The New York Rangers embark on a challenging three-game road trip out West, seeking to maintain their strong away record. After a recent 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Rangers aim to rebound against tough Western Conference opponents.
Game 1: Vegas Golden Knights The Rangers kick off their trip against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. Despite pre-season expectations, the Golden Knights have been inconsistent, holding a 3-3-4 record in their last 10 games and an 8-4-6 overall record. Vegas has struggled in overtime, losing six games by that route. Jack Eichel (24 points in 18 games) and Mitch Marner (20 points in 18 games) lead the Golden Knights' offense. Last season, the Rangers swept the Golden Knights, winning 2-1 in Vegas and 4-2 at Madison Square Garden. Mika Zibanejad is a player to watch, with 10 goals and 19 points in 14 career games against Vegas. The Rangers' special teams will be key in this matchup.
Game 2: Colorado Avalanche The Rangers face a formidable challenge against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. The Avalanche boast a league-leading 13-1-5 record with a plus-31 goal differential. Led by Nathan MacKinnon (14 goals and 33 points), along with Martin Necas and Cale Makar (25 points each), the Avalanche possess a potent offense. Colorado has been dominant at home with a 7-0-1 record. The Rangers lost both games against the Avalanche last season, and will be looking for a different result this time around. Containing MacKinnon and capitalizing on scoring chances will be crucial for the Rangers.
Game 3: Utah
The Rangers will face Utah to conclude the road trip.
Keys to Success
Several factors will be critical for the Rangers to succeed on this road trip:
- Road Record: The Rangers have an NHL-best 9-1-1 road record. They are tied for the league lead in road wins and rank second in road points. Maintaining this strong road form is essential.
- Offensive Production: Forwards like Alexis Lafrenière, Artemi Panarin and Will Cuylle need to elevate their game. Panarin has 18 points in 20 games, and Cuylle has been a steady contributor recently.
- Goaltending: Consistent goaltending from Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick will be vital.
- Faceoffs and Defense: The Rangers have been strong on faceoffs on the road, ranking fourth in the league with a 54.6% win percentage. Their goals-against average is the second-fewest in the league.
- Special Teams: The Rangers will need to capitalize on power-play opportunities and maintain a strong penalty kill.
The Rangers' Western road swing presents a significant test against top-tier competition. Their ability to maintain their stellar road record, receive contributions from key players, and execute their game plan will determine their success.
