Rangers battle Panthers in last game before NHL Trade Deadline
The New York Rangers, who are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday, return home for their final game before the NHL Trade Deadline. Their opponent is considered the top Stanley Cup contender in the Eastern Conference, so a huge battle is expected against the Florida Panthers on Monday night.
If the Blueshirts intend to come out on top of this matchup, they’ll need more than just the line of Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, and Alexis Lafreniere to produce. Against the Leafs, they were the only forwards to score, leaving many to wonder where Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and their right wing of the week were in the contest?
Currently, it’s Kaapo Kakko occupying that line’s right wing spot, but that could change come Friday at 3 p.m. ET, when the trade deadline expires.
“I think when you talk to Mika and his line, I think there’s a want to do more,” coach Peter Laviolette explained Sunday. “Talking about great players, I’m confident they’ll find their way.”
Here’s today’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (40-17-4) vs Florida Panthers (41-16-4)
Date/Time: March 4, 2024 @ 7:00 PM ET
Arena: Madison Square Garden
TV: MSG
Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM
Note: Subject to change, updated for each game
Check it out: Matt Rempe receives praise for fighting Ryan Reaves
New York Rangers projected lineup
Here’s the expected lineup:
Kreider – Zibanejad – Kakko
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Brodzinski – Vesey
Edstrom – Goodrow – Rempe
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin
Note: The Rangers will hold a morning skate at 10:30 a.m. ET as SMSG Training Center. Peter Laviolette is expected to address the media at that time. Check back here for updates.
New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers
The Rangers are at 84 points and after the second-place Carolina Hurricanes blew a 3-0 third period lead to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, they are six points up for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers have won four straight and are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games sitting atop the NHL with 86 points.
On Monday, New York may opt to go with freshly extended goalie Jonathan Quick, who inked a new 1-year deal with the Rangers yesterday for $1.275 million.
“It’s a good feeling knowing I’ll be back,” Quick said. “It was a week of negotiation. It worked out that they wanted me back another year and I wanted to be here. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
This season, the Blueshirts are 21-7-0 and tied for second in the NHL in home wins. They’ve won six straight at the Madison Square Garden.
Note: During the game, the Rangers will celebrate Pride Night to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Upcoming Rangers Milestones
- Jonathan Quick is 1 win away from tying Dominik Hasek (389) for 15th all-time
- K’Andre Miller is 2 points away from 100 career points
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