Rangers vs Golden Knights matchup: Need a win over quality opponent

ragers vs golden knights
Jan 8, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) collides with New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers will face the Golden Knights for the first time this season. It will be an opportunity to show the NHL they can pick up a big win over a quality opponent.

Here’s the game day preview by the numbers.

NYR: 19-7-3 (41 POINTS)
VGK: 17-11-0 (34 POINTS)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 – 7:00 PM ET, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
TV: MSG
RADIO: ESPN 98.7 FM

Rangers last game: 3-2 win over Arizona Coyotes

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”860699″ player=”25579″ title=”5%20Teams%20That%20May%20Surprise%20This%20NHL%20Season” duration=”60″ description=”These five teams could surprise during the 2021-22 NHL Season! The Rangers, Blackhawks, Bruins, Canucks, and Kraken are ready to go.” uploaddate=”2021-09-09″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19073/thumb/860699_t_1631222625.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19073/sd/860699.mp4″]

RANGERS VS. GOLDEN KNIGHTS

All-Time: 2-3-1 (1-1-1 at home; 1-2-0 on the road)

The Rangers and Knights will play for the first time since Dec. 8, 2019, a 5-0 win in Vegas for the Blueshirts.

Rangers that can joust with Knights:

Artemi Panarin – 5 GP, 3G-6A-9 PTS – Panarin has posted a three-point game (one goal, two assists) in two of his last four games against Vegas, and he has notched a point in four of five career games against the Golden Knights.

Mika Zibanejad – 6 GP, 5G-3A-8 PTS – Zibanejad has registered a point in each of his six career games (and each of the Rangers’ first six all-time games) against the Golden Knights.

Jacob Trouba – 7 GP, 1G-5A-6 PTS – Trouba has tallied points in three of his last four games (1G-5A) against the Golden Knights.

Chris Kreider – 5 GP, 3G-1A-4 PTS – Kreider has tallied a point in four of five career games against the Golden Knights.

Per New York Rangers Game Notes

rangers golden knights
Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers vs Vegas Golden Knights

Impressive start: The Rangers 19 wins is tied for the third-most through 29 games in franchise history.

Point Getters: The Rangers have at least one point in 22 of their 29 games this season.

Key Rangers:

Artemi Panarin’s 33 points is tied for 5th in NHL scoring, he’s questionable for tonight.

Adam Fox’s 31 points is tops for defensemen in scoring.

Chris Kreider’s 10 PPG ranks 2nd in the NHL.

Alexandar Georgiev is 1-1-0 against Vegas for his career with a .956 SV%, and 1.52 GAA.

NYR vs VGK
NYR vs VGK (Daily Goal Horn)

Rangers Milestones within reach

Mika Zibanejad is 1 overtime goal away from tying Cecil Dillon, Butch Keeling and Brian Leetch (7 each) for the most overtime goals by a player in Rangers history. 1 SHG to tie for top 10 in shorthanded goals.

Alexandar Georgiev is 2 wins away from 50 in his career.

Chris Kreider is 1 goal from tying Don Maloney for the 12th most in franchise history and 6 goals from 200 in his career.

Greg McKegg is 1 game from 200 in his career.

Rangers Special Teams

  • NYR PP is running at 25% (6th)
  • NYR PK is working at 84% (6th)

*Some Stats and Info courtesy New York Rangers

Three Keys for victory

  • Play a full 60 – no ifs, ands, or buts
  • Attention to details on defense, Vegas ranks 3rd in goals for
  • Be physical – Vegas played a rough game the night before

NHL Trade Bait Tracker

Three Rangers are on the list and several possible target too! Read More.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

Mentioned in this article::

More About: