New look Rangers face big test against Hurricanes
The New York Rangers have won four straight games and have points in six consecutive contests (5-0-1) but they face a Carolina Hurricanes that’s even hotter.
As the Rangers hit the road for 10 out of the next 14 games, they face a Canes squad who are 9-0-1 in their last 10 matches. However, the Blueshirts got an instant energy jolt out two new trade acquisitions in forward Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Niko Mikkola
In beating the Seattle Kraken 6-3 on Friday night, Tarasenko scored on his first shot with the team and earned first star honors.
“I was nervous in the morning,” Tarasenko said. “It’s been a lot of emotions, I’m not going to lie. My family came here from St. Louis and it was amazing.”
Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (30-14-8) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (34-9-8)
Date/Time: February 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Arena:Â PNC Arena
TV:Â MSG2
Radio:Â ESPN 1050
New York Rangers take on Hurricanes
Head coach Gerad Gallant was all smiles after watching his new first line right wing score early in his first game.
“It’s a great way to start his career here with the Rangers, scoring on the second shift,” Gallant said. “He’s excited to play. He’s a good hockey player and he’s going to help our team be real good.”
The 31 year-old forward played on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, who assisted on his goal. However, one of the team’s hottest lines are the kids. Kaapo Kakko broke a long goal drought off a beautiful passing play by his linemates Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil.
Heading into action tonight, the Rangers have two players streaking. Panarin has seven assists in his last six matches. However, it doesn’t hold a candle to Chytil with 11 goals in his last 14 contests and riding a six-game point streak with 9 points.
New York will be playing the second game of a back-to-back and red-hot Jaroslav Halak will be getting the start in Raleigh.
Halak has won six straight games and seven of his last eight after starting the season 0-5-1. His career record against the Hurricanes is 6-6-1 with a GAA of 2.61 and a .921 save percentage.
This will be Carolina’s first game after the All-Star Break.
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