New York Rangers: What to watch for in October
After what felt like an eternity of an off season, it is finally October, and, with that, the start of the 2024-25 regular season for the New York Rangers.
There was a lot of excitement and buzz surrounding the Rangers training camp, since the Blueshirts again face high expectations as a serious Stanley Cup contender, albeit one still trying to get over the hum of winning the Eastern Conference Final.
But, contending for a championship must start this week with game No. 1 of 82. Let the grind begin.
Related: 3 under radar Rangers to watch for in 2024-25 season
What to watch for in October for Rangers
With that in mind, here’s what to watch for in the month of October:
Oct. 4 – Final preseason game
OK, this date has passed already, but it’s worth a mention.
The Rangers finished the preseason 4-2-0 after an uninspired 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Friday night. Not exactly the dress rehearsal coach Peter Laviolette envisioned, for sure.
Igor Shesterkin did look terrific in goal, despite the five goals allowed. And the K’Andre Miller-Adam Fox defense pairing did intrigue — each defenseman had two points.
But other than that? Well, turn the page and hope that the Rangers pull a 180-dgree turn Wednesday against the Penguins.
Oct. 5-8 – Rangers finalize roster
These four days will be very important for the Rangers, as Laviolette must make some tough decisions on what he wants the opening-night roster to look like. With injuries to defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forward Jimmy Vesey, the defense pairs and forward lines are still very much up in the air. If Artemi Panarin remains out with a lower-body injury, that adds a roster wrinkle, as well. Panarin did skate Friday, so there’s plenty of hope he’ll be good to go Wednesday.
It would appear Adam Edstrom and Jonny Brodzinski will land the final two forward spots. Brennan Othmann could also make it if Panarin remains sidelined. Chad Ruhwedel should grab one of the final two spots on defense. Victor Mancini, Connor Mackey and Matthew Robertson are in the running for the final spot.
Oct. 9 – Opening night vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Rangers drop the puck on the regular season when they visit the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023-24, the second straight season Sidney Crosby and Co. failed to qualify. Star defenseman Erik Karlsson has missed all of the preseason.
But the Penguins are one of the Rangers’ biggest rivals, and playing them is a great way to start the new season.
Oct. 12 – Rangers home opener and Wolf Pack season opener
Adam Sykora — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
The Rangers will return to Madison Square Garden for their second game of the season to take on the NHL’s newest franchise, the Utah Hockey Club (the relocated Arizona Coyotes). The home-opening ceremonies are always fun as the Garden crowd gets reintroduced to this season’s players and staff. You can bet MSG will be rocking.
Who gets the biggest ovation? Shesterkin? Panarin? Chris Kreider? Maybe Matt Rempe?
Additionally, the Hartford Wolf Pack — New York’s AHL affiliate — begin their season on the road, taking on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Wolf Pack play their first home game Oct. 18 against Springfield.
Oct. 14-22 – Four straight Original Six matchups
Talk about vintage hockey. The Rangers will have a slate of four consecutive Original Six matchups. First, a home-and-home series against the Detroit Red Wings, starting at MSG Oct. 14, then in Detroit Oct. 17. The Rangers then travel to Toronto to take on Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs on Oct. 19. From there, they will head to Montreal to play the Canadiens on Oct. 22.
Oct. 24 – First game against defending Stanley Cup Champions
The Rangers host the Florida Panthers on Oct. 24 at MSG. It will be their first game against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, who ended the Rangers’ season last spring by defeating them in a six-game Eastern Conference Final. This should be a great test to see where the Rangers stack up against last season’s champs — plus, there’s a revenge factor, for sure.
Rangers birthdays in October:
Alexis Lafreniere turns 23 – Oct. 11
Adam Edstrom turns 24 – Oct. 12
Zac Jones turns 24 – Oct. 18
Artemi Panarin turns 33 – Oct. 30
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