New York Rangers Daily: Chase of mediocrity continues on Long Island; Ducks’ Trevor Zegras suspended
There’s a scenario where the New York Rangers can pull even in points for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference when all is said and done Tuesday. They can’t outright take hold of that playoff berth because of points percentage, but, yes, they can tie in points.
First, the Rangers (28-25-4) need to take care of business and defeat the Islanders at UBS Arena. Then they need the Columbus Blue Jackets to lose in regulation to the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins to lose in any fashion to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Ottawa Senators actually hold the second wild card but do not play Tuesday. They host the first-overall Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, trying to end their own four-game losing streak.
So, yeah, things are looking up for the Rangers, despite their putrid play this past weekend. Really, it’s been what we’ve said all along, even during their 4-15-0 slide, the Rangers have a great chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That’s due, in part, to the fact that each of the teams they’re battling with is deeply flawed and mediocre.
Just like the Rangers.
Maybe playing their archrival with a chance to push them back further in the playoff race will wake up the Rangers on Tuesday. Did sneaking out of Pittsburgh on Sunday with a largely undeserved 5-3 win over the Penguins get their attention, too?
Tune in and find out at 7:30 Tuesday.
Subscribe to the Rink Rap podcast at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page
New York Rangers news
Here are three things to watch for when the Rangers visit the Islanders on Tuesday, including
Brennan Othmann may or may not be in the Rangers lineup Tuesday. But the rookie forward was recalled from AHL Hartford on Monday amid injury concerns with Chris Kreider.
These games against the Rangers are crucial for the Islanders ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Here’s why.
Just in case you’re wondering, the Rangers are well aware that their very fortunate victory against the Penguins on Sunday is “not a recipe” for success moving forward.
The schedule remains favorable this week for the Rangers. Let’s take a look at what lies ahead.
Our weekly look at the Hartford Wolf Pack featured Zac Jones making an immediate impact — before he was recalled by the Rangers from his AHL conditioning stint.
Longtime MSG Networks studio host and broadcaster Al Trautwig died at the age of 68.
NHL news
Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks was suspended three games by NHL Department of Player Safety for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen.
Meanwhile, Rasmussen is day to day with an upper-body injury after taking a blow to the head from Zegras.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reduced the suspension to Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman from 10 games to eight for roughing Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators.
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Matthew Tkachuk’s injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off, believed to be a groin issue, could be longer term, but the power forward should return at some point this season.
The Athletic is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens could consider trying to trade forwards Jake Evans and Joel Armia as a package to increase the return. The idea being they are an excellent and affordable penalty-killing tandem.
The Senators are looking to improve their group of forwards and have reportedly checked in on Brandon Tanev of the Seattle Kraken and Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks.
With the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline creeping closer, the Edmonton Oilers are in a dilemma with their goaltending position and are considering all options.
After scoring 17 goals last season, Utah’s Matias Maccelli has only eight this season and been a recent healthy scratch, too. That makes him a player to watch ahead of the trade deadline, per reports.
The Ducks acquired goalie Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations.
Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren is out for a bit with an upper-body injury.
Kirby Dach is out Tuesday with a lower-body injury when the Montreal Canadiens face the St. Louis Blues. Owen Beck was recalled by Montreal from Laval of the AHL.
Trevor Moore scored two goals to help the Los Angeles Kings defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2.
The Winnipeg Jets won their 10th straight game, 2-1 over the San Jose Sharks in overtime, and Mark Scheifele became the all-time goals leader for the Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise with 329. Watch Scheifele score the OT winner against the Sharks.
More About:New York Rangers News