The New York Rangers (10-4-1) have headed out west, starting a four-game road trip tonight against the Seattle Kraken. Last season, the Blueshirts (10-4-1 in 2024) , went 5-0 on a similar trip - that saw them face Seattle first - and was the start of their Presidents' Trophy campaign.
After Seattle (9-8-1), the Rangers will head to Canada to play the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. New York looks to find the similar magic that they had last time starting tonight against the Kraken.
Here's three Rangers to watch as they take on Seattle:
1. Chris Kreider
While he showed signs of life on Thursday night against San Jose, Kreider was still held scoreless; he only has two points in his last five games. This season, he is yet to have an assist.
This is not indicative of his play so far this campaign, with him currently sitting at a total of eight goals.
Kreider's play on Thursday night might be an indicator of him turning the corner. His last goal was scored on Nov. 9 at Detroit, so hopefully we can see him start to generate more offense. If he can play better at even strength on the road trip, the Rangers are a much better hockey team.
2. Jacob Trouba
New York's captain has been polarizing, putting up ratings of minus-three, plus-one, minus-3 and plus-two in the past four games.
It might be stating the obvious, but when Trouba is playing well, the Rangers are a much better defensive team. Though, there are games when he makes costly turnovers and is the subject of a lot of criticism. Some of this is deserved.
He looked good against San Jose and it needs to continue on this road trip, starting tonight.
3. Johnny Brodzinski
With Filip Chytil suffering an upper-body injury Thursday night, his timeframe is unclear. In the meantime, Brodzinski will slot into the third-line center spot.
Peter Laviolette discusses the impact of Filip Chytil's injury and potential replacements on the #Rangers roster https://t.co/agN9qckSkr pic.twitter.com/u6egoyMmvI
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 16, 2024
The line of Chytil, Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko has been one of the most effective in the NHL when together, and with Brodzinski centering it, Kakko and Cuylle still need to be difference-makers at 5v5. But, that starts with Brodzinski playing at a similar capacity that Chytil was.
How to Tune In
Puck drop is slated for 9:00 p.m. EST. The matchup will be aired on ABC (dependent on location) and is also available for streaming on ESPN+ and Fubo.
Blue Line Station's own Jennifer Streeter will be in the Climate Pledge Arena press box and press conferences for live coverage of this matchup. Be sure to tune in to both her and our Twitters for live updates.