Rangers Roundup: Hertl rumors, COVID status, playoff odds, and more
New York began its season-high five-game road trip without Artemi Panarin, who missed his third straight contest in the NHL’s COVID-19 health protocol. About a half hour before facing Vegas, the Rangers also announced goalie Igor Shesterkin was placed in protocol.
As many NHL teams continue to deal with the reality of positive test cases, the Blueshirts are no different. The good news is that the league revised its protocol per CDC recommendation and reduced quarantine time from ten to five days.
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New York Rangers COVID status
Panarin is expected back on the trip and eligible to return against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday after concluding his quarantine period. Panarin entered protocol on January 2nd.
“I would expect it,” Gerard Gallant said yesterday. “I don’t know, I’m no doctor but I definitely expect him.”
Shesterkin was added on January 6th and needs to complete his five days of quarantine which puts him on track for the the matchup against the San Jose Sharks next Thursday.
While there are no further changes expected to COVID protocols, there continues to be a growing number of voices who feel asymptomatic vaccinated players should not be tested.
“I think we probably have to change the protocols,” Ryan Strome said after the Holiday Break. “Like, the NBA and the NFL are playing. I think the way the other leagues have handled it, obviously it seems to be working and they’re playing games and we’re watching the football games after practice. I think with everything, we have to evolve with what we’ve gone through and I think it’s probably time to look at things.”
New York Rangers playoff odds
Despite a disappointing loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, the New York Rangers are in prime position to make the playoffs. Per the website MoneyPuck, here’s some key odds:
- To make playoffs 89.7%
- Second round 31.1%
- Third round 11.7%
- Cup Final 4.7%
MoneyPuck also has the Rangers with a 1.8% chance to win the Cup (Avalanche lead with 10.2%).
Latest NHL Rumors
Tomas Hertl is leading the top of many trade bait lists. According to Frank Seravalli the New York Rangers are one to watch if the Sharks do indeed trade him. Read more here.
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