In the New York Ranger's last game, plenty of changes were made in order to try and put the Blueshirts back in the win column. Although it didn't work out, roster modifications are continuing to be made on Dec. 17 to try and help the rangers claim victory in Music City.
Rangers (15-14-1) veterans Mika Zibanejad saw diminished TOI and Kaapo Kakko was a healthy scratch in Sunday's 3-2 loss agains the St. Louis Blues. In a Tuesday night matchup, Rangers fans will witness changes continuing to be made in hopes of securing a win. They key lineup change to look out for on Tuesday — defenseman Urho Vaakanainen will make his debut playing for New York.
Vaakanainen was received by the Rangers when they traded captain Jacob Trouba. He becomes only the seventh Finnish defenseman to play for the Rangers and will wear No, 18, last worn by Riley Nash.
Records wise, going into the game the Rangers have the Predators beat. The New York Rangers currently hold a record of 15-14-1 overall and are 3-7-0 in their last 10 matchups. Nashville is 1-6-3 in their last 10 games and has an overall record of 8-17-6.
As previously mentioned, the Rangers most recent matchup was a 3-2 road loss against Buffalo. The Predators are also coming off a loss of their own; they lost 5-2 against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Roster changes, records and recent matchups aside, Filip Forsberg is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Dec. 17 matchup.
Filip Forsberg
Nashville's Roman Josi was voted the winner of the 2020 Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL after scoring 65 points (16 goals, 49 assists) in 69 games. However, with him out due to injury and not expected on ice against the Rangers, that leaves Forsberg as the player to watch
Forsberg is second in team points only to Josi. The alternate captain has 20 points so far for the 2024-25 campaign, including 11 assists and a team-high nine goals.
The Sweden native joined the Predators following the end of the Swedish Hockey League season, making his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings on April 14, 2013. He got his first NHL point, an assist, nine days later against the Calgary Flames.
Most recently, Forsberg passed David Legwand as the leading goal scorer in Predators history with goal No. 211 in a 6-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 19, 2022. He has since signed an eight-year, $68 million contract on July 11, coming off a 42-goal and 84-point season, and became the third player to reach 500 points for Nashville (Josi, Legwand) with a hat trick in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 31.
How to Tune In
After play against Nashville, the Rangers will play 11 of their next 12 games against opposition currently in playoff position.
A victory against Nashville would really give the Blueshirts the boost they need going into this tough stretch.
Puck drop for the Predators hosting the Rangers is slated for 8:00 p.m. EST, tonight — Tuesday, Dec. 17. The game will be streamed via Fubo and ESPN+. Be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.