Look at the New York Rangers week ahead: Three Home Games, Two Against Division Rivals
It's a new week and new chances for the New York Rangers to solidify themselves as contenders. They've been in a slump, as they finally broke their 5-game losing streak against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, 4-3.
They'll have to contend with two divisional rivals this week, the New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins. While they'll take on the Seattle Kraken a team they've never lost to.
The Rangers are 13-9-1 and hold fast at 4th in the Metropolitan Division as they seek to improve their standings.
In order to do that, they'll need to piece together wins against their next three opponents this week. They'll have to make up 6 points, to tie with the Carolina Hurricanes in the division, who are third in the Metro with 33.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils and Rangers will meet tomorrow at 7 PM ET on the MSG/NHL Network. They recently gave up a game to the hot Washington Capitals, 6-5. But the Rangers will have to figure out how to shut down the Devils, who have scored 94 goals this season, in addition to putting a stop to Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Stefan Noesen, and Nico Hischier.
Sheldon Keefe has utilized Noesen who was up until recently a depth forward, in special teams situations such as the power-play. Six of his 13 goals have come from special teams.
The addition of Jacob Markstrom has given the Devils stability in the net, with an 11-6-1 record 2.62 GAA, and a .902 save percentage.
Artemi Panarin has posted 43 points against the Devils during his career.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins will make a trip to Madison Square Garden and will look to come out with a win, after their devastating 6-0 loss at the beginning of the season. The Penguins are notoriously leaky, as Kyle Dubas hasn't been able to construct a great team despite his resume in Toronto.
They've let in 100 goals already, but Coach Mike Sullivan isn't having any of that play anymore as they've swept their last three opponents.
The team has difficulty maintaining leads, and the Rangers should take advantage of this weakness if they're to win against their rivals.
Igor Shesterkin has an 8-5-2 record against the Penguins, with a record GAA of 1.94 during his career thanks to a shutout, and a career save percentage of .930.
Seattle Kraken
The Rangers have a 6-0-1 record against the NHL's newest team, as they've never lost in regulation. Jonathan Quick posted a career-record 62nd shutout against the Kraken on the 17th of November.
When on home ice, the Rangers have never lost to the Kraken, and with the team losing their last three the Rangers should find a way to crack Dan Bylsma's team. Philip Grubauer and Joey Daccord have let in 17 goals recently, while the team has only scored 12.
The Rangers may get a chance to face off against Joey Daccord, the Kraken's new #1 goalie.
