The New York Rangers continue their road trip in California to battle the Anaheim Ducks. The New York Rangers must bring their top game because every win is now required to secure a playoff wildcard spot. They will also reunite with a former player who was traded. The pressure is on.
Taking on Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/f2RSHDy8mH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 28, 2025
The Rangers play another away game on March 28, 2025, against the Ducks. The energy and grit of the Rangers need to shift into winning mode as they just lost against the Los Angeles Kings in a previous game while on their road trip. The track record is there for the Blueshirts. In the last two seasons, the Rangers have beaten the Ducks. What’s going to stop them from doing it again?
The Ducks are riding a previous win, so their drive is probably ignited. Both teams can only focus on one thing: the infamous wildcard spot. Yes, the teams are in different divisions, with the Rangers being fourth to last in the Metropolitan division with 74 points. The Ducks are sitting at third to last in the Pacific division with 70 points. Both teams are vying for a spot as each game counts since the clock is ticking with the regular season ending
The game's biggest drama will be seeing the Ranger’s former captain on the other bench playing as a Duck. It wasn’t long ago when Jacob Trouba was on the Rangers and playing with his teammates. Trouba was traded to the Ducks on December 8th, 2024. Since being traded, this will be the first reunion for him and the Ranger’s roster. Everyone remembers Trouba, most commonly known as “Trouba Train”. Since leaving beloved New York, his record as a Ducks player isn’t too impressive. In Trouba’s last five games, he had no goals and only one assist.
Did the Trouba train energy stay in New York? He has played 46 games, being a newly converted Duck player. Will fans see some nostalgic Trouba train action, or will the Ranger’s defense show Trouba a taste of his own medicine? Tensions should be high on the ice with these two teams having former connections.
Rangers ‘have to be aware’ of physical Jacob Trouba in first meeting since messy divorce https://t.co/xupS6emaA1 pic.twitter.com/eyBUNM1Fv5
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 28, 2025
I hope Panarin’s alright….. https://t.co/oULhWSauT0
— Matt NYR (@Zibanejesus) March 27, 2025
There has to be a win for the Rangers in this game; they need it desperately. The Blueshirts are close to the playoffs, but they must continue winning, or they can kiss being a playoff team goodbye. The Ducks have a way to go for the playoffs, so the Rangers should be the leading team on the ice with their pride. But they can’t let it get to their head because winning against the Ducks will take guts since the Rangers have been losing for a bit now. They need to play a clean, simple hockey game and rely on offense and defense to play at their best ability. It’s time to see playoff energy in the Ranger’s eyes. Manifest it, and focus on the execution of the game. Drama can be later when the Rangers enter the ice.
It's time for NHL fans to need to see them with the will to win and the energy of a winning team. Make shots and block goals. It's as simple as that. They must work together, make things happen, and unite as a team. Start the winning streak, and the playoffs will follow.