Report: Rangers will not scratch anyone before the NHL trade deadline

Updated:

Put away that bubble wrap because David Quinn told a gaggle of reporters that he won’t be scratching anyone because of the trade deadline. A win tonight in Carolina could put the Rangers just 4 points out of the last wild card spot if the Islanders lose to Detroit in regulation as well.

No Scratches for Kreider or Fast

Last year before the trade deadline they did healthy scratch players, but the circumstances were different as they were well out of the playoff picture. However, if we learned anything about Jeff Gorton and David Quinn, it’s about doing things the right way and getting rewarded. Down the stretch last season, the Rangers didn’t tank and played hard for every win they got. The organization felt that they were rewarded by getting the number two pick in the lottery and drafting Kaapo Kakko.

So now we know that no matter what, they won’t scratch anyone for the sake of a trade. That doesn’t mean players won’t be dealt, it just reinforces that the Rangers practice what they preach.

Pre-Game Notes

  • All-Time*: 84-54-7-2 (51-18-4-2 at home; 33-36-3-0 on the road) *Note: All-Time record includes games against the Hartford Whalers from 1979-80 – 1996-97
  • Today’s game is the fourth of four meetings between the Rangers and Hurricanes, and the second of two meetings between the two teams at Carolina. The Rangers have posted a 3-0-0 record (2-0-0 at home; 1-0-0 on the road) and won the last game between the two teams, 5-3, on Dec. 27 at MSG.
  • Artemi Panarin leads all skaters with five assists and seven points in the season series, and he has posted a multi-point game in each of the first three contests.
  • Mika Zibanejad leads all skaters with three goals in the season series, and he has recorded four points (three goals, one assist) in the two games he has played.
  • The Rangers are 4-for-11 on the power play (36.4%) and 11-for-12 on the penalty kill (91.7%) in three games.

Notes courtesy of the New York Rangers

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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