Rangers Roundup: Gallant says his players have nothing to prove, Shesterkin starts, Brennan Othmann hits 40 goals, and more
The New York Rangers are in Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning with the hopes of sweeping the season series.
New York is 2-0-0 against the Lightning this season, winning a home-and-home set against the champs over a three-day period around New Year’s Day. They’re going to need to find a way to pick up points this weekend, as they will also have the difficult task of facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
In goal tonight will be Igor Shesterkin per the Blueshirts’ head coach.
“[Shesterkin] is going to play tonight,” Gerard Gallant revealed. “I guess [Georgiev] will play tomorrow– you never know.”
Rangers have nothing to prove to Gallant
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the team with the NHL Trade Deadline just two days away. The team is in the rental market for another scoring forward and veteran left defenseman, but head coach seems pretty happy with his group.
“I don’t have to learn anymore about our team, I know what our team is all about,” Gallant said. “We’ve been good all year. Our players don’t have to prove anything more to me.”
Gerard Gallant’s charges are at risk of falling to the wild card with the Washington Capitals nipping at their heels. The Caps have won four straight and are now just one point behind the Blueshirts for third place in the Metro Division.
They need to start stringing some wins together, because despite a 16 point cushion over teams looking outside in nothing is guaranteed.
“We’re in a playoff spot right now, but you’re not in until you’re in,” Gallant explained. “Last two games were playoff style hockey and we had 20 guys going.”
Brennan Othmann scores 40 goals
New York Rangers prospect and 1st round selection from 2021 Brennan Othmann netted his 40th goal of the season with a great shot on Friday night.
For Othmann, he became the first player in Flint Firebirds history to hit the 40 goal mark in a single season. His 40 goals also ranks second in the entire Ontario Hockey League. He also has 41 assists and 81 points which is good for 7th overall in OHL scoring.
NHL Rumors
There are a ton of trade rumors swirling with the deadline just two days away. Catch up on all of it here.
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