Per Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the fourth-line winger was seeking a new deal for $2 million per season. That price was more than the cap-strapped Rangers could afford, so they went out and signed veterans like Blake Wheeler ($800K), Nick Bonino ($800K), and Tyler Pitlick ($787.5K) for far less on July 1.

On Saturday, Motte drastically lowered his demands and inked a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning for just $800,000.

Related: New York Rangers PTO candidates

Tyler Motte reunion unlikely this season

Motte, 28, was first acquired at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline from the Vancouver Canucks and unfortunately suffered a serious shoulder injury after just 9 games. He did return for the Rangers magical run to the Eastern Conference Final, but left via free agency to the Ottawa Senators (1x$1.35M) after wanting more than GM Chris Drury expected to spend.

As the Senators fell out of the playoff picture last season, Motte rejoined the Rangers at the deadline for second tour. This time around, he remained healthy posting 5 goals and 5 assists in 24 regular season games.

Despite a first-round exit to the New Jersey Devils, there was a lot of optimism that Motte would re-sign. Multiple reports surfaced that both sides seemed very amicable in working out a new contract to stay on Broadway.

“I love this city and I love this group,” Motte said. “You never know who’s going to be back in the locker room at the beginning of each year. But this is one I’d love to be a part of.”

Obviously, what may have been two very interested parties in May turned out much differently when the free agency bell rang in July.

Looking ahead, it’s unlikely we will see another reunion with Motte as Tampa is considered a playoff team. With training camps about to open and players inking PTO’s (professional tryout), Motte opted to sign with a contender for $50,000 above league minimum to ensure himself a roster spot.

Surprisingly, out of those players, 11 are former New York Rangers still looking for new deals. As the NHL inches closer to training camp and eventually opening night, let’s take a look at some familiar names.

Latest Rangers news and rumors here.

Former unsigned New York Rangers

Patrick Kane (Last season with NYR: 2022-23)

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane is rehabbing from hip surgery, so he has yet to sign a new contract with any team. Ultimately, the longtime member of the Chicago Blackhawks came to New York in a blockbuster trade last season and dressed in only 19 games before entering free agency for the first time in his career. Although there are many rumors regarding his future, no one should count out New York as one of his preferred destinations when he’s ready to return.

Jaroslav Halák (Last season with NYR: 2022-23)

Interestingly, Jaroslav Halák has been in the NHL for 17 years and a member of seven clubs, most recently serving as Igor Shesterkin’s backup for 25 games in 2022-23. Although he’s 38 years old, he can still play at a high level, which means he could land a PTO or a contract as a backup somewhere in the league. Recently, he told the media he’s interested in being a number two and not playing as a team’s third-string netminder.

Tyler Motte (Last season with NYR: 2022-23)

Of all the available free agents, Tyler Motte is the only player on the list to skate with the Rangers twice. Initially drafted by the Blackhawks, he came to New York via a trade with the Vancouver Canucks in March 2022. After leaving as a free agent, Motte returned to the Rangers at last season’s trade deadline. Ultimately, he is a free agent with no offers to return to the Blueshirts.

Update 9/9/23: Tyler Motte signs one-year deal with Tampa Bay Lightning for $800,000

Libor Hájek (Last season with NYR: 2022-23)

As the last player remaining from the Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, Libor Hajek is a free agent for the first time. Even though he’s skated in 110 games over the past five seasons, there’s no room for him in New York, playing just 16 games last year. Unfortunately, the second-round draft pick (37th overall) never took advantage of his opportunities with the Rangers, resulting in an offer to try out for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year.

Anthony Bitetto (Last season with NYR: 2020-21)

During the offseason in 2020, Anthony Bitetto came to the Rangers as a free agent and skated in just 14 games with the team, instead spending most of his tenure in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Eventually, New York traded him to the San Jose Sharks in March 2022, where he continued to play in the AHL. He recently joined the Florida Panthers organization in June 2022 but has yet to play in the NHL since May 8, 2021. 

Nick Holden (Last season with NYR: 2017-18)

Nick Holden remains on the sidelines as a veteran defenseman with 654 games without contract offers for 2023-24. After skating with the Rangers from 2017 to 2019, he bounced from Boston to Vegas to Ottawa, where he played 65 games last year. Even though he’s 35, he averaged over 19 minutes a night during his career and could serve as a reserve defender somewhere. 

Update 9/13/23: Nick Holden retired and accepted a job with the Vegas Golden Knights

Derek Stepan (Last season with NYR: 2016-17)

As another Rangers draft pick in 2008, Derek Stephan played his first seven seasons in New York before moving on to Arizona, Ottawa, and, most recently, Carolina. However, he is less productive at 32 than in the early part of his career, with just 11 points in 73 games last year. Considering he’s been a leader with the Rangers and Coyotes, a team out there will eventually give him a chance to make an impact in the room and on the bench.

Eric Staal (Last season with NYR: 2015-16)

After winning the Stanley Cup and spending most of his career with the Carolina Hurricanes, Eric Staal ended up on Broadway, skating in 20 games in 2015-16. However, he didn’t stay with the club and has played with four teams since then, most recently skating with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Even though he’s 38 years old, he scored 29 points last year and provided invaluable leadership during a Cinderella playoff run.

Derick Brassard (Last season with NYR: 2015-16)

As a free agent with over 1,000 games of experience, it is surprising to see a depth player like Derick Brassard still available. Although he’s played with ten franchises over 16 years, he had his most productive years with the Rangers from 2013 to 2016. Interestingly, Brassard had his best season, with 23 points, in three years, which means he can still contribute and skate in a team’s bottom six nightly.

John Moore (Last season with NYR: 2014-15)

After 12 seasons in the NHL, veteran defenseman John Moore is a free agent again. Initially, he began his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and came to New York in the Marián Gáborík trade in 2013. Eventually, he left as part of the Keith Yandle trade with the Arizona Coyotes in 2015. Since then, he’s played with the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins, last skating in the NHL during the 2021-22 season. 

Michael Del Zotto (Last season with NYR: 2013-14)

Out of all the former Rangers players who are still free agents, Michael Del Zotto is one of two players initially drafted by the franchise. After breaking into the league as a 19-year-old in 2009, he played five years on Broadway before skating with seven other clubs. Although he hasn’t played in the NHL since April 23, 2022, he’s been active in the AHL, seeing action in 65 games last year. 

Note: Del Zotto announced his retirement on September 6, after this article was published.

Full list of free agents at CapFriendly

As it stands, the Blueshirts have just under $12 million in cap space with only 14 players signed. Even if they opt to go with a 21-man roster next season, they’ll still need to sign or bring up a total of 7 players.

Not an easy task with the NHL salary cap expected to jump by a mere million dollars. However, there’s some optimism after Monday’s meeting between the NHL and NHLPA that it could go up a little higher.

Current NHL Salary Cap projections:

• 2023-24: $83.5 million
• 2024-24: $87.5 million
• 2025-25: $92 million

New York Rangers salary cap

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, he notes that there’s a potential for that increase to be around $2 million. While there was talk about raising escrow due to the loss of revenue to the league caused by the pandemic in order to elevate the salary cap, that’s not a starting point for the NHLPA.

The additional million doesn’t seem like much, but it could go a long way in getting two key RFA’s under contract and filling out the rest of the roster efficiently.

Alexis Lafreniere, 21, was the first overall pick in 2020 but has struggled in his first three-seasons on Broadway. That’s largely due to the fact the Rangers jumped a bunch of teams by winning the lottery and they were already stacked on left wing with Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin. Normally players drafted that high go to lousy teams and get tons of ice time in all situations. Not the case for Lafreniere, who has amassed just 91 points in 216 regular-season games.

K’Andre Miller, 23, had an excellent regular-season where he set career-highs for goals (9), assists (34), and points (43). Unfortunately, he still had issues in his own zone down the stretch and in the playoffs. Offense from the blue-line is great, but he has to be better defensively.

The silver lining for the Rangers is that both players should be open to short term deals since they have no arbitration rights or leverage. Early projections have Lafreniere getting a 2 year-deal at around $2.5M and Miller with the same term at $3M.

If the Rangers can get those deals done and the cap goes up by $2 million, that leaves them around $7 million to sign/add 5 or 6 more players.

The Rangers will need to allocate $1 million to $1.5 million to sign a backup goalie. They can also bring up cost-controlled young players on their entry-level contracts like Will Cuylle.

That will leave GM Chris Drury with a little over $4 million for the expected re-signing of Tyler Motte and some tweaks to the bottom six.

At the end of the day, it’s still tight and may lead to an eventual trade of Barclay Goodrow, who has a modified no-trade clause. Trading him will be tough as he’ll have four years remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $3.6 million. However, it may be the only way to fill out the roster and possibly bring in a decent free agent.

As we look ahead to the 2023-24 campaign, PuckPedia, estimated that the Blueshirts will have around $11,762,918 to fill out a roster that has just 14 signed.

Here’s our predictions for what is likely to happen with the Rangers pending UFAs.

Related: Predictions for New York Rangers RFAs

New York Rangers UFAs

Vladimir Tarasenko: A strong man both on and off the puck, the 31 year-old was a nice fit to the Rangers style of play. He registered 50 points in 69 games this season while adding 3 goals and 4 points in 7 playoff matches. Although I wouldn’t rule out a return for Tarasenko, who values how he and his family are treated, once he hits the open market it will be tough for the Rangers to compete. Teams looking at Tarasenko will be contenders with cap space and the possibility of giving him 5+ years at $7 million or more.

Prediction: Rangers will attempt to re-sign him but unless they can shed Barclay Goodrow’s contract, I don’t see it.

Patrick Kane: The 34 year-old forward admitted to not being 100% after the Rangers were eliminated by the Devils. This offseason, he will be looking at what steps to take on his nagging hip injury to be at full strength. As for where he may be suiting up in 2023-24, it’s unlikely to be the Rangers, who have little cap space and key restricted free agents (Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller) to re-sign.

Prediction: Rangers may wait to see what Kane does about his hip and if he’ll be out for a lengthy amount of time. There’s a slim chance they could sign him and then put him on LTIR. In the end, I think Kane becomes a UFA. Is a homecoming with the Buffalo Sabres in the cards? That’s where I think he ends up.

Tyler Motte: The 28 year-old forward was really impressive in his second post trade deadline stint with the Blueshirts. Motte registered 5 goals and 5 assists in 24 regular season contests with the Rangers and is open to a return. If GM Chris Drury is willing to give Motte some security in terms of years on his contract, I believe the Rangers can retain him.

Prediction: The Rangers and Motte will come to terms on at least a 3-year deal with an AAV around $1.25M to $1.55M.

Niko Mikkola: The 27 year-old defenseman played very well for the Rangers since coming over with Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues. Mikkola will certainly draw enough interest on the open market as a 6-4, 210 pounds physical blue-liner.

Prediction: Rangers are unlikely to afford a multi-year deal with an AAV north of $2 million, so he will walk.

Jaroslav Halak: If the 38 year-old backstop feels like he has one more season in him, the Rangers could easily go back to the well liked veteran. Despite a slow beginning where he won only once in 8 starts (1-6-1), he settled down and rattled off 7 straight wins from December to February to help turn both his and the team’s season around.

Prediction: Rangers need to save on every penny, but if Halak is up for another one-year deal at $1.5 million or less, he could come back.

Paired with Jimmy Vesey and centered by Barcaly Goodrow, the threesome provided the Rangers with a nice mix of speed, grit, and some skill. During the team’s first round loss to the Devils, they were the only line that could forecheck effectively on a consistent basis.

Heading into next season, the Rangers will be faced with a number of challenges to fill out the roster due to limited cap space. They may also be forced to trade Goodrow, who has 4 years remaining on his deal with an AAV of $3.6 million and only a modified no-trade clause.

If that’s the case, re-signing Motte becomes imperative.

Tyler Motte sees future with Rangers

Motte, 28, really impressed in his second post trade deadline stint with the Blueshirts.

Last season, after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks, he injured his shoulder 9 games in. Although the aggressive forward returned later in the first-round against the Penguins, he still didn’t seem 100% healthy.

This time around, Motte showed what he could do by registering 5 goals and 5 assists in 24 regular season contests with the Rangers. For the season split with Ottawa, he notched 19 points in 62 games.

“I love this city and I love this group,” Motte said. “You never know who’s going to be back in the locker room at the beginning of each year. But this is one I’d love to be a part of.”

Tyler Motte is interested in returning to the Rangers:

"Love this city, love this group. This is one that I love to be a part of." pic.twitter.com/DXw7kycXsK

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 3, 2023

According to USA Today reporter Vince Mercogliano, Motte relayed that his exit interview with Chris Drury went well. Motte also added that there’s a possibility of a deal prior to him becoming a UFA in July.

After being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22, the Rangers wanted to retain Motte. Unfortunately, the two sides weren’t able to work things out thanks to limited cap space.

New York wasn’t the only team having cap issues and after the top free agents went it left Motte without a home until mid September. That’s when the Senators came calling with a one-year deal worth $1.35M.

If Drury is willing to give Motte some security in terms of years on his contract, I believe the Rangers could land him at a similar AAV.

The bottom line is that the Rangers need more players like Motte who are willing to do the dirty work to generate momentum and agitate opponents. They also need capable penalty killers and he fits the bill perfectly.

My best guess is that the Rangers and Motte will come to terms soon on at least a 3-year deal with an AAV around $1.25M to $1.55M.

Rangers Physicality and Attitude

Last Sunday saw a very physical game between these two teams. Hits were 45-44 in favor of Pittsburgh. On Thursday night, hits were 21-20 also in favor of Pittsburgh. While Thursday’s game had less hits, it was still an intense physical matchup.

After Tyler Motte accidentally caught Jeff Petry up high with an elbow, tension began to rise. Petry did not return, and Motte took a high hit from Pierre-Olivier Joseph later in the first period. Motte left the game following the hit but was able to return.

In the second period, Motte scored to put the Rangers up 2-1. The Rangers’ fourth line of Motte, Barclay Goodrow, and Jimmy Vesey has played well of late. This will be critical in the playoffs when a full team effort is required every night to make a statement.

The Rangers outshot the Penguins 12-7 in the first period on Thursday night and had multiple quality opportunities. Tristan Jarry kept the Penguins in that period despite the Rangers maintaining pressure. The Penguins outshot the Rangers 11-9 in the second and the teams each had 14 shots in the third. That pressure from the first period was not carried into the second. However, the Rangers came out strong again in the third. After Jake Guentzel scored to tie the game at two, Chris Kreider put the Rangers up 3-2 and later sealed the win with an empty net goal.

Thursday night was a successful response to Sunday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Penguins. Tuesday’s 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals was also a solid recovery. The Penguins will now be looking to respond on Saturday, meaning the Rangers will need to bring the same no quit attitude.

Power play and defensive struggles

Currently, the Rangers are ninth in the NHL in power play percentage at 23.3%. While they may be in the top ten, they have not scored a power play goal against the Penguins this season. They were zero for three in their first meeting on December 20th, zero for two last Sunday, and zero for two on Thursday. Capitalizing on the power play would be helpful on Saturday to give the Rangers an extra boost against a Penguins team trying to prevent losing three straight, two to the Rangers.

The Rangers’ defense has improved of late following a period of difficulty that was especially evident during their four-game losing streak in February. Too often, more physicality was needed on the back end and the forwards were out of position in the defensive zone. Defense was certainly tighter on Thursday. One particular display of tenacity came when Braden Schneider went hard into the boards but was able to get up and all the way back to defend. It is likely the Penguins will come into Saturday’s game with a sense of urgency. The Rangers must prepare to help out their goaltender and defend against flurries of shots.

Playoff feel

With the Penguins trying to hold onto a wild card spot and the Rangers moving towards securing a playoff spot, both teams could use the points on Saturday. The tension from Thursday’s game may also bleed into Saturday. Both of these factors considered, the Rangers should expect a playoff-like feel to this game. They will have to build on their effort and physicality from Thursday and prepare for a tough match-up.

Note: All stats come from nhl.com

Kreider recorded goal 29 on the season with 8:15 remaining in the game and added his 30th into an empty net to seal the victory.

“The division is tight. Playoff race is tight,” Kreider said. “It’s a big win, a big divisional win. These are four-point games.”

This was the second of three games between the two squads in the span of seven days. With each team picking up a win, the rubber match comes on Saturday night. The Rangers are currently 10 points up on the Penguins for third in the Metro Division.

Chris Kreider lifts New York Rangers

The Blueshirts came out flying with Mika Zibanejad scoring just 2:51 into the opening frame. Beginning with strong defensive work in the d-zone, Vladimir Tarasenko got the puck over to Artemi Panarin. A quick outlet pass set up Zibanejad on a breakaway as he went top-shelf over Tristan Jarry for his 35th goal of the year.

Mika March Madness >>> March Madness pic.twitter.com/pnIVrtO93h

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 16, 2023

An early power play presented an opportunity for the Rangers to truly assert themselves in the contest, but it didn’t work out.

The Penguins slowly changed the momentum in their favor and Rickard Rakell evened the score at the 14:40 mark of the second period.

Tyler Motte would provide some foreshadowing as a mishandled puck by a Penguins defender turned into a goal just 2:13 later. It was a quick response that seemed to keep the Rangers always one step ahead in the contest.

“It’s good to see one go in the net,” Motte said. “I think you want to play this style of hockey as much as you can in the regular season. Teams are battling for position and to play the right way. To play this way right now is good for our group and we’ll look to keep it going.”

THE JUICE STRIKES BACK. pic.twitter.com/ao3AaTP5Pb

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 17, 2023

Jake Guentzel would knot the game at 9:09 of the third period, burying a feed from Sidney Crosby in the slot. Despite the tally, Igor Shesterkin was rock solid throughout, stopping 30 shots for his 31st win of the season.

The hero of the game responded 2:36 later battling Pens’ defenseman Brian Dumoulin in front. A tip by Vincent Trocheck hit him in the skate and into prime scoring position for the game-winning goal past Jarry.

Chris Kreider battles in front and muscles #NYR to a 3-2 lead pic.twitter.com/dLepzhXBQD

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) March 17, 2023

Kreider combined with Trocheck and Zibanejad for the empty netter with 49.2 seconds left in the game.

“Good hockey game,” Gerard Gallant said. “Real happy with our group tonight. Lines are playing well and everyone is working together.”

“It’s definitely nice to get out there and practice. I haven’t even had a morning skate with the team yet,” Kane explained. “My last practice in Chicago was two weeks ago. You need to get back into it… Happy to be here. Just trying to find my way to fit in.”

Kane has played just two games with the Blueshirts since being acquired and will be looking for his first point when they take on the Canadiens in Montreal on Thursday.

New York Rangers PP Units

When the Rangers took to the ice on Tuesday, there were some familiar faces but also some brand new power play units.

Per multiple reports, the Blueshirts new units are as follows:

PP1: Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, Patrick Kane, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere

PP2: Jacob Trouba, Mika Zibanejad, Vladimir Tarasenko, Filip Chytil, Chris Kreider

“Switch them up a little bit. Hopefully get some chemistry and success,” Gerard Gallant said. “It does make it a little easier that (some of the guys) are in lines. If they shoot the puck more it’ll make it easier for us.”

The biggest takeaway was getting Mika Zibanejad back in his office on the left side for his lethal one-timer that’s produced 19 power play goals.

“When I saw Mika in the bumper spot in the middle and he had a chance to shoot puck and he passed it (in Boston), I said, ‘We’ve got to change,’ We had to put him back where he was successful.”

At the end of the day, the Rangers coach is trying find the right mix but has full confidence that they’ll be fine.

“There’s a lot of skill and a lot of talent,” Gallant concluded. “There’s no reason why it wouldn’t work well but we’ve got to give them some time too.”

The challenge will be spreading the ice time so that both units are happy. That issue aside, have two potentially lethal unit that can offer different looks should be a huge advantage come postseason action.

Rangers injury updates

The New York Rangers made an emergency call up with forward Jonny Brodzinski indicating that Tyler Motte is still not ready.

Motte was injured on a high hit to the head by the Ottawa Senators’ Austin Watson last Thursday and missed the game against the Bruins on Sunday. He was on the ice in a non-contact jersey with the team yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ryan Lindgren skated on his own and is expected to miss his fifth straight game after injuring his shoulder against the Washington Capitals on February 25.

“They’re both day-to-day,” Gallant noted. “They’re both skating and Motter had a good day today. He lasted the whole practice and Lindy skated by himself. We’re moving in the right direction but I can’t say next game or not. Maybe I’ll know a little more tomorrow.”

One player that’s returning to the lineup after serving his suspension for spitting on the Kings’ Drew Doughty is defenseman K’Andre Miler.

“A complete accident and it’s unfortunate that it happened,” Miller explained. “It’s a disgusting habit that I’m assuming a lot of athletes have in general. People are going to have impressions (of me)… All my friends, family, and the guys in this room know the type of person I am. The guy that got kicked out of the game against L.A. is not the type of player or person that I am.”

According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, there will be no hearing by the NHL Department of Player Safety for the hit. “It was determined the play wasn’t charging and criteria didn’t rise to Illegal Check to the Head,” he tweeted, “North/south hit through the body with unavoidable head contact.”

In the video embedded in the tweet below, it’s clear that Watson, who has a history of suspensions, not only targeted Motte’s head but also lifts his elbow to inflict more damage.

Watson was rightfully ejected out of the game after being assessed a five minute major for charging and a game misconduct. The referees even reviewed the hit to determine the call. Which makes the NHL’s determination that it wasn’t a charge all the more confusing.

Let’s just be thankful Watson didn’t spit on him by accident.

Watson hit on Motte pic.twitter.com/uwckyAyO5a

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) March 3, 2023

Tyler Motte injured

After the game, Gerard Gallant had this to say about the hit and Motte’s status.

“I don’t know nothing on him, just day-to-day,” he said. “It was a bad hit. It was the right call. It obviously got him high.”

Motte, 27, has 10 points in 44 games this season. Since being reacquired by the Blueshirts from the Senators for Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick on February 19, he picked up one assist in six games.

After blowing out the Carolina Hurricanes, the Blueshirts struggled on their trip through Western Canada but still managed to beat the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, before falling to the Calgary Flames in OT.

In each one of those games, the Rangers gave up goals the first period to fall behind but managed to rally and extend their point streak to ten games (8-0-2).

“I think we should start better,” Vladimir Tarasenko noted on Saturday. “This was the second game in a row we understand this. It’s nice to win games when you’re coming back, but you should play better in the start… Everybody knows that we can play better and I don’t think everybody is satisfied with the result today.”

Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:

New York Rangers (33-14-9) vs. Winnipeg Jets (34-21-1)
Date/Time: February 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Arena: Madison Square Garden
TV: MSG
Radio: ESPN 98.7

New York Rangers home to face Jets

Prior to the Rangers successful road trip where they went 3-0-1, they rattled off five straight wins at the Garden in the middle of this current point streak that began on January 23. Overall, the team has been strong at home this season with a record of 16-9-4 including eight wins in their last 10 home games

Per the Rangers, if they can pick up at least a point tonight, it will be their first streak of 11 games or more since they went 11-0-2 back in 2015.

When the Blueshirts take the ice tonight, a familiar face will be in the lineup. On Sunday, the Rangers re-acquired forward Tyler Motte for Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2023.

Motte, who was acquired at the last trade deadline for a fourth-round pick registered two goals in the Rangers run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2021-22. He’s expected to take Gauthier’s spot on the fourth line.

In goal, Igor Shesterkin should return to the pipes. Despite allowing three goals or more in five consecutive games, the 27 year netminder has won four in row and has points in five of his last six (5-0-1).

For his career, Shesterkin is 3-0-0 against the Jets. He also a boasts a GAA of 0.69, and a .983 save percentage.

The Rangers have been red-hot offensively during this streak, which has helped both goalies during this ten-game point streak.

Here’s how they rank in the NHL from 1/23 to 2/20:

• Wins – 8 (tied 1st)
• Points – 18 (1st)
• Points% – .900 (1st)
• GoalsFor – 45 (1st)
• GF/GP – 4.50 (tied 1st)
• PP% – 36.4 (2nd)

The hottest Ranger coming into action tonight is Artemi Panarin, who has managed 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in his last seven straight games. Mika Zibanejad is also hot with 8 goals and 11 points in his last seven games (he was kept off the scoresheet against the Flames).

Newcomer Vladimir Tarasenko is also getting acclimated slowly but surely. In five games with the Rangers, he has two goals and an assist.

As for the Rangers opponent, the Jets are coming off a bad loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday night. Winnipeg squandered a lead in the third period and failed to register a point.

The Rangers need to expect an angry Jets team that is only four points behind the Dallas Stars for first-place in the Central Division.

NHL News and Rumors

NHL Recaps. All the latest scores here.

Jonathan Toews dealing wint illness, will not be traded. Read more.

Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Ryan O’Reilly. Details here.

NHL Rumors: Tyler Bertuzzi drawing interest. Read more.