into an open net. But the referee immediately waved the goal off because Mika Zibanejad initiated incidental contact with Georgiev before Brodzinski shot the puck.

Undeterred, the Rangers continued to outplay the Sharks and Panarin cashed in his first of the night at 12:04. With each of the Sharks skaters either in the middle or swung over to the other side of the ice, Panarin had as much time and space as he could’ve wanted after Braden Schneider hit him with a seam pass on left wing. Panarin patiently waited before he beat Georgiev short side with a wicked release to make it 1-0.

The Breadman right on target. pic.twitter.com/1lqAcuj3zb

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 30, 2025

Allowing the first goal wasn’t a good omen for the Sharks, who entered the game 3-32-4 when surrendering the game-opening goal this season.

On his next shift, Panarin scored again. Trocheck won a face-off in the offensive zone and Will Borgen quickly got the puck to Panarin, who let a screen set up in front as he drifted to his left. He then sniped a shot between a defender’s legs and through the screen of Trocheck and Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini to make it 2-0 at 13:58.

It was the seventh time this season Panarin scored multiple goals in a game.

Two goals in two minutes for Artemi Panarin! pic.twitter.com/TsQbCxKRqW

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 30, 2025

The Rangers came out flying in the second period. Georgiev made a big save on Trocheck to begin the period and shortly after Brennan Othmann zoomed untouched toward the net and just missed his first NHL goal when his backhand shot caught the side of the net.

A quick transition and odd-man rush the other way nearly cost the Rangers, but Quick made an outstanding glove save on Will Smith’s 2-on-1 try at 2:34. That was a huge save because two minutes later the Rangers scored again. Instead of a 2-1 game, it was 3-0.

Fox scored for the second straight night when he was left all alone on right wing to bury a pretty cross-crease pass from Othmann at 4:48. Again, the Rangers took advantage of poor defensive play by the Sharks, who came into play with the worst team goals-against average in the NHL (3.66).

Adam Fox elevates Othmann's beautiful dish past Georgiev, putting the Rangers up by 3!#NYR pic.twitter.com/kDwBXTZ10l

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 30, 2025

Quick made another brilliant save off an odd-man rush at 15:05. He burst across his crease from right to left to make a lightning quick save on Patrick Giles. Then at 16:49, Georgiev answered back, with a pretty glove save on Brodzinski off a 3-on-2 rush.

At 17:04, Quick was bowled over by Sharks rookie Collin Graf, who was charging hard to the net. Quick was a bit shaken up, and Graf headed to the penalty box for goalie interference. However, the Rangers didn’t receive a power play because Schneider was sent off for holding Graf on the play.

When the horn sounded signaling the end of the second period, the Rangers held a 3-0 lead and were up 22-13 in shots. They weren’t as dominant in the middle 20 minutes as they were in the first 20, but they were plenty good enough to remain in control of this one.

The Sharks opened the third period on a power play and Quick made an excellent point-blank save on Celebrini at 1:38. Then at the other end, Georgiev whiffed on Brodzinski’s shot off the rush at 3:08, and it was 4-0 Rangers.

The rout was on at 5:47 when Fox tapped a loose puck completely over the goal line to make it 5-0 after J.T. Miller banked a shot off Georgiev’s skate and partially over the goal line.

Trocheck buried a J.T. Miller feed for a short-handed goal at 16:53 to put an exclamation point on this game. It was New York’s League-leading 15th shorty this season.

Seconds later, Zibanejad was stoned on a short-handed breakaway and at the other end, Lund scored his first NHL goal at 17:45.

Now, the Rangers fly back to New York and then will watch as their competitors for that final playoff berth in the East make up games in hand on the Rangers, who don’t play again until they host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ame-recap-artemi-panarin-adam-fox-win-sharks/

 

[New York Rangers]

Jonathan Quick sparks Rangers after extended break: ‘He’s a pro’

Robert Edwards-Imagn ImagesRobert Edwards-Imagn Images

As the New York Rangers continue to push for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and their fourth consecutive berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they’ve relied heavily on their No. 1 goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

But after Shesterkin started a career-high nine straight games Friday, the Rangers turned to Jonathan Quick in the second of a back-to-back against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. And the reliable veteran didn’t miss a beat.

Starting for the first time in three weeks, Quick made 21 saves on 22 shots and helped the Rangers secure a crucial two points in a 6-1 win at SAP Center.

“To watch him jump in like that, that’s him, he’s a pro,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said postgame. “He’s been doing it his whole career, but to jump in and give us an effort like he did tonight, I thought was really good. I thought we played well in front of him, but there’s a lot of talent on the other team, and there’s always opportunities that need to be stopped. The ones in the second [period] stand out for me.”

It was a great bounce-back for Quick, who last played in a brutal 7-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets back on March 9 at Madison Square Garden. The win against the Sharks was the 10th of the season for Quick, and the 403rd of his career, tying him with Grant Fuhr for 13th most in NHL history.

Jonathan Quick. pic.twitter.com/BKS46cjvP7

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 30, 2025

While he wasn’t incredibly busy against the Sharks, Quick made timely saves when the Rangers needed him to, especially in the second period when the Sharks pushed to get back into the game after falling behind 2-0 in the first.

“He was good all night, but he had two saves in the second that were monster saves,” mentioned Laviolette. “When there’s not a six on the board and there’s only a two or three on the board, those saves become really important to a game.”

Quick’s lightning quick glove save to rob Will Smith on an odd-man rush was crucial and a highlight. He also stoned Patrick Giles by bursting across the crease on another Sharks rush in the second period.

Related: 3 Rangers takeaways from dominating 6-1 win over Sharks to close out road trip

Rangers simple game a ‘blueprint for success’​

Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

While it’s nice for Quick to come in, play well and get a win for the Rangers, what’s more important is that they improved their lot in the race for a wild-card spot. The win gave them sole possession of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, but the three teams right behind them, the Montreal Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders, all have two games in hand. Montreal and Columbus are two points back, and the Islanders trail by three. The Detroit Red Wings have one game in hand and also trail the Rangers by three points.

So, the Rangers need to string some wins together. They still have yet to win three straight games since all the way back in November when they won three in a row from Nov. 14-19.

Maybe potting six goals against the 32nd place team in the League is what the Rangers needed to gain some confidence and figure out their game, which, according to Quick is best when it’s kept simple.

“We stick to our game,” Quick said postgame. “We have success when we keep it simple, forecheck, and make teams defend. Playing that way from the start leads to rush chances and three-on-twos, two-on-ones. I think keeping it simple is a good blueprint for our success.”

Six of their last eight games come against current playoff teams, so the Rangers will have to play some of their best hockey down the stretch if they want to punch their ticket into the postseason.

“Where we’re at in the season, every point we’re fighting for,” explained Quick. “More importantly, it helps our chances there.”

According to moneypuck.com, the Rangers have a 36.5 percent chance of making the playoffs, up from 25.1 percent prior to the win Saturday. A couple more wins in a row should help those odds significantly, beginning with a home game against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/jonathan-quick-spark-extended-break/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers’ J.T. Miller is most impactful in-season trade acquisition in NHL

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

With less than three weeks to go in the regular season, J.T. Miller of the New York Rangers continues to be the most impactful trade acquisition in the NHL this season.

Since there are important games remaining — not to mention the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which the Rangers may not even qualify for — this could change. But really there are few players that switched teams this season who impacted their new one more than Miller has with the Rangers.

Start with the raw numbers. Since the Rangers landed Miller in a Jan. 31 trade with the Vancouver Canucks, the 32-year-old center has been a point-per-game player, with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 24 games. That New York is only 11-10-3 in that stretch has less to do with Miller and more to do with overall underperformance and disfunction that’s threatened to submarine the team throughout the incredibly disappointing season.

No player traded during this season is remotely close to that kind of production with his new team, except for Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche (25 points in 25 games). Miller has the highest points-per-game average of any player in this category.

J.T. Miller locates the loose puck and tucks it home in tight, restoring the Rangers lead!#NYR pic.twitter.com/7IngyRxeWB

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 29, 2025

Mikko Rantanen is the best player traded (twice!) during this season. But his numbers fell way off with the Carolina Hurricanes (two goals, four assists in 13 games), though he’s turned it on since being dealt to the Dallas Stars (three points Saturday against the Seattle Kraken; 11 points in 11 games).

In the end, Rantanen could pass Miller on this list, especially if the Stars win the Stanley Cup — not a reach — and he plays a big role. But as of today, the body of work favors Miller, who has nine multiple-point games out of 24 with the Rangers and is on a heater now with seven points (three goals, four assists) during a four-game run.

Numbers tell just part of the story with Miller, though. Yes, the Rangers acquired him to produce offensively and play a big role in all game situations, including the power play and penalty kill. But he was also brought in to help change the culture inside the locker room and enforce how to play a committed, heavy game night-in and night-out for a team that far too often provides no-shows this season.

J.T. Miller has 4 points in 3 games since joining the Rangers. Plus, a couple more goals where he didn't get a point but don't happen without him…
1. Forecheck.
2. Centre lane drive, clearing Pietrangelo out of passing lane. pic.twitter.com/WCkCBlUbtG

— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) February 6, 2025

It’s still a work in progress. But Miller quickly has become a leader with the Rangers, and his compete level and work ethic are never in question. He’s the model that coaches and management want the rest of the players to follow.

“He does everything the right way,” coach Peter Laviolette said earlier this month.

Miller’s return to Broadway seven years after the Rangers traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning is a success. His impact on and off the ice has been great and immediate. Now, let’s see if these Rangers can follow his lead and lock down a playoff berth in the tight Eastern Conference, where they currently hold the second wild card.

Related: Winners, losers after Rangers throttle Sharks, move back into playoff spot

Which impactful NHL trade rivals Rangers’ acquisition of J.T. Miller this season?​

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Certainly, Necas, picked up from the Hurricanes in the first Rantanen trade, has played well for the Avalanche. But his impact is less great because he’s more of a complementary player on a roster that features top-level stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Taylor Hall, part of the three-team Rantanen trade that included the Chicago Blackhawks, has been a good fit with the Hurricanes, who are interested in signing the pending UFA before he hits the open market. Hall’s been rejuvenated in Carolina, where he has eight goals and 14 points in 23 games. That’s solid production from a middle-six veteran forward — but not as impactful as Miller.

Also in Carolina, Mark Jankowski has ripped off a notable seven goals (on 10 shots!) in his first 10 games with the Hurricanes. Those numbers won’t continue, but he’s a nice bottom-six add for them.

Cam Fowler with the St. Louis Blues and Will Borgen with the Rangers are two defensemen traded within the season who’ve stood out with their new teams. Jake Walman has been very good in a smaller sample size with the Edmonton Oilers.

The one player who challenges Miller most for his immediate impact after being acquired in a trade this season is Mackenzie Blackwood. The 28-year-old goalie has stabilized the weak link on a powerful Avalanche team. Acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 9 for underperforming former Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev, Blackwood turned a Colorado weakness into a strength with a 21-9-3 record, 2.14 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and three shutouts in 33 games.

Blackwood has not only stabilized the goaltending position, he has the Avalanche poised to contend for a run at their second Stanley Cup championship in four years. That’s some serious impact and one that could trump Miller’s with the Rangers before all is said and done this season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-miller-most-impactful-trade-acquisition-nhl/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers sign 2023 first-round pick, top prospect Gabe Perreault to entry-level contract

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesChristopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Less than 24 hours after Gabe Perreault’s sophomore season at Boston College ended, he turned pro by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on Monday.

It’s expected that the 19-year-old forward, who’s widely regarded as the Rangers top prospect, will practice with the club Tuesday and could make his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.

Perreault was New York’s first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in the 2023 draft. Highly-skilled and blessed with impressive on-ice awareness, vision and hockey IQ, Perreault ranked second among all NCAA skaters with 73 points and third with 108 points the past two seasons at Boston College.

Though you never know for sure, it was assumed that Perreault would turn pro after his sophomore year. After BC lost the national championship game to Denver last season, Perreault announced in July he’d return to school and try to win the NCAA title this season.

Despite being the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, Boston College lost to Denver 3-1 in the Elite Eight on Sunday, failing to reach the Frozen Four a second straight year. Perreault was scoreless in his final game with the Eagles; he scored a goal in the opener of NCAA regionals on Friday, a 3-1 win over Bentley. It was his 16th goal of the season

GABE PERREAULT BREAKS THE ICE LATE IN THE 1ST pic.twitter.com/qwJLXKMzXL

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 28, 2025

Perreault finished this season second in scoring for BC with 48 points and led the team with 32 assists and five power-play goals. Only Ryan Leonard, who also signed his entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on Monday, had more points (49) than Perreault at BC this season.

The son of longtime NHL center Yanic Perreault burst on to the scene as a Freshman with BC, when he was second in the nation with 41 assists and fourth with 60 points in 36 games.

Along with his productive play for a winning program at Boston College, Perreault helped the United States win consecutive World Junior Championships in 2024 and 2025. It’s the first time that the U.S. won the WJC in back-to-back years.

Perreault recorded identical numbers in each tournament, 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games.

Related: Peter Laviolette reveals ‘own personal scout’ for Gabe Perreault updates in college

Gabe Perreault is intriguing option for Rangers down stretch this season​

How Rangers coach Peter Laviolette chooses to use Perreault down the stretch will be interesting to watch. The Rangers (35-32-7) are percentage points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. So, each of their remaining eight games is crucial.

It’s not exactly a time to experiment with a young player getting his feet wet in the NHL. Then again, Perreault is considered to be a special talent and might be able to spark a Rangers team that is 4-7-2 in its past 13 games and failed to grab ahold of the final playoff spot and make it its own.

If he’s going to be in the lineup, it’d make sense for Perreault to play a top-six role since his primary asset is his offensive talent. Playing on a line with rugged and skilled center J.T. Miller appears to be the logical move, perhaps with either Will Cuylle or Alexis Lafreniere on the other wing. That could free up space for Perreault, who’s slightly built (5-foot-11, 178 pounds) and not a physical force at this stage of his development.

His situation brings back memories of another Boston College alum who joined the Rangers during their 2012 run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Chris Kreider, a 2009 first-round pick, won the national championship at BC then turned pro and helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final, where they lost in six games to the New Jersey Devils.

Kreider had five goals and seven points in 18 postseason games that spring. At age 21, he didn’t shy away from the big moment, scoring goals in each of the first three games of the conference final. It should also be noted that he struggled to win a role the following lockout-shortened season.

You can expect Kreider, now 33 and the longest-tenured Rangers player, to be there for Perreault each step of the way this spring.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ct-gabe-perreault-signs-entry-level-contract/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers coach reveals ‘own personal scout’ for updates on top prospect Gabe Perreault

Alan Selavka

Now that Gabe Perrault’s collegiate career at Boston College is over, New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette won’t need to count on his most trusted source for updates on the organization’s top prospect.

His person on the “inside” is a BC student named Elisabeth Laviolette. Yes, she is the coach’s daughter.

Though her sport is softball — she’s played for the Boston College squad — Elisabeth likely knows a thing or two about hockey, where her father’s been an NHL coach for 23 seasons

And not so fast.. Hearing a Gabe Perreault entry level contract with the Rangers could be done as soon as today.

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 31, 2025

“I talk to my daughter,” Laviolette said Monday amid rumors that Perreault is set to sign his entry-level contract with the Rangers. “She goes to Boston College and she tells me Gabe’s doing just fine.”

Elisabeth is right on top of the latest information she sends to her dad.

“She texted me and said he had a beauty the other night,” Laviolette added. “So, I’ve got my own personal scout at the game. She’s doing a great job with it.”

GABE PERREAULT BREAKS THE ICE LATE IN THE 1ST pic.twitter.com/qwJLXKMzXL

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 28, 2025

Perreault scored the first goal for Boston College in the opener of the NCAA Regionals in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Friday. BC won that one 3-1 but lost to defending NCAA champion Denver 3-1 in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

Since his sophomore season is now over, Perreault signed his three-year entry-level contract Monday. His longtime friend and BC linemate Ryan Leonard also signed his entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on Monday and could make his NHL debut in Boston — pretty convenient — against the Bruins on Tuesday.

New York’s next game is at home against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. It’s not known if Perreault will be in the lineup. It’ll be interesting to see how Laviolette might deploy the highly-skilled 19-year-old, considering the Rangers are in the thick of a playoff race with four other teams.

Related: Rangers sign top prospect Gabe Perreault to entry-level contract

Rangers sign top prospect Gabe Perreault​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Rangers selected Perreault in the first-round (No. 23 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He notched 60 points in 37 games as a Freshman at Boston College and was second on the team with 48 points in 38 games this season, trailing only Leonard (49 points). Perreault had a team-best 32 assists this season and five power-play goals.

Perreault and Leonard formed part of a dynamic Freshman forward line with Will Smith last season that helped BC reached the NCAA championship game, where they lost to Denver. Each was an NHL first-round draft pick. Smith signed his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks last spring and has 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists) in 65 games this season, including an assist in a 6-1 loss to the Rangers on Saturday.

On the international stage, Perreault helped the United States win consecutive World Junior Championships for the first time in 2024 and 2025. In the two tournaments, he combined for 20 points in 14 games.

Since the day he was drafted, Perreault’s been viewed as the Rangers top prospect, along with 2021 first-rounder Brennan Othmann. The latter forward turned pro last season and scored 21 goals with Hartford of the American Hockey League, and is now with the Rangers, where’s he’s played 16 games in a row down the stretch after being recalled from the minors.

Perreault is expected to join the Rangers on Tuesday. So, Laviolette no longer needs to rely on his daughter for her instant updates.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...reveal-personal-scout-updates-gabe-perreault/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers center unlikely to play this season after concussion: ‘Odds are against it’

Simon Fearn-Imagn ImagesSimon Fearn-Imagn Images

It appears that former New York Rangers center Filip Chytil will not play again this season because of his latest concussion.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said that Chytil is having “good days and bad days” so the organization doesn’t want to put him in harm’s way and is erring on the side of caution.

“He’ll go out and skate, feel good, next day, not as good, so, to be honest, does he play this year? Maybe. The odds are against it, plus you don’t want to put a guy in that type of position,” Tocchet told reporters. “When a guy has good days and bad days, obviously, you’re not going to play the guy.”

Chytil sustained a concussion when checked from behind by Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson late in the third period of a 6-2 Canucks win at home on March 15. The 25-year-old hasn’t practiced with the Canucks since, much less played in a game. The Canucks are 3-3-2 in his absence.

His history of head injuries during eight seasons with the Rangers is well chronicled, and troublesome when considering his latest concussion. Chytil missed the final 72 regular-season games a year ago because of a concussion. His original comeback was short-circuited in January, when he sustained a setback, believed to be another concussion or head injury.

Tocchet was asked if he believes Chytil’s career is in jeopardy and tried to sound positive.

“I don’t know,” the coach replied. “I talked to him today, and he says it was different than his last concussion; the bad days aren’t as bad, so that’s a positive. I think we’ve got to take the positive approach; plus, he’s got four or five months to rehabilitate himself.”

Related: Gabe Perreault set to ‘take the next step’ in expected NHL debut against Wild

Former Rangers center Filip Chytil could miss rest of season with concussion​

Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Chytil has six points (two goals, four assists) and is minus-11 in 15 games with the Canucks after he was traded to them by the Rangers in the J.T. Miller acquisition on Jan. 31. He didn’t have a point in six games before the injury.

In 41 games with the Rangers this season, Chytil scored 11 goals and had 20 points, averaging 14:20 TOI. He averaged two minutes more of ice time with the Canucks, but his production was down since being acquired from the Rangers.

Like the Rangers, the Canucks (34-27-13) are on the outside looking in at the Stanley Cup Playoffs entering the final month of the regular season. Vancouver is 10th in the Western Conference, six points behind the red-hot St. Louis Blues for the second wild card, with one game in hand. The Canucks have eight games remaining on their schedule.

The Rangers (35-32-7) also have eight games to play, but are in a better spot in the Eastern Conference race for the second wild card. They are tied in points with the Montreal Canadiens, but Montreal is the second wild card having played one fewer game than New York.

Along with Chytil, the Canucks recently have been without injured forwards Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander, each of whom was hurt in a 5-3 loss to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 22. They also played without No. 1 goalie Thatcher Demko for most of the season due to knee issues and, star defenseman Quinn Hughes missed time as well.

Before he was traded to the Rangers, Miller missed 10 games with the Canucks due to a personal leave of absence.

Chytil arrived in Rangers training camp healthy and in great spirits, and had a very strong start to the season centering their third line. But the only player still with the Rangers from that line is Will Cuylle, who’s fourth on the team with 18 goals. Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Will Borgen in December, and Chytil was shipped to Vancouver in late January.

If his season is over, Chytil will have finished with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 56 games split between the Rangers and Canucks. As surprising as it may sound, that would be the second highest points total in his career, short of the 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists) he had in what was considered his breakout season in 2022-23.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...l-unlikely-play-this-season-after-concussion/

 

[New York Rangers]

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Alex Belizle, Matthew Robertson reach milestones

Hartford Wolf Pack

The Hartford Wolf Pack extended their point streak to four games (3-0-1-0) last week with a 4-3 overtime loss to Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Wednesday. But the streak ended Saturday when the New York Rangers AHL affiliate lost 2-1 to Providence in regulation.

The seventh-place Wolf Pack (27-30-6-2, 62 points) are nine points behind sixth-place Lehigh Valley for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack’s playoff hopes are on life support with seven games remaining.

Related: Rangers to sign undrafted free agent goalie from UCONN, heads to Hartford on ATO

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes​

Alex Belzile – Courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Alex Belzile ties AHL career high in points​

Alex Belzile recorded a goal in back-to-back games last week and is up to 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 61 games this season. The 33-year-old forward leads Hartford in points, goals, assists, shots (172), and points per game (0.89). Furthermore, he tied his previous AHL career high in points, established in the 2018-19 season with Laval.

Alex Belzile’s team leading 18th goal of the season pic.twitter.com/V1Bi6P7uMV

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) March 29, 2025

Signed by the Rangers in July 2023, Belzile’s two-year deal paid dividends for the Wolf Pack. He recorded 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) last season and contributed three points (one goal, two assists) in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs before his strong play this season.

Career best reached by Matthew Robertson​

Returning to Hartford in a “prove it” year, Matthew Robertson made strides in his fourth professional season. and has 24 points (one goal, 23 assists), a new career best, in 56 games. Furthermore, he has eight assists in his past 10 games. The 24-year-old defenseman picked up his 24th point Saturday when he assisted on Belzile’s goal. His previous AHL career high of 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) was established in the 2022-23 season.

Robertson leads the defense corps in assists, points, and shots (116). Despite setbacks from injuries earlier in his career, Robertson is building a compelling case to return next season. A restricted free agent this summer, the Rangers will have an important decision to make since the Hartford blue line is not very deep, and certainly lacks younger defensemen.

Injury Updates​

Bo Groulx – Courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

After missing two games due to injury, captain Casey Fitzgerald returned to the lineup Saturday. He recorded three shot on goals and was assessed a roughing penalty.

Unfortunately, Benoit-Oliver Groulx’s return was short-lived. The forward initially returned to the lineup Wednesday (his last game was Feb. 19), but Groulx left the game with an upper body injury. He is week to week and could be out for the season. This is a major blow for the Wolf Pack, since Groulx is their second leading scorer. Groulx has 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games.

Bo Groulx took a hard spill in the opening frame and did not return in the period. He’s not on the bench as period two gets underway.

Potentially a brutal loss for the Wolf Pack.#HFDvsWBS | #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) March 27, 2025

Upcoming Games​

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Saturday, April 5 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 7pm, Giant Center​

• This is the third of four meetings in the season series. Hartford won each of the first two games.
• Hershey is 39-18-6-1 for 85 points. They are first in the Atlantic Division and tied for second in the Eastern Conference (with Rochester). The Bears lost two straight and are 5-3-1-1 in their past 10 games.
• Ethan Bear leads the Bears with 44 points (10 goals, 34 assists). Next is Alex Limgoes with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists).

Sunday, April 6 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 5pm, Giant Center​

• The fourth and final meeting in the series.
• Hartford is 9-17-5-1 on the road this season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ck-alex-belizle-matthew-robertson-milestones/

 

[New York Rangers]

Will Cuylle of Rangers wins Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Will Cuylle was named the 2024 recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, presented annually to the New York Rangers player who “goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

The announcement was made in a pregame ceremony Wednesday before the Rangers hosted the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden.

Will Cuylle has been named the winner of the 2024-25 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, presented by @NorthwellHealth. pic.twitter.com/ngye58adxR

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) April 2, 2025

The award is named after Steven McDonald, a New York City Police Detective, who was also a lifelong Rangers fan. McDonald was shot and injured in the line of duty July 12, 1986, was courageous and forgiving in his recovery and always made an appearance at MSG to announce the winner of the award bearing his name after the Rangers established it before the 1987-88 season.

McDonald died on January 10, 2017, from his injuries at the age of 59.

His widow, Patti Ann McDonald, and son, NYPD Captain Conor McDonald, presented the award to Cuylle.

The award is chosen annually by fans and the winner is presented a $25,000 check (in the player’s name) from Northwell Health made out to the Steven McDonald Foundation.

“I’m super honored to win this award,” Cuylle told MSG Network.

Related: Rangers assistant coach could be X-factor in Gabe Perreault transition to NHL

Will Cuylle rewarded for strong season with Rangers​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Cuylle has played up and down the Rangers lineup this season and provided consistently strong results, and effort. Even when the Rangers languished through a brutal 4-15-0 stretch in November and December, Cuylle’s compete level was exemplary.

The 23-year-old entered play Wednesday with 278 hits, second most in the NHL and seven shy of the Rangers record held by Ryan Callahan. In his second NHL season, Cuylle already surpassed his rookie totals with 18 goals, 21 assists and 39 points, and hasn’t missed a game.

Cuylle is the fifth player on the Rangers current roster to win the prestigious award. Vincent Trocheck won the award last season. Chris Kreider (2022), Adam Fox (2021) and Mika Zibanejad (2019 and 2020) also have won the award.

Jan Erixon was the first recipient of the award in 1988. Adam Graves won it a franchise-high five times. Ryan Callahan (four times), Mats Zuccarello (three), Mark Messier (two), Jed Ortmeyer (two), Henrik Lundqvist (two), Sandy McCarthy (two), Erixon (two) and Zibanejad (two) each won the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award more than once.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ylle-wins-steven-mcdonald-extra-effort-award/

 

[New York Rangers]

Winners, losers from thrilling Rangers overtime win against Wild, including Artemi Panarin

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

If you didn’t have a horse in the race, the New York Rangers 5-4 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden was for you. Exciting, fast-paced, lead changes, momentum swings and an overtime finish.

Of course, if you were a fan of the Rangers or the Wild, it was mostly an exasperating experience, a nail-biter and head-scratcher. There were dizzying turns of events that likely turned your stomach.

In the end, the Rangers (36-32-7) found a way in overtime on Vincent Trocheck’s winner and pulled even with the Montreal Canadiens in points, though Montreal retains hold on the second wild card in the Eastern Conference since its played one less game than New York.

Let’s check out the winners and losers from a wild one at The Garden.

Related: Will Cuylle wins Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award

Winner – Artemi Panarin – Rangers​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

Like a thoroughbred thundering down the homestretch at the Kentucky Derby, Artemi Panarin is on a serious heater to close out the 2024-25 NHL regular season. After scoring 10 goals and finishing with 20 points in 15 games during the month of March, Panarin scored a breakaway goal and added two assists — including a beauty on the game-winner in overtime — to open up the April schedule.

Winner – Vincent Trocheck – Rangers​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

Let’s be honest, Vincent Trocheck was trending toward the Losers category for much of the night before he reversed course and scored the fourth overtime goal of his career. His weak clearing attempt turned into a terrible turnover that led directly to Minnesota’s first goal on the power play in the first period. Then in the second period, he was stripped of the puck in the neutral zone with New York on the power play, and Minnesota turned it into a short-handed goal that tied the score 3-3. But Trocheck shook it all off, played hard, won all 13 of his face-offs (!) and then went to the net to get a stick on Panarin’s pass to give the Rangers the extra point the sorely needed.

Loser – Filip Gustavsson – Wild​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

This might be a harsh take because Filip Gustavsson made 34 saves, 17 in the first period when his team was nearly run out of the building yet had a 2-1 lead. But he should have had K’Andre Miller’s sharp-angle goal to start the second period and Gustavsson appeared to misplay Panarin’s pass, letting it go under his pad to find Trocheck’s stick on the game-deciding goal.

Winner/Loser – K’Andre Miller – Rangers​

Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images​

The whole K’Andre Miller experience was on display Wednesday at MSG. His decision to exit the defensive zone to get a new stick from the bench, leaving the Rangers short another man and vulnerable down low on the PK lowlighted Minnesota’s first goal. His blind giveaway in the opening-minute of the third period led directly to Marco Rossi’s game-tying goal. But he snuck that left-circle shot past Gustavsson to open the second period and got the puck to Panarin to assist on the OT game-winner. Plus he logged more than 22 minutes TOI, had 11 shot attempts (though only two on goal), three hits and two blocks. This is It’s what makes him such a tantalizing and polarizing player all at the same time.

Loser – Declan Chisholm – Wild​

Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images​

Declan Chisholm certainly made the least of his 8:31 TOI for the Wild, who had a 40 percent expected goal share, per Natural Stat Trick, and were outscored 2-0 with the 25-year-old defenseman on the ice. Most egregious was his second-period turnover in front of his own net — without any pressure from the Rangers, it should be noted. He just lost the puck, fumbled it off Gustavsson’s pads before Chris Kreider swooped in and swept it into the net for a 3-2 Rangers lead at the time.

Winner – Chris Kreider – Rangers​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

Dropped to the fourth line, Chris Kreider didn’t sulk. Instead, he scored. The 33-year-old was alert to hop on Chisholm’s turnover in the paint and quickly turn it into his 20th goal, third most on the Rangers this season, though only the second in his past 11 games. It’s the 10th time in 13 seasons Kreider’s scored at least 20 goals. Only Rod Gilbert (12) has more 20-goal seasons with the Rangers.

Loser – Special Teams – Rangers​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

The special teams continue to be a big problem for the Rangers down the stretch. Their power play was 0-for-4, including a failed brief 5-on-3 with the score tied in the third period and another fail with 4:08 to play in regulation. They allowed a short-handed goal by Marcus Johansson in the second period, and nearly another to Matt Boldy late in the third. The penalty kill was 1-for-2, allowing a wide-open 2-on-0 power-play goal after the gaffes by Trocheck and Miller just nine minutes into the game.

Winner – Gabe Perreault – Rangers​

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images​

In front of an expectant sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd, his parents and siblings and some of his buddies from the Boston College men’s hockey team, Gabe Perreault made his highly-anticipated NHL debut for the Rangers. The 19-year-old forward didn’t look out of place at all, skating on a line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, and getting some run on the second power-play unit. Perreault, who finished with three shots on goal, had a quick snap shot at the end of one power play, and nearly scored the game-winner with seven seconds left on the clock, but his open right-wing look was denied by Gustavsson.

Winner – Mats Zuccarello – Wild​

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images​

Mats Zuccarello appeared to score a goal in the second period but it was waved off because teammate Ryan Hartman initiated contact with Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin. But that’s not why Zuccarello was a winner. The popular former Rangers forward skated in warmups with a special No. 40 sweater, with the name “Rosen” stitched on the back to honor Blueshirts broadcaster Sam Rosen, who’s retiring after 40 years behind the mic at the end of the season. Classy heartfelt gesture.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ners-losers-overtime-win-wild-artemi-panarin/

 

[New York Rangers]

Gabe Perreault makes highly anticipated NHL debut with Rangers: ‘It was super surreal’

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Wednesday night was a special one at Madison Square Garden for many reasons. For one, the New York Rangers grabbed a crucial two points with a 5-4 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild. In the process, the Rangers’ top prospect, Gabe Perreault, made his NHL debut.

Perreault took his rookie lap in warmups, an unforgettable experience for any newcomer, but even more special given the fact that it came in “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

“The history behind MSG and this building is pretty awesome. To finally step on the ice for the first time was pretty cool,” Perreault said said Wednesday

While skating around the empty ice, the 19-year-old cracked a smile when he saw several of his former Boston College teammates — the same ones who were at Ryan Leonard’s debut with the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night in Boston — lined up, wearing his college jersey and slamming the glass. One of them was Drew Fortescue, New York’s third-round pick in the 2023 draft.

“It was pretty funny seeing all of them on the glass, they were pretty excited,” Perreault said after the game.

Gabe Perreault’s teammates from Boston College are in the building for his NHL debut pic.twitter.com/JPJjKICfn3

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 2, 2025

Perreault spent two years starring at Boston College, totaling 108 points in 73 games. He played his final game with the Eagles on Sunday, a 3-1 loss to Denver in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. He then signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers on Monday, practiced with them Tuesday and was in the starting lineup Wednesday.

Also in attendance for his debut were Perreault’s parents, brother and sister. His father, Yanic Perreault, spent 14 seasons in the NHL playing 859 games with six teams. Yanic played in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, and six times scored at least 20 goals in a season.

Yanic spent much of his NHL career wearing No. 94, the same number that Gabe donned with the Rangers on Wednesday night. Growing up, Perreault often wore a number with a four in it, most recently No. 34 at BC.

However, 34 is taken by Arthur Kaliyev with the Rangers, forcing Perreault to find some new digits.

Like father, like son.

“When I talked to my dad, he suggested it a little bit,” Perreault said.

Related: Why Gabe Perreault arrival is latest changing of the guard for Rangers

Gabe Perreault plays “solid game” in key Rangers win​

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Perreault did not record a point in his debut, but that is not to say he didn’t have an impact. The 2023 first-round draft pick recorded three shots on goal in his 13:38 TOI, which included 3:01 on the power play.

“It was super surreal … having some friends and family in the building was also unreal,” he said.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette was impressed with Perreault’s debut.

“I thought he played a solid game, jumping into a big situation like that,” Laviolette said.

Laviolette showed confidence in the youngster by putting him on the ice when it mattered most. Perreault had a good look on a late third-period power play, but Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson made the save.

“His hands and his head are at a level where he can contribute [in the NHL],” Laviolette explained.

Perreault also fired a shot on goal with seven seconds to go in regulation that was denied by Gustavsson. That once again showed Laviolette’s trust in him, having the teenager out there late in a tie game the Rangers absolutely could not afford to lose, given where they sit in the Eastern Conference standings.

“He was definitely excited. We’ve been able to see his skill the past couple of days,” defenseman K’Andre Miller said. “He’s a really skilled player and I’m excited to see what he’s capable of.”

“So skilled,” Artemi Panarin added. “You can see that on the power play.”

Perreault made a good first impression in his debut with the Rangers, who are now even in points with the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card with two weeks remaining in the regular season. Perhaps Perreault’s arrival can give New York the shot of energy it needs going forward to secure a playoff berth for the fourth straight season.

“I’m sure the next one and the one after that will be a little bit more natural for him as opposed to the first one,” Laviolette concluded, “but I thought he played really well.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/gabe-perreault-nhl-debut-super-surreal/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: East playoff race narrows to 3 contenders; Leon Draisaitl injured again for Oilers

David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesDavid Kirouac-Imagn Images

With two weeks remaining in the 2024-25 regular season, it’s looking more and more like the New York Rangers are in a three-team battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers (36-32-7) are ninth in the conference, two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card and two points up on the 10th-place Columbus Blue Jackets. New York and Montreal each have seven games remaining, Columbus has eight games to play.

No disrespect to the Detroit Red Wings nor New York Islanders, but those teams have pretty much played their way out of contention — though each is still alive and within striking distance. The Red Wings haven’t won consecutive games since late February, and now face the prospect of needing to win at least seven of their final eight games (including the one they have against the Canadiens next week) to even have a chance at the wild card.

The Islanders? They have must-win games against the Rangers and Blue Jackets remaining on their schedule. But they’ve lost six in a row (0-4-2) and nine of 12 (3-6-3), and show zero signs of being able to win out over the final eight games, which is what they’d need to do in all reality.

So, it’s the Rangers, Canadiens and Blue Jackets. The Rangers have picked things up a bit, 2-0-1 in their past three games, and seek their first three-game winning streak since Nov. 14-19 when they visit the vulnerable New Jersey Devils on Saturday. They have the experience, roster and playoff pedigree, not to mention the best goalie among the three teams, to make it feel like they should be the favorites here to earn that final playoff spot in the East.

Of course, the Rangers have been anything but predictable this season and have not lived up to any expectations. So, there’s that to consider.

The Canadiens have won three in a row following a five-game skid (0-3-2) that nearly derailed their playoff hopes. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are hot at the right time, and the Canadiens still have games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. That’s plenty of reason to believe they should be the favorites down the stretch.

As for the Blue Jackets, a 1-8-1 stretch March 4-21 may end up to be their undoing. They’re 3-2-0 in their past five games, but lost 7-3 at home to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday and have a pretty touhh schedule down the stretch, including two games each against the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals.

The Red Wing and Islanders each have games Friday night. But the next day to really watch is Saturday. The Rangers visit the Devils; the Canadiens host the Flyers; and the Blue Jackets are in Toronto to face the Maple Leafs.

Subscribe to the RINK RAP podcast at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page

New York Rangers news​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Our Tom Castro breaks down why Gabe Perreault’s arrival is the latest changing of the guard with the Rangers roster.

As for Gabe Perreault’s NHL debut Wednesday with the Rangers? “It was super surreal” the 19-year-old said.

Here are our three Rangers takeaways from that thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.

Winners and losers? Yup, we’ve got ’em from Rangers latest victory — including K’Andre Miller landing on both lists.

The latest RINK RAP podcast is posted! Talking Gabe Perreault’s arrival on Broadway, youth being served, the entire K’Andre Miller experience and why Mats Zuccarello is such a mensch. LISTEN HERE or WATCH ON YOUTUBE.

Shout out to Jonny Lazarus — good job by him catching up with Rangers rookie forward Brennan Othmann in this story.

NHL news and rumors​

Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Uh oh! For the second time in the past couple weeks, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl is hurt. The NHL goal-scoring leader left the Oilers 3-2 win against the San Jose Sharks in the second period with an undisclosed injury and didn’t return. There was no update after the game.

After being ripped by Islanders coach Patrick Roy earlier in the week for lack of effort, former Rangers forward Anthony Duclair is “taking some time off to reflect” and may not play again this season.

Ryan Leonard (Boston College), Zeev Buium (Denver) and Isaac Howard (Michigan State) were named finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is presented annually to the top men’s player in NCAA hockey.

Following in the footsteps of former Boston College teammates Perreault (Rangers) and Leonard (Washington Capitals), goalie Jacob Fowler signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens. He’ll report to their AHL affiliate in Laval on an amateur tryout (ATO) so that he doesn;t burn a year off his Canadiens contract.

The Canadiens edged ahead of the Rangers in the East playoff race by defeating the Boston Bruins 4-1.

Cale Makar joined exclusive company Thursday when he scored his 30th goal of the season in a 7-3 win over the Blue Jackets. Makar is the ninth different defensemen to score 30 goals in the NHL and first since Mike Green had 31 for the Washington Capitals in 2008-09. Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey each scored 30 goals four times in their respective careers.

Nikolaj Ehlers left the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 shutout win over the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period after he was hit in the leg by a shot.

The Ottawa Senators maintained their hold on the first wild card in the East with a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Wyatt Johnston scored for the sixth straight game to help the Dallas Stars win their seventh in a row, 5-1 over the Nashville Predators.

The surging St. Louis Blues won their 11th straight game, a 5-4 overtime decision against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, Blues forward Dylan Holloway was ruled out of the game after taking a hit late in the first period.

Watch Robert Thomas score the OT winner for the Blues.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-narrows-leon-draisaitl-injured-again-oilers/