3 players to watch as Rangers try to build momentum in Nashville

The New York Rangers had themselves a crazy Saturday matinee, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout, 5-4. Now, they pack up and head down to Nashville, in the second half of a back-to-back and the second-to-last game before the Christmas break.

Here are three players to watch for, as the Rangers need a win to keep themselves in the wildcard race in the Eastern Conference.

Artemi Panarin

After sitting out against the St. Louis Blues, Artemi Panarin was back in the lineup against the Flyers and was the key difference-maker. He had seven shots on goal, with two of them blowing past Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson.

There is a stark difference in this Rangers team when No. 10 is out there versus when he is not. It might have been a rough beginning of the 2025-26 season, but as we inch closer to the trade deadline in March, there should be a "not for sale" sticker attached to "The Breadman".

Jonathan Quick

After Igor Shesterkin picked up the shootout win against Philadelphia, being out on the ice for 65 minutes and the two rounds of the one-on-one competition, it will likely be backup Jonathan Quick's turn. The last time we saw the future Hall-of-Famer was against Vancouver last week, in which he allowed three goals in the shutout loss.

Quick has been stellar this season, but has been lacking lately. Over his last five games, he has a record of 1-3-1. A trip down to a slightly resurging, but still lackluster, Predators team could help get him back on track.

Vincent Trocheck

Vincent Trocheck was great in the matchup against Philadelphia. But he also churned out over 25 minutes of ice time, and he will likely have to do the same against Nashville. J.T. Miller had to head down the tunnel in their most recent win, and there is no clear indication of whether he will be ready to go for the second part of the back-to-back.

The centers will have to slide up if the Miller cannot go, meaning more responsibility for Trocheck. If there is one thing that we have seen from him since he became a Blueshirt, it is that he rises to the occasion every single time.