The New York Rangers are dead last in the Metro Division, going from the conference finals last year to the bottom of the barrel. They are currently en route to one of — if not the — most disappointing season in franchise history. Before we look at the three things to watch for in the Blueshirts' final game of the calendar year, here's how to watch the epic matchup against the Florida Panthers.
- Date: 12/30/24
- Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena
- Betting Odds: New York Rangers: +1.5 (-150)
Moneyline: +172
Florida Panthers: -1.5 (+122)
Moneyline: -210
Over: 5.5 (-142)
Under: 5.5 (+116) - Live Streaming:
The game will be available for livestreaming via Sling TV.
1. Mika Zibanejad not being on PPI
Mika Zibanejad's disappointing season has hit a new low. As proven in Sunday's press conference, it has been noted that the Swedish center was replaced by Alexis Lafreniere on the New York Rangers top power play unit.
Zibanejad on whether he's disappointed to be taken off the Rangers' PP1 unit.
“I don’t think there’s time for that right now. This has nothing to do with me personally or something that I’m going to make about myself. We’re not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourself…It’s a different opportunity, it’s another opportunity for that unit with Laffy coming up — and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I’m playing on and we go from there.”
2. The Breadman
Artemi Panarin has thrived playing against the Panthers in his career. In 21 games, the Breadman has 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists). Of course, that doesn’t include a quiet conference final, when he had four points in six games, including his lone goal late in Game 6.
Perhaps playing the Panthers in a regular-season game will reignite Panarin, who’s among a long list of struggling Rangers. His most recent goal against the Lightning on Saturday was Panarin’s first in eight games.
3. How Long will it take for Florida to Score?
The Panthers have not scored a goal in 120:31, since a Sam Reinhart empty-netter against the Lightning on Dec. 22. That’s a pretty sizeable funk for the sixth-highest scoring team (3.35 goals per game) in the League.
Of course, the Panthers still remain tied for first in the Atlantic Division, have lost more than two games in a row just once this season and — as you may have heard — are the defending Stanley Cup champions.