Rangers Gear Up for Final Clash Before Olympic Break with Momentum and Muscle
The New York Rangers are set to hit the ice one last time before the Olympic break, squaring off against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Puck drops at 7:00 PM ET, and the stage is set not just for a big matchup, but for a celebration of a century of elite goaltending in Blueshirts history-part of the team’s Centennial theme night series.
But make no mistake, this game is more than just a tribute. The Rangers are coming into this one with a physical edge, a power play that's heating up, and a roster that’s finding production from veterans and rookies alike.
Blue-Collar Blueshirts: Physicality, Faceoffs, and Penalty Kill
If there’s one thing this Rangers squad doesn’t shy away from, it’s contact. They lead the entire NHL in hits with 1,473, and they’ve logged 30 or more in 20 different games this season-more than any other team. That physical identity has become a calling card, especially in tight games where puck battles matter most.
In the faceoff circle, the Rangers are just as dominant. Their 54.7% win rate ranks third in the league, and they’ve hit the 60% mark or better in 15 games-again, second-most in the NHL. That kind of consistency on draws helps them control tempo and possession, especially in special teams situations.
Speaking of special teams, the penalty kill at Madison Square Garden has been rock solid. Since November 17, they’ve killed off 85.7% of penalties at home-second-best in the league during that stretch.
And the power play? It’s clicking at just the right time.
The Rangers have scored a power play goal in three straight games, and since December 23, they’re converting at a 31.3% clip, good for third in the league.
Youth Movement: Rookies Stepping Up
While the veterans are doing the heavy lifting, the rookies are making their presence felt. Rangers rookies have combined for 28 assists and 42 total points this season-ranking in the top 11 league-wide in both categories. It’s not just about development anymore; these young players are contributing in meaningful ways.
Defensively, the Rangers have kept things tight late in games. They’ve allowed just 59 goals in the third period-10th fewest in the league. That kind of late-game discipline is crucial in the grind of the NHL season, especially heading into the stretch run after the Olympic break.
Familiar Faces, New Sweaters
Thursday’s matchup brings a few reunions with it. Vincent Trocheck will face his former team after spending parts of three seasons with Carolina. During his time with the Hurricanes, he was a key piece-ranking near the top of the team in goals, assists, and power play production.
Defenseman Scott Morrow also has ties to Carolina, having been drafted by the Hurricanes in 2021 and appearing in both regular season and playoff action for them. Goalie Spencer Martin played 15 games over two seasons in Carolina colors as well.
On the flip side, Hurricanes defenseman K’Andre Miller will be making his return to The Garden-this time as an opponent. Drafted by the Rangers in 2018, Miller played five seasons in New York, logging 132 points in 368 games.
And Carolina goaltender Brandon Bussi? He won’t need GPS to find MSG-he’s a New York native from Sound Beach.
Zibanejad’s Scorching Stretch
Mika Zibanejad is in one of those stretches where everything he touches turns to gold. He’s riding a four-game point streak (2G-2A), and he’s registered points in 14 of his last 15 games-racking up 11 goals and 12 assists in that span. His 11 goals during that stretch are tied for fourth-most in the league.
Zibanejad leads the Rangers in goals (23) and power play goals (11), while ranking second in total points (52), assists (29), and faceoff wins (387). League-wide, his 11 power play goals are tied for fifth.
He’s also climbing the franchise record books. With 273 goals as a Ranger, he’s just seven away from tying Adam Graves for fourth all-time.
He already owns the team record for most power play goals (119) and is the only active player leading an Original Six franchise in that category. He’s two power play points away from tying James Patrick for third in team history.
Among Swedish-born NHL players, Zibanejad’s 131 career power play goals rank fifth all-time-just one behind Nicklas Lidstrom. His 337 career goals overall are tied for seventh among Swedes, with sixth place well within reach.
He’s also been the tone-setter, scoring the first goal in a game eight times this season-most in the NHL. His 59 career game-opening goals as a Ranger are tied with Chris Kreider for second in franchise history. And with nine career hat tricks in a Rangers uniform-including two this season-he’s tied for the most in team history.
Miller Making Moves
J.T. Miller is quietly putting together a strong campaign of his own.
He’s got points in four straight games (1G-3A) and has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine (3G-9A). Over that stretch, he leads the team in both assists (9) and points (12).
This season, Miller ranks third on the team in goals (14) and faceoff wins (376), is tied for third in points (36), and sits fourth in hits (97). His three overtime goals are a career best and tied for third in the league.
In the faceoff department, Miller has been elite. Among skaters with at least 500 draws, his 61.2% win rate ranks second in the NHL. Since the start of the 2024-25 season, he’s third in faceoff percentage (59.3%) among players with 1,000 or more attempts.
Trocheck Doing It All
Vincent Trocheck continues to be a two-way force. He’s notched at least one point in five of his last eight games (1G-8A), and he’s doing it while logging heavy minutes. His 20:58 average time on ice is tied for 11th among all NHL forwards.
Trocheck ranks second on the team in hits (126), is tied for third in points (36) and assists (24), and tied for fifth in goals (12). In the faceoff circle, he’s been nearly automatic.
His 58.0% win rate is second-best in Rangers history among players with 500 or more attempts. Since the start of the 2024-25 season, he’s tied for fourth in the NHL in faceoff percentage (58.5%) among players with 1,000 or more draws.
His 1,312 faceoff wins in that span rank fifth league-wide.
Cuylle Bringing the Heat
Will Cuylle has brought physicality and timely scoring to the lineup. He leads the Rangers in hits (198), is tied for second in power play goals (4), and ranks fourth in goals (13).
And when he scores? The Rangers win.
They’re 10-2-0 in games where Cuylle finds the back of the net.
The Rangers are heading into the Olympic break with momentum, identity, and a roster that’s firing on all cylinders. Thursday’s game against Carolina isn’t just another date on the calendar-it’s a measuring stick, a celebration, and a final push before the pause. If recent trends hold, the Blueshirts are ready to make it count.