The New York Rangers have one more test before going on their Christmas break, with a trip to Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Capitals. This is a big Metropolitan Division matchup, and it has to go in the Rangers' favor.
Here are the three players that have to step up in order for the Blueshirts to gain ground on the teams ahead of them in the wildcard race.
Vincent Trocheck
The Rangers are going to be without captain J.T. Miller for a little while following this hit during the a victory against the Philadelphia Flyers.
J.T. Miller left for the locker room after this collision with Nick Seelerpic.twitter.com/SKsRSZ1IMN
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 20, 2025
This is a big loss, from both the performance and leadership standpoint, but there is a possible replacement. Vincent Trocheck, who has been a rock for the Rangers this season, has to be the one to step up. That can start with a very crucial game against Washington. He has played in 24 games this season, after being injured for an extended period himself, and has contributed six goals and added 11 assists for 17 points.
Igor Shesterkin
After Jonathan Quick was unable to pick up the one-goal loss to the Nashville Predators, it is now Igor Shesterkin's turn. The Rangers are not giving their goaltenders any help in the offensive department, as they are 28th in the NHL in goals scored with 98. Both Quick and Shesterkin have had solid years, but their records do not reflect that.
Can Shesterkin slam the door completely so that the Rangers can have an automatic victory with just one goal?
Vladislav Gavrikov
Vladislav Gavrikov has had to be a completely different style of defenseman since Adam Fox when down with an injury. He has had to play a lot more offense, not that he is not skilled at it. This has somewhat deterred his defensive excellence.
Gavrikov is going to have to change that against a very good Capitals offense. The main component of gaining two points on Tuesday night, and heading into the Christmas break with some holiday cheer, is going to be on the Rangers' offense getting themselves going. Gavrikov is going to have a lot to handle on his own end, and contributing offense might not be an option.