New York Rangers V Blue Jackets: 3 Major Storylines To Watch During Tonight's Battle
The New York Rangers are in a critical situation, and facing off against their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets. They're five points out from catching the Blue Jackets and securing a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Here are three things to watch tonight.
The New York Rangers are 21-20-3 and 14th in the Metropolitan Division, which means every game is critical for the Rangers to win.
Tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and a regulation win secures two more points in the hunt for a playoff spot. A win could put them right behind the Boston Bruins who are in the lead by four points in the East.
The West Coast trip was by all means a success for the team, as they captured 5 points out of a total of six.
The Rangers should try to emulate the Blue Jackets' success, which has won six of their last six games, going on a winning streak.
A surprising stat for a team who were considered bottom-dwellers. A heartwarming story considering the loss of Johnny Gaudreau, and the trade of Patrik Laine, an underdog story if we've heard one.
You should look out for three storylines tonight when the Rangers take on the Blue Jackets.
Defend MSG
The Rangers need to do their best to defend home ice, as they play their next six games on MSG ice. If they plan on picking up a playoff spot they need to secure a win in every home game coming up, and considering they've secured points in their last three at home (2-0-1) they'll need to do even better.
The Blue Jackets are terrible on the road, and Peter Laviolette should exploit that kink in their armor.
Unleash Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin scored two goals in the 5-3 win against the Utah Hockey Club and is only two points shy of another 20-goal season in the NHL( it could be his ninth).
The Rangers will need Breadman to make some plays tonight and shoot the puck with vigilance as he's deadly against his former team.
Shutdown Zack Werenski
Defenseman Zack Werenski's name has entered the Norris Trophy conversation. He's scored 51 points ( 15 G, 36 A) in 45 games for the Blue Jackets. He leads all NHL defensemen in points with 51, and goals with 15.
In contrast, Adam Fox has had a down year this year.
Fox is ranked sixth this season in the NHL among all defensemen with 32 assists, and ninth in the NHL with 34 points. Ironic, considering Fox has been a regular in the Norris discussion until this season.
The Rangers will have to figure out how to shutdown the Blue Jackets force on the ice, who has scored 20 points since December 19th.
Peter Laviolette will have his hands full as the Blue Jackets have come from behind to surprise everyone in the NHL this season.
