The New York Rangers are set to host the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7 PM EST at Madison Square Garden, kicking off what could be a pivotal moment as they battle for playoff positioning.
After coming off a tough 5-4 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Rangers are entering the matchup with both momentum and urgency. Currently, the Rangers boast a record of 22-20-4, and they’re riding on an impressive eight-game point streak (5-0-3), having only lost three times during this stretch. This performance has been one of the highlights of their season, allowing them to remain competitive as they vie for one of the Wild Card spots.
The Rangers have seen significant contributions from their players during this streak. Notably, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafrenière are among those expected to drive the offense. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who has been noted for his standout performances, will once again be the backbone of the Rangers' defense. "Igor Shesterkin is set to start for the Rangers," according to the NY Rangers. His ability to perform under pressure will be key as the season progresses.
On the other side of the rink, the Ottawa Senators are making strides of their own. With 24 wins, 18 losses, and 4 overtime losses, they've recently shown significant improvement, winning five of their last six games. This team is not just aiming for playoff contention but also to break their third-longest active playoff drought dating back to 2017.
The Senators' recent performance has been bolstered by goaltender Leevi Merilainen, who has stepped up admirably since his introduction to the lineup following Linus Ullmark's injury. His statistics highlight his effectiveness, with Merilainen earning a 6-2-1 record so far this season and impressively posting numbers such as 2.20 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. His recent form is indicative of both his skill and composure under pressure: "Merilainen has earned a 6-2-1 record with impressive stats," reported NHL analysis.
The matchup between these two teams is historically significant, and their previous encounters have marked notable playoff interactions. The Senators previously eliminated the Rangers from contention during their strong playoff run back in 2017, adding to the competitiveness of tonight's game. A win tonight would not only boost the Rangers' standing but would also place them just behind the idle Boston Bruins for the last Wild Card slot.
With every point counting as they push through the last weeks of January, both teams recognize the importance of this game. The competing narratives of the two franchises heighten the stakes, with the Rangers targeting a playoff return, hungry after several seasons of playoff misses, and the Senators eager to shed the burden of their lengthy absence from postseason play.
While the Senators seek to end their playoff drought, the Rangers are adamant about making Madison Square Garden their fortress. The last ten matchups between these two have shown the Rangers enjoying success, with their record standing at 7-2-1 against the Senators since the beginning of the 2021-2022 season.
Among the key focal points of tonight's game will be the effectiveness of each team’s power play. The Rangers rank significantly well within the league, utilizing their power play effectively over their last eight games, converting at 33.3 percent. Even with the Senators struggling with their power play recently, securing only one goal on 13 attempts during their last five games, they are still managing wins thanks to their solid defense and goaltending.
Spectators can expect action on the ice, with both clubs eager to show their prowess. This matchup is set to be tightly contested. The analysis suggests maintaining focus on key players like Filip Chytil, who has emerged as the subject of trade rumors surrounding his potential move to the Vancouver Canucks - making tonight additional motivation for him to showcase his skills and remain with the Rangers.
Both teams arriving on the back of winning streaks, it could be expected this game delivers fireworks as they both aim to strengthen their playoff hopes. The predictions suggest a tightly contested, low-scoring affair, emphasizing perhaps even more the importance of every goal scored.
This game will be streamed live at 7 PM ET on MSG Network and radio coverage will be available on ESPN 880 AM. Fans can expect nothing less than what the legacy of the Rangers and Senators suggests: passion, competitive spirit, and the pursuit of something greater.