After three straight games on the road, the New York Rangers will finally play at Madison Square Garden on Saturday for the first time since Jan. 9th.
The Rangers are 5-1-2 since January 1 and have now recorded at least a point in each of their last six games (4-0-2), collecting 10 out of a possible 12 points since a 7-4 loss against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 4. Hopefully, the Blueshirts can keep this momentum going in their rapidly upcoming matchup against the Columbus Blue Shirts (22-17-6).
With that being said, Zach Werenski is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Jan. 18 matchup.
Zach Werenski
Werenski is a 27-year old defenseman from Michigan. Coming in at 6'2", 211 pounds he is also currently the team-leader for Columbus. Across 45 games played, he's tallied 51 points with 15 goals and 36 assists. With his previously mentioned 15 goals, he would be the second-leading scorer on the Rangers roster as of publication.
Teammate Kirill Marchenko comes in just behind him with 49 points.
The Grosse Point native was drafted by the Blue Jackets as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
He started the 2016-17 season with the Blue Jackets and made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 13, 2016 and got an assist for his first NHL point. Werenski scored his first NHL goal in his second game two days later, against the San Jose Sharks in Columbus. Most notably during his rookie season — finished third that season for the Calder Trophy (awarded to the NHL's top rookie) after scoring 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists) in 78 games.
Werenski has played twice in NHL All-Star Game, both in 2018 and 2022.
On the international stage, Werenski represented the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championship twice and was team captain when it finished third in 2016. Also prior to entering the league, he scored 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 35 games as a freshman with the University of Michigan
How to Tune In
Puck drop at MSG for the Rangers hosting Columbus is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST. The matchup will be available for livestreaming via ESPN+ and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.