3 New York Rangers to Watch Against the Nashville Predators

Almost every game feels like a new rock bottom for the New York Rangers, who have now lost 10 out of their last 13 and currently find themselves fifth in the Metropolitan Division. The Blueshirts (15-14-1) lost to the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues over the weekend, and a lot of things are up in the air.

There's no question about it: the Rangers are continuing to deteriorate, and if they don't figure it out fast, the season might be over before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Tonight, New York takes the ice for Game two of a three-game road trip in Music City, where it takes on the Nashville Predators (8-17-6). If there was a team who's been worse than New York recently, it's Nashville; the Predators have lost nine out of their last 10 and while there was hope going into the season, most of it has been lost.

It looks like the Rangers will once again be without their superstar Artemi Panarin, but there are a few lineup changes being made. Here's three Rangers to watch as they look to get back on track.

1. Kaapo Kakko

After being a healhty scratch on Sunday against the Blues, Kakko voiced his displeasures on Tuesday, saying "I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup.”

With the way things are going, Kakko might not be the first to publicly voice his concerns, but this is notable - he is usually a quiet player and this is yet another rumbling of chaos in the Rangers locker room.

Kakko slots back into the lineup tonight in Nashville; his +14 rating is one of the best on the team, and for a Rangers squad that has struggled to defend, it did not make much sense to take him out. Maybe a trade is brewing, as he is on an expiring contract.

Whatever happens, Kakko should be in the lineup as of now.

2. Alexis Lafreniere

No, he has not been great lately, but Lafreniere has clearly been taking the losses to heart. After Sunday's game, he voiced how the Rangers have a good team and have to believe.

He had a point on Sunday but has not scored since December 8 against the Kraken. Expect the 23-year-old to play with more urgency as the season goes on.

3. Igor Shesterkin

The highest-paid goaltender in NHL history has to make some big saves in order for his team to win games, and this is especially the case when a team is struggling. Shesterkin failed to do this on Saturday against Los Angeles - giving up five goals on 21 shots - but assuming he gets the start tonight, he gives the Rangers a chance to win on any given night.

In Shesterkin's Vezina-winning season in 2021-2022, he had 28 saves on 29 shots in an early-season game in Nashville, setting the tone that he would be one of the best goalies in the NHL that season. Last season in Nashville, he had 37 saves on 40 shots.

Him making key saves tonight is exactly what the Rangers need.