The New York Rangers are set to hit the ice again as their Winter Olympics break comes to an end this Thursday night. They'll be hosting the Philadelphia Flyers in what marks the beginning of a crucial 25-game stretch over seven weeks. The Rangers are eager to turn around a season that's been challenging, to say the least.
Before the puck drops, expect the Rangers to honor their Olympic heroes. Forwards Vincent Trocheck and J.T.
Miller, along with coach Mike Sullivan and assistant David Quinn, played pivotal roles in Team USA's thrilling 2-1 victory over Canada to clinch gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. It's a proud moment for the franchise and a morale boost as they return to NHL action.
The Rangers hope to emerge from this break healthier than they were in early February when they suffered a tough 3-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, marking their ninth shutout of the season. Key players Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox, who missed the last 13 games due to injuries, have been practicing without restrictions. Their return could be a game-changer, providing much-needed stability and skill to the lineup.
Without Shesterkin and Fox, the Rangers slipped to 30th in the NHL standings. General Manager Chris Drury has signaled a retooling phase rather than a full rebuild, suggesting that the return of these key players might give the Rangers a fighting chance to climb the standings. It's also an opportunity for management to evaluate young talent under more favorable conditions.
However, the team will still be without fourth-liner Matt Rempe, who remains on injured reserve due to a thumb injury that has plagued him since October.
Who’s Hot:
Mika Zibanejad is back and ready to make an impact. Leading the Rangers with 23 goals and 52 points, he had an impressive stint with Sweden during the Olympics, tallying six points in five games. His late-game heroics against Team USA were a highlight, even though Sweden fell short.
Who’s Not:
Defenseman Braden Schneider has struggled to find his groove. With no goals, three assists, and a minus-10 rating in the new year, he’ll be looking to improve his performance as the season resumes.
Rangers Lookahead:
The Rangers have back-to-back games against their Pennsylvania rivals this week, both nationally televised.
Philadelphia Flyers at Rangers (Feb. 26, 8 p.m.; ESPN):
The Rangers have had success against the Flyers this season, winning both previous meetings. Their most recent victory was a decisive 6-3 win on the road.
The Flyers, meanwhile, are looking to regain their form after a rough patch before the Olympic break. They sit eight points behind the Islanders for a playoff spot but remain ahead of the Rangers.
Shesterkin's return is particularly significant against the Flyers, as he boasts a solid record against them. Zibanejad also had a standout performance in their last encounter, notching a hat trick.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Rangers (Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., ABC):
The Penguins have been a surprise package this season, sitting second in the Metro Division despite a challenging start. Veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin continue to lead the way, with Crosby on pace for his 21st consecutive point-a-game season. However, Crosby's status is uncertain after missing Canada's final Olympic games due to injury.
Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native, has been effective against his hometown team, adding a personal storyline to this matchup.
As the Rangers gear up for this crucial stretch, they’ll be looking to leverage their returning stars and build momentum. It's a pivotal time for the team as they aim to finish the season on a high note.