With the New York Rangers coming off of a 3-2 overtime win against New Jersey, the time to build momentum for the Blueshirts is now.
In the heart of the Las Vegas Strip at T-Mobile Arena, the Rangers will take on the Golden Knights for the first time this year. Las Vegas has an 8-4-0 record versus the Rangers all time. And while the Rangers are coming off a win, the Golden Knights aren't — most recently losing in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Islanders.
Record wise, Las Vegas has the leg up with a 28-10-3 overall record, compared to the Rangers' 19-20-2. The Golden Knight's record is also currently the best in the league.
For Blueshirt player updates — it appears Chris Kreider will able to return to the ice following injury, as he was the first player on the roster on the ice during Saturday's morning skate. Additionally, forward Bo Broulx will make his debut with the Rangers should he see action.
Player updates, records and recent matchups aside, the Rangers will have to shut down Jack Eichel if they hope to win.
Jack Eichel
For the Jan. 11th matchup, Eichel is obviously the player to watch in Sin City. He is currently the team-leader, boasting 53 points so far this season. Of those 53 points, 11 were goals and 42 were assists (+25). This puts him on pace for one of the best seasons of his career thus far.
This points him at No. 8 in the leading NHL player skating stats for 2024-25.
The Massachusetts native was traded to the Golden Knights on Nov. 4, 2021.
Eichel has been a historic player for the league. His first trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs ended with NHL-highs in assists (20) and points (26) and lifting the Cup after the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Those 26 points were the third-highest total in NHL history by a player making his first trip to the postseason.
Prior to joining the league, Eichel became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, voted the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey. He joined Hockey Hall of Fame forward Paul Kariya, who won it with Maine in 1993.
How to Tune In
Due to Vegas time, puck drop for the Saturday night game is slated for 10 p.m. EST. The matchup will be available for streaming via ESPN+ and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.