If the New York Rangers have any hope of making the playoffs, there point streak needs to continue. Their next opportunity comes in Tuesday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators.
The Rangers (22-20-4) recently extended their point streak to a season-high eight consecutive games (5-0-3). They now have 48 points, and sit three points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold currently the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
To get to a nine-game streak, the Blueshirts will have to go against the previously mentioned Senators (24-18-4). And when they do, they'll need to focus their efforts on team-leader Tim Stutzle.
Tim Stutzle
Most recently, Stutzle delivered an even-strength goal and a power-play assist in Saturday's 6-5 shootout win over the Bruins. He also currently holds the team-high of 45 points, combined from 15 goals and 30 assists (+6).
The Germany native was chosen by the Ottawa Senators with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Aside from league play, the 23-year-old spent his developmental years playing forward in his native Germany and debuted with Mannheim in Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the country's top professional league, in 2019-20. While he was at one point verbally committed to play at the University of New Hampshire, he opted to remain in Germany.
As captain for Germany at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, Stutzle led his country to the playoff round for the first time. He scored 10 points (five goals, five assists) in five games and was named the tournament's best forward.
During his rookie season in Ottawa — he scored 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 53 games, fifth among NHL rookies. He scored his first NHL goal in a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 16, 2021, was named NHL Rookie of the Month for February after scoring 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 14 games.
How to Tune In
The Rangers are back at home at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST against Ottawa and the matchup is available for livestreaming via ESPN+. Be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.