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[New York Rangers]

Rangers Week Ahead: Home at last after another Winter Classic win

The New York Rangers had a couple of days to enjoy their historic 5-1 Winter Classic win against the Florida Panthers at loanDepot Park in Miami on Friday night. They’ll get back to work Monday when the Utah Mammoth come to Madison Square Garden, beginning a busy stretch of 13 games in 27 days on the Rangers schedule though the end of January.

Playing outdoors was just what the Rangers needed to wash away the bad taste of three straight road losses (0-2-1) coming out of the Christmas break. That included a 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals in a New Year’s Eve matinee.

But the line of Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere combined for 12 points to help the Rangers stay perfect in outdoor games; they are 3-0-0 in the Winter Classic and 6-0-0 overall. The outcome delighted thousands of the Rangers’ faithful who made the trip to South Florida.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for the Blueshirts, they haven’t been nearly as proficient indoors – especially at the Garden, where their 5-10-3 record is the worst in the Eastern Conference. With 23 of their remaining 39 games at home, this is a trend that can’t continue if the Rangers want to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing the postseason in 2024-25.

The Rangers are two points out of the second wild card in the East, but with seven teams between them and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who hold the last playoff position after completing a sweep of the Detroit Red Wings with a 4-1 win Saturday.

Who’s Hot​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Who else but Zibanejad, who had the first hat trick in the history of the Winter Classic and the first five-point game in any NHL outdoor contest.

Who’s Not​

Gabe Perreault has yet to make any significant impact in his 10 games with the Rangers this season. He was brought up from AHL Hartford to boost the offense but has just one goal (on a shot that hit his skate and went in) and four assists. He’s not driving play and averages less than 14 minutes of ice time.

Rangers lookahead this week includes …​

The first two home games in a stretch that will see the Rangers play four of five at the Garden, sandwiched around a Saturday matinee against the Bruins in Boston.

Utah Mammoth at Rangers (Jan. 5, 7 p.m.; MSG)​

John Jones-Imagn Images

The Mammoth come to MSG for the first time since the second game in their history (after the Arizona Coyotes franchise was sold and relocated to Sat Lake City). The Mammoth, then known as the Utah Hockey Club, stunned the Rangers 6-5 on Oct. 12, 2024, when Clayton Keller scored 4:05 into overtime.

The Rangers took the rematch 5-3 at Delta Center on Jan. 16, but Utah won the first meeting between the teams this season, edging the visiting Rangers 3-2 on Nov. 22.

Utah split the first two games of its swing through the Metropolitan area, defeating the Islanders 7-2 last Thursday and losing 4-1 to the Devils on Newark on Saturday. The Mammoth, like the Rangers in the East, are among a pile of teams battling for a wild-card position in the West.

Panarin has five goals in New York’s three games against the Mammoth (the NHL doesn’t count stats against the Coyotes franchise in Utah’s numbers). Keller has great success against the Rangers; he scored in the win at Utah in November and has 10 goals and 17 points in 14 games against them.

Buffalo Sabres at Rangers (Jan. 8, 7 p.m.; MSG)​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Rangers blanked the Sabres 4-0 in Buffalo on Oct. 9 in their second game of the season. They looked like a team that was on the way back to the postseason, and the Sabres appeared headed for their 15th consecutive playoff miss.

What a difference three months can make.

Buffalo matched a franchise record by running off 10 straight wins in December before losing 5-1 to the columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, and at 21-15-4 they’re one point ahead of the Rangers with three games in hand. The Sabres are a different team since firing GM Kevyn Adams on Dec. 15 and replacing him with Jarmo Kekalainen.

One key to the Sabres surge was the play of goalie Alex Lyon, but he’s out indefinitely with a lower-body injury sustained in their 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 29. That leaves Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as the likely starter against the Rangers.

Igor Shesterkin is 11-3-2 lifetime against the Sabres with a 2.41 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. Adam Fox scored in the win at Buffalo, giving him 26 points (four goals, 22 assists) in 22 games vs. the Sabres

Rangers at Boston Bruins (Jan. 10, 1 p.m.; ABC)​

Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Rangers would like a repeat of their last visit to TD Garden; they walloped the Bruins 6-2 on Black Friday behind a four-point effort by Panarin and a three-assist afternoon by Fox.

It was the Rangers’ sixth win in their past seven games against the Bruins, another team that’s splashing around in the mushy middle of the NHL stanidngs. That includes a 3-1-0 mark in their last four visits to Boston.

New York typically shuts down Morgan Geekie, whose goal in the Black Friday loss was just his second in 11 career games against the Rangers. David Pastrnak didn’t score in that game, but has 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 38 games against New York.

Panarin’s big game made him a point-per-game player against Boston; he has 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 28 games. Shesterkin excelled in the earlier win but is just 6-8-0 against the Bruins; Jonathan Quick, who was injured and missed the earlier game, has fared much better (14-6-1, 2.34 GAA, .921 save percentage).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/week-ahead-home-after-winter-classic-win

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers report card: grading goalies, defensemen to start 2026

More than halfway through the 2025-26 season, the New York Rangers are somewhat surprisingly one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. If they’re going to be a serious playoff contender, that must continue into the 2026 calendar year.

After their memorable 5-1 Winter Classic win over the Florida Panthers on Jan. 2, the Rangers (20-18-5) own the sixth-lowest team goals-against average in the NHL (2.72). That’s significant for many reasons, not the least of which is that the Rangers are also 31st in the League in scoring, averaging 2.60 goals per game.

There’s a new defensive system in place under coach Mike Sullivan. The team-wide buy-in to this structure is admirable — and key to their success on that side of the puck.

The forwards are certainly part of the improved defensive play. But here, we focus on the Rangers goalies and defensemen, and grade each midway through the season.

As a group, Rangers goalies receive an A- collective grade, best of all position groups on the team at this juncture of the season. The defensemen collectively receive a B-.

Keep in mind that the defensemen are graded on all aspects of their game — so, not just defense, but offense, as well.

Now, let’s hand out individual report cards for the Rangers goalie and defensemen.

Igor Shesterkin: A-​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

No goalie’s started more games, faced more shots, nor made more saves so far in the NHL this season than Igor Shesterkin. He’s allowed two or fewer goals in more than half of his starts (17 of 33), and rebounded quickly after a brief dip in performance in late October. His goals-against average and save percentage are considerably better this season than last, due in part to better defensive play in front of him. But he’s also more consistent game to game than a year ago. Shesterkin’s 14.8 goals saved above expected, per MoneyPuck, is third-best in the League — and just one metric to show how invaluable he is to the Rangers.

Jonathan Quick: A-​

Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Don’t be fooled by his 3-6-1 won-loss record; Jonathan Quick is having a helluva season. In his seven losses, the Rangers scored nine goals total and were shut out twice. Quick remains one of the best backup goalies in the NHL, even as he approaches his 40th birthday later in January. Among goalies who started at least 10 games this season, Quick is second in the NHL with a 2.11 GAA and .924 save percentage. He didn’t allow more than three goals until his 10th — and most recent — start, a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals on New Year’s Eve.

Adam Fox: B+​

Blake Dahlin-Imagn Images

Though Adam Fox failed to land a spot on the United States roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, he remains the most important defenseman on the Rangers. There’s so much understated nuance to his game on both sides of the puck, such subtle elite play, that Fox often is underappreciated for how terrific a player he is. No one drives play for the Rangers like Fox, whose expected goal share is above 60 percent, per Natural Stat Trick. He’s averaging nearly 24 minutes TOI per game, and is pretty much at a point-per-game pace (28 points in 29 games). The Rangers missed him badly during his 14-game injury absence, especially his ability to effectively quarterback the power play.

Vladislav Gavrikov – B+​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Vladislav Gavrikov is everything the Rangers hoped he’d be when they signed him to a seven-year, $49 million contract July 1 — and then some. The 30-year-old is the backbone of a vastly improved defense corps, with his smart, reliable, physical play. He and Fox complement each other well, and they comprise one of the best defense pairings in the League. The pleasant surprise here is Gavrikov’s offensive production. He already has a career-high seven goals, including the memorable overtime winner against the Dallas Stars on Dec. 2.

Matthew Robertson: B​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Talk about pleasant surprises. Not many had Matthew Robertson being a lineup regular heading into this season; but the 24-year-old rookie is just that, averaging better than 16 minutes TOI per game. A late bloomer who played four seasons in the minors, Robertson largely is a bottom-pair staple these days, though he didn’t look out of place when given opportunity on the second pair. Robertson is physical — his 5.63 hits per 60 minutes are second among Rangers defensemen — and looks confident in the offensive game, with two goals, seven points and a heavy shot from the point.

Braden Schneider: B-​

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Braden Schneider is a difficult player to grade. On one hand, Schneider stepped up and filled in admirably on the top defense pair during Fox’s month-long injury absence. On the other, many of his metrics are worst among Rangers defensemen. The 24-year-old does lead the defense corps with 91 hits and 72 blocked shots, and he’s a solid penalty killer. Schneider doesn’t generate much offense, and he certainly didn’t take to the role as power-play quarterback. Gavrikov replaced him on the point of PP2. Overall, Schenider’s been good, just less than hoped for.

Will Borgen: B-​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Will Borgen’s role with the Rangers isn’t sexy, but it’s crucial. Borgen is a physical, shutdown defender, tasked with consistently facing the opposition’s better forwards. He’s done an admirable job in that role — and at an affordable $4.1 million salary cap hit. The 29-year-old’s been a seamless fit on the second defense pair since the Rangers acquired him from the Seattle Kraken last season, though he’s likely a third-pair defenseman on a true Stanley Cup contender. That said, there’s plenty to like about what Borgen gives the Rangers game-in and game-out.

Carson Soucy: C+​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Carson Soucy is Borgen’s regular partner on the second pair, and largely played above expectations after a decided downturn in his disappointing performance last season with the Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. The 31-year-old leads Rangers defenseman at plus-7 and has been on ice for 20 goals-for and 15 against at 5v5. Like Borgen, he’s a pretty steady veteran with a physical edge to his game. But unlike his partner, Soucy plays hot potato with the puck and loses his man a bit too often, which partially explains his 45.75 percent xGF percentage and why he’s been on for 116 high-danger chances against 5v5.

Scott Morrow: C–​

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Though coach Mike Sullivan praised Scott Morrow often with his words, how he deployed the rookie when Fox was out spoke volumes. Simply put, Sullivan doesn’t trust Morrow, an offensively-gifted defenseman whose defensive game still needs work. No sin there. The kid is 23 and still developing his overall game. But his season feels disappointing. Not just in the NHL, where he has three assists in 16 games with the Rangers, but with Hartford of the American Hockey League. The 2025 AHL All-Star, whom the Rangers acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the K’Andre Miller trade during the offseason, has five points (one goal, four assists) in 14 AHL games.

Urho Vaakanainen: D+​

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Listen, Urho Vaakanainen hasn’t been atrocious. But he is a disappointment. The Rangers thought the former first-round pick by the Boston Bruins was an improving NHL player with growing upside, and a nice fit on the third defense pair, which is where he started the regular season. It didn’t take long for the 27-year-old to lose Sullivan’s trust — and his regular spot to Matthew Robertson. No Rangers defenseman has less average ice time than Vaakanainen (a career-low 13:40), who spots in occasionally these days and played just 19 of New York’s first 43 games.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...card-grading-goalies-defensemen-new-year-2026

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers concern after Igor Shesterkin sustains scary injury vs. Mammoth

Igor Shesterkin sustained a lower-body injury and needed to be helped off the ice during the first period of the New York Rangers’ game against the Utah Mammoth on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

The 30-year-old goalie writhed in pain after he fell back into his net following a slight collision with Mammoth forward J.J. Peterka at the 13-minute mark of the opening period. Shesterkin made a right-pad save as Peterka drove hard down the middle of ice with a step on Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider. The rebound eluded Peterka, who jammed on the brakes to best avoid a collision with the Rangers netminder at the top of the blue paint.

Still, Shesterkin awkwardly fell backward, and it’s not easy to tell when exactly the injury occurred, or what the specific injury is.

Igor Shesterkin needed help getting off the ice after an innocent looking play pic.twitter.com/cEAW85xKSn

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 6, 2026

Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov helped Shesterkin off the ice, along with the Rangers trainer. Shesterkin didn’t put weight on his left leg, even though it was untouched by Peterka.

The Rangers announced before the start of the second period that Shesterkin wouldn’t return to the game.

Jonathan Quick replaced Shesterkin, and made three saves over the final seven minutes of the first period, including one against Peterka on a breakaway.

The feisty 39-year-old took exception when Utah’s Daniil But backed into him two minutes into the second period. Hot on the heels of the Shesterkin injury, Quick went after But and started a mini melee behind the Rangers net.

But was assessed a minor penalty for goaltender interference, and Quick took a roughing minor.

MORE TO COME

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/igor-shesterkin-leaves-game-injury-update

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers lose Igor Shesterkin to injury, fall 3-2 in OT to Utah: Takeaways

The New York Rangers lost more than a game when the Utah Mammoth rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden on Monday night – they might’ve also lost their No. 1 goalie.

Sean Durzi tapped Nick Schmaltz’s pass behind Jonathan Quick 1:06 into OT for the winner in a game the Rangers led 1-0 and 2-1. The League’s newest franchise is now 3-1-0 against the Rangers, with all three wins in overtime, including two this season.

But the point the Rangers (20-18-6) lost pales in comparison to the loss of Igor Shesterkin, who sustained a lower-body injury in the first period and didn’t return.

hoping this is not as bad as it looks for igor shesterkin.
rangers star in immediate and obvious pain/discomfort, can’t put weight on his right leg & has to be helped of the ice. pic.twitter.com/C3iqIHOlhy

— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) January 6, 2026

The game was scoreless 13 minutes in when Shesterkin fell back into his net following a slight collision with Mammoth forward J.J. Peterka. He made a right-pad save as Peterka drove hard down the middle of the ice; the rebound eluded Peterka, who jammed on the brakes to best avoid a collision with the Rangers netminder at the top of the blue paint.

Shesterkin awkwardly fell backward, appeared to be screaming in pain and had to be helped off the ice with a lower-body injury. He didn’t put any weight on his left leg, even though it was untouched by Peterka. The Rangers announced before the start of the second period that Shesterkin wouldn’t return.

”It’s tough,” said center Mika Zibanejad, who assisted on both Rangers goals. “It’s bad, especially because of what he’s done for us and what he means to us.”

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Coach Mike Sullivan said Shesterkin was being evaluated for a lower-body injury but offered no other details.

“He’s an important part of this team,” the coach said. “Hopefully, it’s not too serious. … They’re gonna do more tests.”

Luckily for the Rangers, they have one of the best backup goaltenders in Quick, who was sharp and had no chance on any of Utah’s three goals. He stopped a number of Grade A chances, beginning with one on a breakaway against Peterka shortly after taking over for Shesterkin.

Quick also tried to light a fire under his teammates early in the second period when he took exception to Utah’s Daniil But backing into him. Quick went after But and started a skirmish near the Rangers net. Each received a minor penalty – But for goaltender interference and Quick for roughing. However, the altercation energized the Garden crowd, and the Rangers picked up their play.

Daniil But runs into Jonathan Quick and Quick GOES AFTER HIM pic.twitter.com/zdKeQAzXwM

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 6, 2026

The Blueshirts capitalized on their first power play when Alexis Lafreniere finished off a tic-tac-toe passing sequence by tapping Zibanejad’s perfect pass behind Karel Vejmelka at 8:29 of the second period for a 1-0 lead. Adam Fox started the play by keeping the puck in at the right point. From there, it went quickly to Artemi Panarin and then to Zibanejad. His pass was right on the stick of Lafreniere for an easy goal.

Dylan Guenther tied the game 1-1 at 12:38 after the Rangers failed to get the puck deep. Ian Cole broke up a play at the Utah blue line and sent Guenther flying down left wing. Quick stopped the first shot, but Guenther got his own rebound and zipped his team-leading 21st goal high into the net.

The power play came through again for the Rangers at 16:36. With New York skating 5-on-3, Panarin took a long straightaway shot through traffic that was tipped by Vincent Trocheck and went past Vejmelka, who never saw it.

Bread with the shot + Troch tips it in pic.twitter.com/EbXiDRdK8x

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 6, 2026

New York skated off with a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes, but Utah got even 6:15 into the third period after the Rangers again failed to get the puck deep. Mammoth defenseman John Marino broke up a dump-in and sprung Michael Carcone, who blew past defenseman Urho Vaakanainen in the Rangers zone, swept in front and stuffed the puck past Quick’s right pad to make it 2-2.

Utah kept Quick busy for the next several minutes, dominating play while allowing the Blueshirts just one shot on goal through the first 14 minutes of the period. But the Rangers finally began some zone time of their own and earned a power play when Durzi was called for hooking Zibanejad with 3:14 remaining. They failed to convert on the power play, and Durzi made the Rangers pay in overtime.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose Shesterkin, drop 3-2 OT decision to Mammoth​

How long will Igor Shesterkin be out?​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Quick turns 40 later this month, and the winningest U.S.-born goalie will end up in the Hockey Hall of Fame not long after his playing days are over. But he’s past the stage in his career when he can handle the starter’s role for any length of time. The Rangers hope Shesterkin isn’t out for long, but Quick said he’s ready to do his part.

“Have his back, plain and simple,” he said. “Anywhere on the ice, when your guys go down, you need guys to step up. Step up as a group. Have their backs.”

Quick had at least five days between each of his 10 starts this season, his third with the Rangers. Sullivan didn’t appear worried about having the three-time Stanley Cup champion handle the No. 1 role.

“In my mind, he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” he said. “’Quickie’ is a fierce competitor and still an excellent goalie.”

Expect the Rangers to recall Dylan Garand from Hartford of the American Hockey League before their home game against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Garand backed up Shesterkin earlier this season when Quick was hurt, but he’s never played in an NHL game.

With Adam Fox back, power play continues on a roll​

Mika finds Laf on the doorstep pic.twitter.com/dV5Cv18X7X

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 6, 2026

If there was ever any doubt about how much Fox means to the Rangers, just look at their power play success since he returned to the lineup last Wednesday in Washington.

Fox’s 4 1/2-week absence with an upper-body injury left the first power-unit in a fog. His return coincided with a revival – the Rangers scored five goals with the extra man in three games since his return, including each of their tallies Monday.

He scored on the Rangers’ only power-play opportunity in a 6-3 loss to the Capitals on New Year’s Eve, then was on the ice for both power-play goals in New York’s 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers at the NHL Winter Classic in Miami on Friday, and did it again Monday.

Though he didn’t land on the score sheet for any of the four power-play goals the past two games, Fox was on the ice for all of them. He makes the power play go; the Blueshirts are 5-for-8 since his return.

Missed opportunity​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s understating the issue to say the Rangers can’t afford to allow points to slip away, but that’s just what they did against the Mammoth. The Blueshirts dominated the second period and could have had more than a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes except for the play of Vejmelka.

But Utah, a young, fast team, came out with more juice in the third period, something that didn’t make Sullivan happy.

“In the first half of the third period, we didn’t play with the kind of intensity we needed,” he said. “We have to do a better job of pushback.”

The single point gives the Rangers 46 points; they’re three behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve played 44 games, more than anyone else in the East, and their .523 points percentage is last among the conference’s 16 teams.

This was not a game they could afford to come away with anything but two points, especially when they were up a goal with less than 14 minutes to play.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...hesterkin-to-injury-in-loss-to-utah-takeaways

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers lose Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox in devastating injury update

If the New York Rangers are to remain afloat in the NHL playoff race this month before the Olympic break, they’ll need to do so without two of their most important and indispensable players. Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox each will miss significant time after sustaining injuries in New York’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers reportedly plan to place Shesterkin on IR with a lower-body injury as they continue to evaluate their star goalie. Fox is headed to LTIR with a lower-body injury, one week after he returned from a 14-game absence due to an upper-body injury.

It’s a brutal 1-2 gut punch for the Rangers (20-18-6), who own the worst points percentage in the Eastern Conference yet remain just three points out of the second wild-card spot.

The Fox update is a stunning development. The 27-year-old defenseman logged more than 23 minutes of ice time against the Mammoth, though he didn’t take a shift in the 66-second overtime. He did quarterback a failed power-play opportunity in the final minutes of regulation, and it’s difficult to pinpoint when or how he was hurt.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Fox returned to the lineup on New Year’s Eve and recorded two points — a power-play goal and an assist — in a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. He was pointless in the next two games, including the rousing 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers at the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami. However, he helped spark the Rangers’ power play, which was 5-for-8 in the three games after his return.

Shesterkin’s injury was impossible to miss. The 30-year-old netminder writhed in agony after falling back into his net at the 13-minute mark of the first period following a non-contact injury. He didn’t put weight on his left leg when helped off the ice.

Igor Shesterkin needed assistance off the ice following a collision with JJ Peterka pic.twitter.com/6OG2P0Jdk1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2026

However, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Tuesday that Shesterkin avoided the “worst case scenario” with his injury.

Since he’s still being evaluated, it’s not known what Shesterkin’s timeline is. The Rangers practice again Wednesday, so coach Mike Sullivan may provide more details and answers at that time. Their next game is Thursday at home against the Buffalo Sabres. Jonathan Quick is likely to start in goal for that one.

“There are certain guys that drive your team and he’s one of them for us,” Sullivan said Monday about Shesterkin. “He’s an elite player at his position. I think he’s one of the very best in the game. Those types of players are difficult to replace.”

The Rangers recalled veteran goalie Spencer Martin and rookie defenseman Scott Morrow from Hartford of the American Hockey League late Tuesday afternoon. They reassigned forward Brett Berard to Hartford, a possible sign that captain J.T. Miller is set to return from an upper-body injury that sidelined him seven games.

MORE TO COME

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/igor-shesterkin-adam-fox-injury-updates

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers owner James Dolan patient and confident: ‘Don’t give up on my team’

James Dolan is confident that the New York Rangers have the right people in place to get the organization back on a successful track. And the Rangers owner plans to remain patient with general manager Chris Drury and coach Mike Sullivan despite uneven on-ice results so far this season.

Dolan rarely speaks publicly about the Rangers, or New York Knicks, the NBA team he also owns. But he was a guest Monday on WFAN radio in New York, appearing in studio with host Craig Carton, wearing a Rangers scarf on his way to the Blueshirts game against the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden.

“You have to be patient. The team has to jell together. They have to see that they can win. They have to believe in themselves,” Dolan said about the Rangers. “I think the team from last year didn’t really believe in themselves. So, installing that kind of culture — and hockey is even harder because there are more players, right? — that’s going to take a while.”

Dolan sounded pragmatic, yet upbeat about his hockey team. That’s even though the Rangers (20-18-6) own the worst points percentage (.523) in the Eastern Conference, have the second-fewest wins on home-ice in the NHL (five), and are the second-lowest scoring team in the League, averaging 2.59 goals per game.

However, with historic parity in the NHL this season, the Rangers are right in the middle of a tight playoff race.

“I’m being patient. We’re not out of it by any means. We’re still very much in it,” he said,

“Don’t give up on my team this year.”

A couple hours after Dolan’s hopeful take, the Rangers were on the receiving end of a nasty 1-2 gut punch. Star goalie Igor Shesterkin sustained a lower-body injury in the first period. And then the Rangers blew a third-period lead and lost 3-2 to the Mammoth in overtime.

Shesterkin appeared to be seriously hurt, unable to place weight on his left leg when helped off the ice. The loss was New York’s fourth in its past five games (1-3-1).

Rangers owner willing to be patient with Chris Drury, Mike Sullivan ‘installing new culture’​

The Journal News-Imagn Images

Though the latest turn of events isn’t positive, Dolan sees that the Rangers are headed in the right direction in one key area: culture. That was at the heart of his answer when Carton asked Dolan if he still believed in Drury, even after the Rangers failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

“Yes, absolutely. He and Mike Sullivan are installing a new culture into that club, and that does not happen overnight.”

Carton didn’t question Drury’s role in building that failed 2024-25 team, nor how his heavy-handed approach created a serious chasm between the players and management that helped torpedo a once-hopeful season.

“What I can tell you about Mr. Drury from the day I hired him is Chris Drury is a winner and a competitor. He’s won, himself, he can’t stand to lose,” Dolan said.

It’s no secret Dolan is a fan of Drury, his hand-picked choice to replace both John Davidson as president of the Rangers and Jeff Gorton as GM in May of 2021. And Sullivan is the coach Drury always wanted to hire, before finally doing so this past spring.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

So, it wasn’t surprising that former coach Peter Laviolette appeared to be the scapegoat for the culture issue last season.

“We thought they they needed a change in the coach, right?,” Dolan said. “This coach [Sullivan] is a culture coach. He’s also a collaborator and a builder of teams. “

In nearly three decades owning the two sports tenants at MSG, Dolan’s been historically more hands-off with the Rangers than the Knicks. He trusted Glen Sather, despite a rocky start to his tenure as the head of hockey operations. And clearly, he buys into Drury’s vision.

“As an owner you have to be patient. The guy sets out a plan. When I get impatient is when we veer off the plan, reach for the shiny thing and think we can win a championship or build a championship team in one fell swoop,” Dolan explained. “You know, I’ve been at this for almost 30 years and I can tell you it does happen once in a while but I don’t think that’s the way. I don’t think that’s how we’re going to win.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...n-interview-support-chris-drury-mike-sullivan

 

[New York Rangers]

What’s next for Rangers after Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox injuries

Let’s start here. The New York Rangers aren’t raising the white flag just because two of their biggest stars are injured and will miss important games during a crucial stretch of the season.

However, it’s fair to question if the Rangers are capable of remaining afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race without Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox in the lineup for a considerable stretch.

Shesterkin is on IR with a lower-body injury sustained in the first period of New York’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden on Monday. That means the 30-year-old goalie must miss at least one week of action.

Igor Shesterkin needed assistance off the ice following a collision with JJ Peterka pic.twitter.com/6OG2P0Jdk1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2026

It appears to be a good sign that the Rangers didn’t place Shesterkin on LTIR, because that designation would keep him out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported that Shesterkin avoided the “worst case scenario” with his injury.

Yet, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan offered no timeline nor any guarantee that Shesterkin wouldn’t be out longer term, when he met with reporters after practice Wednesday. He also didn’t speak to the severity of Shesterkin’s injury nor that of Fox, who landed on LTIR with a lower-body injury.

Sullivan did confirm that the 27-year-old defenseman was hurt late in the third period during the loss Monday.

Mike Sullivan does not have more information on the injury timelines of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox pic.twitter.com/Nig41DRhEP

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 7, 2026

The Rangers schedule features 13 games between now and the Olympic break in early February. After that three-week break, the Rangers play four games before the March 6 NHL trade deadline. So, there’s a lot riding on the games they play here in January, since the Rangers (20-18-6) own the second worst points percentage in the East, yet remain within striking distance of a playoff spot.

“We can’t really fill ‘Foxy’s’ shoes, we can really fill ‘Shesty’s’ shoes, so it’s going to have to be all of us coming together to boost the team, 20 guys as one, basically,” alternate captain Vincent Trocheck explained Wednesday.

Here’s what’s next for Rangers after latest brutal injury news​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

There’s no sidestepping that losing Shesterkin and Fox at the same time is a brutal blow for the Rangers. That’s a former Vezina Trophy winner as top NHL goalie, and prior Norris Trophy winner as best defenseman. Arguably, they are New York’s two most indispensable players.

Let’s examine how the Rangers go about filling the huge void created by their dual absence.

Rangers have ‘ultimate faith’ in veteran goalie Jonathan Quick​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Rangers are extremely fortunate to have a three-time Stanley Cup champion and winningest United-States-born goalie in NHL history (407 victories) ready to step in for Shesterkin. Not only is Jonathan Quick all that historically, but he’s had an outstanding season so far as Shesterkin’s understudy. Don’t be fooled by the 3-6-2 record, Quick has a 2.23 goals-against average and .919 save percentage — each fourth best among NHL goalies who started at least 10 games this season.

The possible rub here is that Quick turns 40 this month and must play significantly more often now than he has to this point. The Rangers spread out his workload considerably, which was easy to do with Shesterkin starting a League-high 34 games. The Rangers don’t have that luxury now, so they’ll cross their fingers and hope Quick and his body are up to it at this stage of his career.

“We have ultimate faith in ‘Quickie.’ He’s an elite goaltender, he’s a fierce competitor. His body of work in this league speaks for itself,” Sullivan said Wednesday. “Just look at what he’s done for our team this year. Every time he goes in, he gives us timely save after timely save. So, I’ve got a ton of confidence in his ability to help us.”

Backup to the backup​

Spencer Martin – photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Quick’s not going to start every game in Shesterkin’s absence, especially if Igor is out longer term. So, the Rangers recalled veteran goalie Spencer Martin from Hartford of the American Hockey League, going with the more experienced option rather than their top goalie prospect Dylan Garand.

Martin’s not a star, but the 31-year-old does have 66 games of NHL experience. That includes nine games last season, when he filled in for the Carolina Hurricanes in a similar situation when Frederik Andersen got hurt. By comparison, Garand is in his fourth pro season and yet to play in an NHL game.

Spencer Martin in the crease for the Rangers at practice pic.twitter.com/IqWVwoQYow

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 7, 2026

The Rangers signed Martin in November after he left the KHL for this exact scenario. A veteran like Louis Domingue in previous seasons that can step in and make quality starts in an emergency.

“It’s a blessing. It’s just an opportunity. Third goalie on the depth chart, you don’t hope for anyone to get hurt at any position, but for me it’s exciting to get here and be a part of this,” Martin said after practice Wednesday.

Let’s try this again​

Less than a week after he was activated from long term injured reserve, Fox is right back on LTIR. The Rangers were 6-5-3 when he missed 14 games due to an upper-body injury, and 1-1-1 with him back in the lineup for three games before this lower-body injury. It’s simply a terrible turn of events for both player and team.

At least the Rangers know the drill here. Braden Schneider moves up from the third defense pair to take Fox’s spot on the top pair with Vladislav Gavrikov. Rookie defenseman Scott Morrow likely gets the chance to slot in on the third pair after he was recalled from Hartford. Morrow also practiced on the second power-play unit Wednesday.

The Rangers really missed Fox on the top power-play unit during his first extended absence. They thrived when he returned, scoring five times in eight opportunities.

Adam Fox – New York Rangers (4)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/nj2ZfGoE8X

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) December 31, 2025

Sullivan deployed a five-forward group for most of those 14 games, and it simply didn’t work out. In the final game Fox missed, Gavrikov played the point, and scored the first power-play goal of his career. That’s the look the Rangers plan to go with Thursday, when they host the Buffalo Sabres.

“If they have success, we’d be more inclined to stay with it. If they don’t, we’re just going to feel through that process and go from there,” Sullivan said about the PP1 grouping with Gavrikov.

Reinforcements​

Not all of the Rangers injury news this week is bad. J.T. Miller practiced in full Wednesday and is a game-time decision to play against the Sabres. The Rangers captain missed seven games with an upper-body injury. He slotted into the top power-play group at practice, and skated on a top-six line with Vincent Trocheck and Jonny Brodzinski, who filled in for the ill Alexis Lafreniere.

Also, rookie center Noah Laba practiced in a no-contact jersey. He’ll miss his third straight game Thursday with an upper-body injury, but his return is on the near horizon.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-next-after-igor-shesterkin-adam-fox-injuries

 

[New York Rangers]

Buyers or sellers? Rangers face crucial question after latest injuries

It’s no secret that the New York Rangers seek help in the trade market, trying to improve their roster and work their way back into a playoff position. They were in on star defenseman Quinn Hughes before the Vancouver Canucks sent him to the Minnesota Wild last month, and they’re reportedly interested in Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood.

But with No. 1 goaltender Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve and sidelined for at least a week, and top defenseman Adam Fox on LTIR and possibly out until after the Winter Olympics next month – both with lower-body injuries sustained in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday — the new question is whether the Rangers outlook before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6 changes from buyer to seller.

The reported cost for Sherwood is, at minimum, a first-round draft pick (they have two) – and likely more. That’s a big price, but the Rangers need offensive help desperately – they’re 30th in the NHL with an average of 2.59 goals per game. Sherwood has 17 goals in 42 games and is second in the NHL with 202 hits, so he can help them in two areas. He carries a cap hit of $1.5 million on his expiring two-year deal, and can be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Rangers (20-18-6) aren’t light years away from a playoff spot – they enter their home game against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday three points out of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference that’s currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The problem is that the five teams between the Rangers and Pens each has games in hand on the Blueshirts.

And did we didn’t even mention that the Rangers have the second worst points percentage out of 16 teams in the East.

New York owns its own first-rounder as well as the Dallas Stars’ top pick, so general manager Chris Drury has some cards to play if he wants to go shopping. At the same time, the Rangers have one of the League’s weakest prospect pools – 20-year-old forward Gabe Perreault hasn’t shown much since being recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League, and no one else in the system appears ready to make an impact.

So is it time to buy or time to sell? The only certainty for Drury is that he can’t stand pat – either he buys to make a playoff push or sells to bolster the pool of young talent.

Why Rangers should be buyers​

Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

The Rangers are not a young team. Shesterkin just turned 30 and backup Jonathan Quick turns 40 this month. Top forwards Artemi Panarin (34), Mika Zibanejad (32), Vincent Trocheck (32) and J.T. Miller (32) are all 30 or older — as are depth forwards Jonny Brodzinski (32), Conor Sheary (33, on LTIR), and recent recalls Justin Dowling (35) and Anton Blidh (30).

Top-pair defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov is also 30, and second-pair blueliner Carson Soucy is 32. Even goalie Spencer Martin, called up from Hartford after Shesterkin’s injury, is 30.

It’s the kind of lineup that screams “win now.” Panarin, Zibanejad, Miller and Trocheck each has a no-move clause in his contract, meaning that he can’t be traded, waived nor sent to the minors without his consent. Thus, there’s a case to be made that the time to buy is now.

The Rangers are a top-heavy team that lacks quality depth. Panarin is the only player averaging at least a point per game (16 goals, 46 points in 43 games), and he can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Help is needed — quickly — for the Rangers to make the postseason.

If Shesterkin returns sooner rather than later, that’s another reason for the Rangers to buy not sell. He gives the Rangers an elite No. 1 goalie, a difference maker in net, that most of the other mediocre teams in the tight playoff race simply can’t match.

Why Rangers should be sellers​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s too early to say the Rangers won’t return to the playoffs after missing them last season. It’s not too early to say that they’re more likely than not to miss the postseason in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2017-18 and 2018-19.

The upper-body injury that sidelined Fox for 14 games in December sent the power play into a funk, and it’s hard to see how that won’t happen again now that he’s on LTIR. He is their lone effective puck-mover on the blue line, and with 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 30 games, is the only D-man who concerns opponents with his offensive abilities.

Shesterkin leads the NHL in games started (34) and shots faced (946); there’s no word from the Rangers as to how long he’ll be out. Quick is a fine backup goaltender, but he’s no Shesterkin at this stage of his career. How he handles the heavier workload may determine the Rangers fate. Martin spent his career bouncing between the AHL and NHL.

And let’s face it, even with Shesterkin healthy, the Rangers struggled to find any kind of consistency in the season’s first half.

Then there’s Panarin. Still a dynamic offensive player, he’s the biggest chip the Rangers have to help restock their roster. Extension talks gained little traction earlier in the season, so if the Rangers continue to flounder, Drury must approach Panarin about waiving his no-move clause.

If Drury opts to sell, it sounds like he’ll have owner James Dolan’s blessing. Dolan told WFAN on Monday, before the injuries to Shesterkin and Fox, that, “As an owner, you have to be patient. The guys (Drury and coach Mike Sullivan) set out a plan. When I get impatient is when we veer off the plan and reach for the shiny thing.

“I’m being patient. We’re not out of it by any means. We’re still very much in it. Don’t give up on my team this year.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...y-sell-trade-deadline-shesterkin-fox-injuries

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers NCAA prospects report: Malcolm Spence helps Michigan remain No. 1

As the calendar turned to 2026, six New York Rangers prospects took to the ice with their respective collegiate teams for NCAA play and exhibition games this past weekend.

Malcolm Spence, New York’s top pick in 2025, helped the Michigan Wolverines hold off the U.S. National Under-18 Team 7-5 in an exhibition matchup Saturday. Spence stood out with three assists, though that’s not included in his season total.

The freshman forward had the primary assist on Michigan’s first and fourth goals, both coming in the first period. On what proved to be the game-winning sixth goal for the Wolverines, Spence was credited with a secondary assist.

Quick lil wrister from Robo. Michigan is on the board. pic.twitter.com/fSUPDj0isv

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) January 4, 2026

Through 20 NCAA games with Michigan, Spence has seven goals and five assists for 12 points.

Michigan begins the new year at the top of the USCHO.com and USA Hockey College Hockey Poll with a 16-4-0 record. The Wolverines host Notre Dame this coming weekend in Big Ten action.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team faced another NCAA opponent Sunday, losing to Michigan State 4-2 in an exhibition contest. Freshman defenseman Sean Barnhill had one shot on goal for the Spartans. The 6-foot-6 blueliner is still searching for his first NCAA goal, though he remains solid defensively and has a plus-9 rating on the season, with three assists through 18 games.

Michigan State climbed one spot in both polls this week. The Spartans are 14-4-0 and continue Big Ten conference play on the road this week against Ohio State.

Disappointing run for Rangers’ EJ Emery, Team USA at 2026 World Juniors​

Credit: USA Hockey

Rangers’ 2023 first-round pick EJ Emery was the seventh defenseman for Team USA on Friday when the hosts were eliminated by Finland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Junior Championship. Emery played just five shifts for a total of 4:01 TOI in the 4-3 overtime loss. It was a disappointing end for Team USA, who were looking to win a third straight gold medal at the World Juniors. Emery did not record any points during the tournament and finished with a minus-1 rating, playing four of five games.

The sophomore defender returned to the North Dakota lineup Sunday, when the Fighting Hawks rolled over Mercyhurst 6-1 in non-conference play. Emery skated on the second pair and had four shots on goal with a minor penalty for roughing.

North Dakota remained fourth in the polls with a 16-4-0 record. The Fighting Hawks continue NCHC play on the road against Colorado College this Friday.

Ty Henricks had a secondary assist for Western Michigan in a 4-0 shutout win over Notre Dame on Friday in non-conference play. Henricks earned his assist on the Broncos second goal of the game.

The sophomore winger picked up another secondary assist on Saturday, when Western Michigan shut out Notre Dame by the same 4-0 score. Henricks earned his assist, just as he did on Friday evening, on an Owen Michaels goal, this time in the second period to open the scoring for the Broncos.

O Mikes stays hot! pic.twitter.com/zGumony0Qn

— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) January 4, 2026

The assist came 1:38 into the period and was all the Broncos needed for their fifth straight win. Henricks needs just one more goal to tie his freshman total of eight. Through 20 games this season, the sophomore left wing has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points.

Western Michigan gained one spot and is sixth in the polls this week. The Broncos are 14-6-0 and continue NCHC play on the road against Denver on Friday.

Brody Lamb and the Minnesota Golden Gophers played to a 3-3 overtime tie against Bemidji State in an exhibition game last Friday. The two Minnesota schools skated in an exhibition game for the third time in four years. Lamb, a senior captain, had three shots on goal and two face-off wins with an even rating.

Minnesota is currently out of the Top 20 with a record of 8-10-1. The Golden Gophers travel to University Park, Pennsylvania, this week for a pair of games against Penn State.

Rasmus Larsson returned to the Robert Morris lineup when the Colonials dropped a 3-1 decision to Sacred Heart in Atlantic Conference play. Larsson was the seventh defenseman and saw his first action since Nov. 22.

It was just the sixth game that he played this season, and he is still looking for his first point since transferring from Northern Michigan. The Colonials are 4-12-2 and travel to RIT in Rochester, New York, for a pair of games this weekend.

Defenseman Drew Fortescue and Boston College return to the ice Friday, when they host Stonehill at Conte Forum. The Eagles are 11-6-1 and ranked 13th in the polls.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...cts-malcolm-spence-helps-michigan-first-polls