Rangers vs Panthers matchup: Ready to roar in Florida

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Nov 8, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a save in the third period against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers will face the Florida Panthers for the second time this season. After an 11 day layoff, the team is “chomping at the bit” per Chris Kreider to get going again. Meanwhile, Florida is looking to avenge a 4-3 loss earlier in the year.

Here’s the game day preview by the numbers.

NYR: 19-7-4 (42 POINTS)
FLA: 18-7-4 (40 POINTS)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 – 7:00 PM ET, FLA LIVE ARENA
TV: MSG 2
RADIO: ESPN 1050 AM

Rangers last game: 3-2 shootout loss to Golden Knights

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RANGERS VS. PANTHERS

All-Time: 56-31-6-8 (29-15-4-3 at home; 27-16-2-5 on the road)

The Rangers have earned at least one point in six out of its last seven matchups and 11 of its last 13 games against the Panthers. New York is 7-2-4 for 18 points against the Panthers while averaging 3.92 goals per game since 3/21/16.

Rangers that can tame the Cats:

Chris Kreider – 24 GP, 8G-12A—20P – Kreider has points (5G-7A) in six of his last eight games and is a plus-7 against the Panthers dating back to November 28, 2017. Kreider has two three-point games and three multi-point games in his career against Florida. With 20 points, Kreider has the fifth most points (tied) all-time for a Ranger against the Panthers, one point shy of surpassing Petr Nedved for sole possession of fifth.

Mika Zibanejad – 21 GP, 7G-8A—15P – Zibanejad has points in five-straight games (4G-5A) and eight of his past 10 games against Florida. Zibanejad had two assists in the first matchup between the teams on Nov. 8. On Oct. 23, 2018, Zibanejad registered two goals and two assists for four points in a 5-2 New York win.

Artemi Panarin – 12 GP, 2G-13A—15P – Panarin is currently riding an eight-game point streak (2G-12A) against the Panthers, including a four-point(1G-3A) output on Oct. 11, 2018 while with Columbus. Panarin had two assists in the first matchup between the teams.

Per New York Rangers Game Notes

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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers

Impressive start: At the holiday break the Blueshirts are 19-7-4 for 42 points through the first 30 games of the season. Their 19 wins are tied for the fifth most through 30 games in franchise history and most since 2016-17 (20). The Rangers 42 points are the fifth most in franchise history and most since 1993-94.

Point Getters: The Rangers have at least one point in 23 of their 30 games this season.

Key Rangers:

Artemi Panarin’s 33 points is tied for 5th in NHL scoring

Adam Fox’s 31 points is ranks 2nd for defensemen in scoring.

Chris Kreider’s 11 PPG ranks 2nd in the NHL.

Igor Shesterkin is 1-0-0 in his career against the Panthers with a .933 SV% and 3.00 GAA.

Rangers Milestones within reach

Chris Kreider is 1 goal from tying Don Maloney for the 12th most in franchise history and 5 goals from 200 in his career.

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.

Rangers Special Teams

  • NYR PP is running at 25.58% (6th)
  • NYR PK is working at 84.27% (5th)

*Some Stats and Info courtesy New York Rangers

Three Keys for victory

  • Both teams will be rusty so make the safer play is the way to go
  • Use speed and get to work down low to draw penalties
  • Be physical as the Florida has several key players coming back from injury

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

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