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3 players to watch when the Rangers host the Ducks at Madison Square Garden

With Anaheim in town, these three players have the chance to make a major impact for the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
ByJustin Bonhard|
Mar 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10), left wing Chris Kreider (20) and center J.T. Miller (8) skate off the ice after a 3-1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10), left wing Chris Kreider (20) and center J.T. Miller (8) skate off the ice after a 3-1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images | Danny Wild-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers will host the Anaheim Ducks on Monday in an emotional tilt against two former Rangers staples. This game comes after a pretty emotional win against Montreal, in which the Centennial jersey curse was broken in overtime.

There are three players to watch in this game that will shine just a bit brighter than everyone else. Usually, these articles contain three Blueshirts, but this time, it will be a bit different.

Let's take a look.

Artemi Panarin

Maintaining his point-per-game status, Artemi Panarin continues to be the Rangers' best player. He was electric in the winning effort against Montreal, as he scored the first penalty shot for this franchise since the 2015 season. And, what a goal it was.

With three goals and two assists over his last five games, Panarin has been doing his part to keep this team in the wildcard hunt. Can he continue to make this team successful, and potentially add some more dollars to his next deal?

J.T. Miller

The captain was the best player on the ice against Montreal, and the reason why the Rangers were able to pick up that second point. It has not been easy for J.T. Miller recently, as he has faced a lot of backlash due to inconsistent play. But he put all of that to rest against the Habs.

Can he continue being a driving force against the Ducks and their young, prosperous offense?

Chris Kreider

Today will be all about Chris Kreider and his return to Madison Square Garden. It will be emotional, and the tension will be high considering how his exit happened.

Kreider has been great for Anaheim this season, as a much-needed veteran on a young team. Bennete Sennscke, Trevor Zegras, Cutter Gauthier, and Leo Carlsson have benefited from his wisdom. Additionally, CK20 has had a pretty good season himself, with 13 goals and eight assists on the year for 21 points.

It has not been proven, realistically, but it always seems like a former Rangers player comes back to MSG and makes the Rangers pay. It would not be unexpected to see Kreider go out there tonight and put up a goal or two. He might even get a hat-trick.

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