Rangers look to make franchise history in Columbus, aim for 11th straight win
The New York Rangers tied their franchise longest winning streak in Philadelphia on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over the Flyers. Now, the 2023-24 edition of the Blueshirts will look to set themselves apart from the 1939-40 and 1972-73 clubs on Sunday if they can defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets and win their 11th consecitve game.
Rookie Matt Rempe continued the memorable start to his career Saturday. It began with a heavyweight tilt against Nicolas Deslauriers followed by scoring his first NHL goal, which was the game winner. According to OptaStats, he’s the first NHL player to register 27+ penalty minutes and a game-winning goal within his first four career games.
“Maybe the ugliest first goal in NHL history, but I’ll take it,” Rempe said. “I felt something hit my shin pad pretty hard. I didn’t know it was the puck, but I’ll take it. Just go to the net, bang bodies, that’s my game.”
Here’s today’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (39-16-3) vs Columbus Blue Jackets (18-28-10)
Date/Time: February 25, 2024 @ 6:00 PM ET
Arena: Nationwide Arena
TV: MSG
Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM
Note: Subject to change, updated for each game
Related: Check out the latest New York Rangers trade rumors
New York Rangers projected lineup
Here’s the expected lineup versus the Flyers:
Kreider – Zibanejad – Vesey
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Brodzinski – Kakko
Edstrom – Goodrow – Rempe
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin
Note: Peter Laviolette is expected to address the media prior to the game.
New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Rangers’ 81 points are tops in the Metropolitan Division, and just one point behind the Vancouver Canucks for the Presidents’ Trophy. Their .698 points percentage leads the entire League. In addition, the Blueshirts have an eight point lead over the second-pace Carolina Hurricanes.
New York’s recent surge that started right before the All-Star Break has seen them gain points in 12 of their past 13 games (11-1-1). The Rangers have also picked up points in seven-straight road games (6-0-1).
Meanwhile, Columbus is one of the NHL’s worst, sitting 29th out 32 teams. They are 4-5-1 in their past 10 contests, including a 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.
Upcoming Rangers Milestones
- Jonathan Quick is 1 win away from tying Dominik Hasek (389) for 15th all-time
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