After two straight dominating losses, the New York Rangers have been dominating the NHL world today. Reports show that there is unrest in the organization, mainly upon the Rangers core that has failed to get the job done. Notable players - such as Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba - are on the trading block.
While a lot of this is purely speculation, what is not is that the Rangers need to find a spark right now. The Blueshirts were nearly lifeless in their losses to the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. But, they return to action tonight at Madison Square Garden against the St. Louis Blues.
St. Louis also had a major shakeup this week, firing head coach Drew Bannister to bring in former Bruins benchman Jim Montgomery. Montgomery led Boston to the best regular season record in NHL history. The Blues are 9-12-1 and also are looking to see positive changes in their play, and tonight is Montgomery's first game behind the bench.
Here's three Rangers to watch tonight as bigger-picture issues are apparent
1. Artemi Panarin
Panarin had the only two Rangers goals on Saturday night against Edmonton, and moreover, was one of the only New York players showing signs of life. For years now, he has been the best forward New York has to offer, and to get the Rangers out of this slump, he needs to continue his good play.
Saturday was positive for Panarin in that it broke his two-game scoreless streak. Panarin has been held scoreless three times this season and when he plays well, the Rangers are much, much better.
2. K'Andre Miller
It's hard to sugarcoat it, but Miller has been bad. He's been caught out of position multiple times and has failed to make the same impact that New York fans became accustomed to. Moreover, his contract expires at the end of the season.
If the 24-year-old is not able to improve his play, we might be witnessing his last year as a Ranger.
3. Brett Berard and Matt Rempe
As Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette looks for energy, New York called up both Brett Berard and Matt Rempe to play against St. Louis tonight.
UPDATE: Matt Rempe has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack.
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) November 25, 2024
We all know what Rempe gives, and though it might be limited time he is sure to have energy. Berard, on the other hand, will be making his NHL debut tonight. He's known for always having his feet moving and being around the net. He'll be replacing Kreider - who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury - on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Will Cuylle.
Berard, along with Cuylle, could help get Zibanejad going.