Stars vs. Rangers: Confidence, Chemistry, and a Clash at the Garden
The Dallas Stars roll into Madison Square Garden tonight to face the New York Rangers in what will be the first of two meetings this season between two teams headed in very different directions-at least when it comes to home and road ice.
Let’s break it down.
Dallas Riding High, Rangers Searching for Answers
The Stars are coming in hot. Winners of four straight, they’ve outscored opponents 21-9 during that stretch.
The power play? Red-hot.
Dallas has converted on six of its last 14 chances with the man advantage, and it now leads the NHL in both power-play success rate and total goals. That’s not just a good stretch-it’s elite-level execution.
They’re doing it on the road, too. Dallas owns the best road points percentage in the league at .808 (9-1-3), and they’re scoring nearly four goals per game away from home. That’s the mark of a team that doesn’t just survive in hostile environments-they thrive.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are struggling to find their footing at home. With a .227 home points percentage (2-8-1), they’ve posted the worst mark in the league. They’re averaging just 1.55 goals per game at MSG, and while they lead the NHL in hits (701), physicality alone hasn’t translated to wins.
Wyatt Johnston: Confidence Personified
After a 6-1 dismantling of the Senators, Stars forward Wyatt Johnston summed up the team’s current vibe in one word:
“Confidence,” he said. “Is a hell of a drug.”
And he’s not wrong.
Johnston was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week after putting up nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in four games. That included a hat trick and a four-point night against Ottawa-his second such game of the season. At just 26 games into the year, Johnston already has 30 points (16-14-30), ranking third on the team and tied for 16th in the NHL in scoring entering Monday’s action.
His 16 goals? Tied for fourth in the league, alongside teammate Jason Robertson.
And while Johnston has just one assist in six career games against the Rangers, he’s peppered them with 23 shots. Sooner or later, those are going to start falling.
Roope Hintz and Sam Steel: Quietly Consistent
Roope Hintz has quietly been a thorn in the Rangers' side. He enters tonight on a two-game point streak against New York and has eight points in his last six games against them.
Overall, Hintz has nine points in 11 career matchups with the Blueshirts and a +2 rating. He’s the kind of two-way center who doesn’t just show up on the scoresheet-he shows up in the flow of the game.
Sam Steel is another name to watch. He’s got four points in four career road games against the Rangers and holds the best plus-minus rating (+4) against them among all active Stars skaters. He may not grab headlines, but he’s made his presence felt in this matchup before.
Panarin Doing Panarin Things
While the Rangers have struggled at home, Artemi Panarin continues to be a bright spot. He’s riding a five-game point streak, totaling seven points (3-4-7) in that stretch. Through 27 games, he’s tied for the team lead in scoring (8-18-26), and he leads in even-strength points (18) while sitting near the top in power-play production and time on ice.
Panarin’s history against Dallas is impressive: 23 points in 23 games, including a current three-game point streak (0-5-5). He’s been a consistent creator, and if the Rangers are going to get back on track at home, he’ll likely be at the center of it.
Rantanen’s Impact Growing
Let’s talk about Mikko Rantanen.
Acquired in a blockbuster trade back in March, this is Rantanen’s first full season in Dallas-and he’s making it count. He notched 15 assists in 14 games during November and has quickly become a key playmaker in the Stars’ top six.
Jason Robertson, who’s been on a tear with 13 goals in his last 10 games, called Rantanen a game-changer:
“You have to respect him whenever the puck is on his stick,” Robertson said. “It’s another dynamic added to our lineup.”
Rantanen has been skating alongside Johnston and captain Jamie Benn, and that line is starting to click in a big way. Johnston praised Rantanen’s vision and passing, saying, “Not many guys can see plays that he sees. I’ve learned to be ready at all times, especially when he has the puck.”
That chemistry is fueling confidence, and confidence is fueling results.
Coach’s Take: One Night at a Time
Head coach Glen Gulutzan knows the team is trending in the right direction, but he’s not letting anyone get too comfortable.
“Now you’re seeing everything come together a little bit, but it’s one night. The problem with the league is it’s an everyday league and you have to do it night after night. We’re getting there.”
That’s the mindset Dallas is carrying into tonight’s matchup. They’re not just looking for a big win-they’re looking to build habits that carry deep into the season.
The Numbers Game
- .808 - Dallas’ league-best road points percentage.
- 3.77 - Goals per game on the road for the Stars.
- .227 - Rangers’ home points percentage, lowest in the NHL.
- 1.55 - Goals per game at home for New York.
- 701 - Hits by the Rangers, most in the league.
- 531 - Hits by the Stars, good for 10th.
Final Word
Tonight’s game at the Garden is more than just a midseason matchup-it’s a litmus test. The Stars are surging, confident, and clicking on all cylinders. The Rangers are physical, talented, but searching for consistency at home.
It’s a classic case of momentum vs. motivation.
One team is flying. The other is looking to find its wings. Let’s see who takes flight.