New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets March 19.2024

The Race is On for Top Dog in the NHL   

Winnipeg Jets v New York Rangers
Winnipeg Jets v New York Rangers / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

The New York Rangers have won 5 of their last 6 games, in what I am calling, “their toughest part of the schedule”. The Rangers took out the Devils, Canes, Pens, and Islanders, all in the last week, to remain on Top of the Metropolitan Division. They were playing tough teams with a banged-up line-up and still winning. It’s called great Team Depth in NY. Which is Awesome to see.

New York Rangers vs Winnipeg Jets March 19.2024
The Game by The Numbers…
Puck Drop 7pm est.
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York

New York Rangers Record as of March 18.2024
45-19-4 = 94 pts
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
2nd -Tied - in Eastern Conference
2nd -Tied Overall in NHL

Trending Article: NYR Enter Their Toughest Part of the Schedule

Winnipeg Jets Record as of March 18.2024
43-19-5 = 91 pts
1st -Tied in the Central Division
2nd -Tied in the Western Conference
4th -Tied Overall in NHL

The Jets meanwhile, have won 4 of their last 6 games over this past week, shutting out the Kraken, Capitals, and Ducks along the way to beating Columbus 6-1. The Jets are Tied for Top Spot in the Central with the Avs and Stars. All are sitting with 91 points and the Jets appeared to have found their Offense of late.

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NEW YORK RANGERS - Keep an Eye On
Panarin #10 -F- 38G-56A-94 Pts -Career Year for #10
Kreider #20 -F-33G-31A-64 Pts -The Heart of NYR
Trocheck #16 -F-24G-40A-64 Pts-59.3% Faceoff Win%

Rangers Key Injuries
Lindgren #55 -D - Mar16.24 -DTD-Lower Body
Trouba #8 -D-Mar 06.24-DTD-Lower Body
Wheeler #17 -F-Feb14.24 -IR-Out-Lower Body
Chytil #72 - F-Nov01.24 -IR-Out-Upper Body

Cracks in the New York Rangers Ice
NYR just might not be as focused on the Present as they should be. After having such a good week, and with a Bruin and a Panther on the horizon, NYR might be looking into the Future instead of playing in the Present.

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WINNIPEG JETS - Keep an Eye On
Scheifele #55 -F-19G-40A-59 Pts-48.7% Faceoff %
Morrissey #44 -D- 8G-48A-56 Pts-8th overall Pts for D
Hellebuyck #37 -G- .922 Save % (1st) as well as in GAA with 2.31

Jets Key Injuries
Vilardi #13 F Feb28.24 DTD Upper Body

Cracks in the Winnipeg Jets Ice
The Jets will be focused on the Present, as well as motivated and disciplined at the outset of this game. Can they handle ALL the Big Bodies in the New York Rangers line-up? Can they manage the NYR Grind and congestion, if only for one day?

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Analysis / MP Scouting Report
New York Rangers Record 45-19-4 = 94 pts
Winnipeg Jets Record 43-19-5 = 91 pts

NYR Goals For 228
Jets Goals For 210

NYR Goals Against 182
Jets Goals Against 157

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NYR Power Play 25.4%
Jets Power Play 19.3%

NYR Penalty Kill 83.4%
Jets Penalty Kill 78.0%

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NYR Penalty Minutes 593
Jets Penalty Minutes 541

NYR Team Faceoff 52.7%
Jets Team Faceoff 47.7%

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NYR Team Goals Against Average 2.68
Jets Team Goals Against Average 2.34

NYR Team Save % .914
Jets Team Save % .924

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My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch

The New York Rangers have fielded their Strongest and Deepest line-up in years. Their Quest for the Cup is real. It is June or Bust in New York.

The Winnipeg Jets have fielded their Most Well-Rounded, Disciplined line-up, that is actually listening to their Head Coach and following the Teams’ Defensive Structure. GM Cheveldayoff added a couple of players at the trade deadline, filling in those missing pieces. I have previously mentioned that the Jets upcoming schedule, from now until the end of the year, will also be their toughest part of the season. So, with 15-games remaining in Jets-Land, and in a serious battle in the Central Division, Winning Now, is Condition Critical for the Jets, to avoid that dreaded late-season collapse, like last year.

The Boys on “Spittin Chiclets” talked about the Jets being the “Biggest Frauds” out there. Well, like all things in life, Time Will Tell… It’s Time.

Offense: NYR
Defense: Jets
Special Teams: NYR

In my humble opinion, comparing and analyzing the data listed in my scouting report above, the stats say the New York Rangers should win this one, and my eye test also tells me, it’s a NYR W.

Pen’s Pick: NYR to Win.

Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes you must simply throw logic out the window and see the reality of it all.”
Marc Penner

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