For the first time since mid-November, the New York Rangers have a two-game winning streak. The Blueshirts put together strong games against good opponents in the New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights, and in both were able to get two points.
New York looks to keep it rolling tonight against yet another quality opponent in the Colorado Avalanche. Just like Vegas and New Jersey, the Avs are one of the top offensive teams in the NHL; they are currently averaging 3.32 goals per game and some games it feels like they score at will. In the past ten games, Colorado is 7-2-1.
Moreover, the Avalanche have the NHL's leading scorer in Nathan MacKinnon, who has 68 points (15G, 53A) this season, along with Mikko Rantanen, who is fourth in the league with 60 points. Colorado's offense is led by these two stars and the Rangers need to contain them.
Here's three Rangers to watch tonight as they look to make it three straight wins.
1. Mika Zibanejad
He's been the center of a lot of criticism this season and most of it is justified. But, Mika Zibanejad is off to a good start in 2025. Currently, No. 93 has a six-game point streak (2 G, 4 A) and has yet to post a scoreless game in the new year.
Zibanejad's performance goes beyond the stats. He's been noticeable in a lot of games recently, and Saturday night against Vegas he created chances and skated well.
It's obvious that when Zibanejad is performing like an elite-level, or even above-average, the Rangers are a much, much, much better team.
2. Will Borgen
Ever since coming over from Seattle in the Kaapo Kakko trade, Borgen has been a fine addition to the Rangers. He's provided defensive stability and has been able to minimize the defensive mistakes that plagued the Rangers for a lot of this season.
Borgen has at least a +1 rating in three out of his past four games while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time. Against Colorado, another strong performance would go a long way.
3. Vincent Trocheck
I'll go on record saying this - Vincent Trocheck should be the favorite to be the next captain of the New York Rangers. With Jacob Trouba's midseason departure, the Blueshirts are looking for a new captain, and Trocheck embodies all the qualities necessary.
Ever since coming over from Carolina during the 2023 offseason, Trocheck has been at the center of the Rangers' leadership core. Win or loss, he is one of the first to speak, be on camera and address the narrative surrounding the team.
Recently, Trocheck has played some of his best hockey of the 2024-2025 season. He has a four-game point streak, tallying three goals and three assists. On Saturday in Vegas, he scored the game-tying goal, and New York went on to eventually take the lead.
Trocheck's goal against Vegas embodies a captain mentality. He takes a hard shot to the mid-section from Mika Zibanejad, immediately looks down, sees the puck at his feet and tucks it home. He was in pain after - and later returned to the bench and played a total 21:34 - and the game changed after this moment.
Over and over again, if leadership is a question surrounding the Rangers, look no further than Trocheck to bring the right mentality.