It is almost time for the New York Rangers to come back together and restart the 2025-26 season. Team USA, with Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller representing the Blueshirts, advanced past the semifinal round with a relatively easy win over Slovakia, 6-2.
Let's go around the Rangers world and bring together some recent news, as well as a look at the Gold Medal game between Canada and the United States.
Rangers news and notes
Once the Rangers are back on the ice and the final 25-game sprint commences, there are a couple of players that have to really step up. The end of this season is not going to be a happy ending, as this team has accepted its fate as a lottery team and not a playoff hopeful.
The Olympic break is coming to an end, and the hope is that is was a time for multiple players to rest and reset. Noah Laba has been an entertaining watch thus far, and hopefully he can finish strong.
One player who won't be finishing strong is Matt Rempe, as he is undergoing another procedure due to his broken thumb not properly healing. The Rangers haven't officially rule him out for the remainder of the season, but there's no need to rush him back.
Both Trocheck and Miller have played their part for the United States squad, and it has all led up to one more game against their arch-rivals, Canada. This is going to be a very near rematch of the 4 Nations Face Off last season, but there is a possibility of Sidney Crosby not suiting up for this one.
If the end of this season goes as it is expected to go for the Rangers, there is a chance that this team could grab another first-overall pick. Ivar Stenberg and Gavin McKenna top the list of available future prospects for the upcoming draft, and both could be nice additions to the re-tool. Especially Stenberg, as he has lit the Swedish Hockey League on fire this season.
United States and Canada set for Sunday morning gold medal clash
Head coach Mike Sullivan and the United States squad face off against Canada in what will be an instant classic. Much like the 4 Nations Face-Off, these two teams have the best of the best on the ice, competing for a gold medal.
Trocheck has three assists during these Olympic Games, but Miller has yet to register a point. Miller has come close to contributing, but he's had some bad luck on his side.
This would be a great opportunity for both of these Blueshirts to help their home country secure a gold medal.