New York Rangers Set For High Stakes Clash With Winnipeg Jets

A Challenge For The Blueshirts

Madison Square Garden will see a Tuesday night matchup between the league leading Winnipeg Jets, and the reigning Presidents' Trophy defenders, the New York Rangers.

The Winnipeg Jets have started their season in historic fashion, boasting a 14-1-0 record. During that time, the Jets have scored 67 goals while allowing only 31, for a goal difference of +36. The biggest offensive contributors for Winnipeg have been forwards Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, who have both tallied 19 points on the season. The Jets are anything but top heavy, though, as the third and fourth lines have been coming through in big moments to score important goals all season.

Offensive prowess isn't Winnipeg's only strength, however. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been sensational this season, so far earning a record of 11-1-0, while leading the league in save percentage (.935), wins (11), goals against average (1.83), and shutouts (three). If the Rangers want to come away with a win on Tuesday, they'll need to find a way to beat one of the best goaltenders in the NHL thus far this season.

Rangers Looking For Statement Win

After starting the season 5-0-1, the New York Rangers have found themselves struggling to find consistent success. The Blueshirts have still remained over a .500 pace, but their 4-3-0 record in their last seven contests stands in stark contrast to their hot start. The worry for the Rangers lies in the nature of their losses during this time. In all three losses over this period, the Rangers have lost by two or more goals, while failing to score more than two goals in a majority of the games overall.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Blueshirts, though. The Rangers have earned a 9-3-1 record on the season, while shutting out their opposition twice. The worst performance for New York came on Nov. 7th against the Buffalo Sabres, when the Rangers allowed six goals at home and franchise goaltender Igor Shesterkin was pulled for backup Jonathan Quick.

Following that loss, the Rangers seemingly bounced back in a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings, though their defense was still shaky- having to be bailed out by Jonathan Quick multiple times.

Going into their Tuesday night contest, the Rangers have the opportunity to make a statement to their fans and the NHL that their recent run of form is not indicative of their overall potential. If the Blueshirts can hand the Jets their second loss of the season, the energy and narrative around the team will change in a huge way.