The two things to watch and listen to in the New York Rangers' finale

The finale has arrived: the New York Rangers play their final game of the 2024-25 NHL season on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. For the Blueshirts, it's the end of one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

For Game 82, there's no point in talking about what everyone in the hockey world already knows. Rather, everyone should focus on Sam Rosen, who will be calling his final game for the New York Rangers.

For 40 years, Rosen has given Rangers fans not only calls, but moments, that will last a lifetime. From his infamous call when New York won the Stanley Cup in 1994 to the over 2,400 times he said "it's a power play goal," the announcer has cemented himself at the heart of Rangers lore.

One last time, Rangers fans have the opportunity to listen to the Hall of Famer call the Blueshirts.

No. 20's goodbye?

On the ice, the biggest thing to follow in this game is Chris Kreider, who is possibly playing his final game as a New York Ranger. After making his debut in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kreider became a household name for the past decade.

There's no doubt that Kreider's performance this season was not good, but don't let that take away his place in Rangers history. Kreider is third all-time in goals with 325 and tied for first in power play goals with 116. He had the second-most goals for a Ranger in a single-season, only behind Jaromir Jagr, in the 2022-23 season.

Kreider's impact on the Rangers goes beyond his stats on the ice. It's the leadership, the emotion and everything else he gave throughout his time in New York. Think about his natural hat trick in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina had all the momentum and was one period away from forcing a Game Seven, but Kreider scored three straight goals and New York advanced.

It's moments like these that should be remembered.

On April 15, the Islanders sent off Matt Martin with the tribute below. For all that Kreider has done for New York, the Blueshirts should do something the same.

Kreider's number 20 should be in the Madison Square Garden rafters in a few years and he deserves it. Whether it's the stats that prove it, the status he had throughout his time in New York or the iconic moments he delivered year-after-year. He's a legend.

The Rangers are probably saying goodbye to two key pieces of their franchise and it's history. Just sit back and watch the finale unfold.