Opening Faceoff: Rangers at Panthers

Updated:

The Rangers have won their last two games beating the hot Las Vegas Golden Knights six to four, and the first place Tampa Bay Lightning, two to one.  Against the Lightning, the Rangers finally played well for a full sixty minutes. Chris Kreider scored his fourth goal of the season, his fourth in six games late in the first period on an excellent pass by Mika Zibanejad. In the second period, Yanni Gourde scored a shorthanded goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning to tie the game at one a piece. Both the Rangers, and the Lightning had goals waved off in the second, and third period. The game would go on to overtime where J.T. Miller would skate across the slot and hard to the net to score a beautiful goal.

 

The Florida Panthers are 4-7-1 and seventh in the Atlantic Division. On Thursday, the Panthers fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets seven to three.

Keys to a Rangers victory:

  1. Confidence! The Rangers just beat two thriving NHL (National Hockey League) teams and should look to capitalize on a weaker team when they play the Florida Panthers.
  2. Although the Florida Panthers have struggled of late, they can score goals! The Panthers are ranked sixth in the NHL in-goal scoring an average of four (3.5) goals a game. The Rangers need to make sure they shut down all of the Panthers’ lines because their depth players have proven that they can score.
  3. This one is simple. In order to win, the Rangers have to play well for a full 60 minutes. Something they did when they beat the Lightning.

Other Notes:

  • Florida’s starting goaltender Roberto Luongo  is on Injured Reserve (thumb) and will not play in to tonight’s game.
  • Rangers defenseman Steven Kampfer did not practice Friday after receiving a maintainence day. He should be ready to play tonight.
  • Rangers forward Paul Carey could replace David Desharnais tonight. He has not appeared since October 13th and coach Alian Vigneault would like to give him some “action.”
  • Friday, Kevin Hayes was fined 5000 dollars for unsportsmanlike conduct.
By Noah Weiss

I am a New York Rangers journalist, avid Blueshirt fan, and a long-time hockey player born and raised in... More about Noah Weiss

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