The New York Rangers are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET, at Madison Square Garden. This encounter, a rematch of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final, holds great significance for both teams, especially as they jockey for position in the playoff race.
The Rangers, currently sporting a record of 33-31-6, find themselves at 72 points, just two points shy of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, tied with the New York Islanders. After a disappointing three-game losing streak, this game represents a chance for the Blueshirts to regain their footing. Their last outing ended in a 4-3 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Artemi Panarin leading the team by scoring his 31st goal of the season.
Meanwhile, the Canucks enter the arena with a record of 32-25-12 and 76 points, just one point outside the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They recently suffered a heart-wrenching loss to the St. Louis Blues, where Brock Boeser managed to score with only four seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime, but Philip Broberg scored the game-winner for the Blues at 3:42 of the extra period.
This showdown has extra significance for J.T. Miller, who will be facing his former team for the first time since his trade to the Rangers earlier this season. Despite a promising start to his game with New York, Miller has stumbled into a scoring drought, not having found the back of the net in his past nine games while managing only four assists.
In the lead-up to the matchup, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette has made strategic adjustments to bolster their struggling power play units, which ranks 25th in the league with an efficiency of 18.4%. Laviolette is seeking to mix things up after their recent loss, as special teams play will be crucial in their playoff push.
In contrast, the Rangers’ penalty-killing unit is performing far better, ranking sixth overall in the NHL with an 82.2% efficiency. With the stakes rising, Laviolette acknowledged the urgent need to convert on power plays, stating, "We're letting games go by and we're not putting points in the column. We've got to win hockey games." The playoffs are approaching, and every game counts.
However, the excitement surrounding this game isn't limited to the playoff implications. The Rangers are also set to commemorate the 40-year career of their beloved play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen with a special pregame ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Fans can expect some Rosen-themed entertainment and tributes throughout the evening, celebrating his impact on the franchise.
Historically, the Rangers have fared well against the Canucks, having won four of their last five matchups. Since January 2, 2025, the Rangers have been a dominant force offensively, ranking third in the NHL with 106 goals scored during this period, displaying their ability to put points on the board. The team has demonstrated a penchant for scoring, achieving at least three goals in 22 of their last 34 games and finding the back of the net four or more times in 15 of those outings.
With high stakes and a storied history between these two teams, this matchup promises to deliver excitement. With the Rangers still firmly in contention for the playoffs, a victory today could provide the necessary momentum as they head into a challenging week of games.
As today’s game approaches, fans will be watching closely, especially to see if Miller can break his scoring slump against his former squad, and how Laviolette’s changes will impact the Rangers’ performance on the ice. All eyes are on Madison Square Garden as the puck drops at 1:00 PM ET.
