Optimistic Red Wings see 'opportunity' in matchup with Wild The Detroit Red Wings are inching closer to a 10th consecutive season without a playoff berth, following a disheartening loss to the New York Rangers. The team’s struggles continued as they fell to the Rangers 4-1, with Gabe Perreault netting his first NHL hat trick for New York. The Red Wings, who had hoped to rebound from a recent slump, couldn’t find the back of the net until the final minute of the game, when David Perron broke the shutout with his first goal since joining the team via trade from the Ottawa Senators. The Red Wings’ recent performance has been lackluster, with three losses in their last four games and eight of their last 12 contests. Their record in that span is 4-7-1, leaving them in a precarious position as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Captain Dylan Larkin acknowledged the team’s need to refocus, stating, “We have to forget about this one quick and get ready for Minnesota. That’s the focus for me right now and for our group. We talked about it after the game, and we have to move on and go get points against Minnesota.” Forward Lucas Raymond echoed Larkin’s sentiment, emphasizing the team’s determination despite their current standing. “We would have loved to be in a playoff spot, but that isn’t the case,” Raymond said. “At the same time, we’re tied in points with the team that is in the spot, so we have a good opportunity here. We have games left to really do something special with this team. We have a lot of faith in ourselves and our team. It’s just about going out there and getting it done.” The Red Wings’ situation is further complicated by their four-way tie for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, shared with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers.#new_york_rangers #detroit_red_wings #ottawa_senators #gabriel_perreault #david_perron

Blackhawks vs Rangers Prediction and NHL Game Analysis The New York Rangers aim to end their six-game losing streak as they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, March 27, 2026. The matchup is expected to be a key test for both teams, with the Blackhawks looking to capitalize on their recent offensive momentum. Analysts predict that Chicago’s rookie Anton Frondell will continue his strong performance, recording a point for the third consecutive game. Frondell, the third overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, has already made an impact in the league. Playing alongside superstar Connor Bedard on the top line and the first power-play unit, he has contributed a point in each of his last two contests. His recent success is highlighted by six shots on goal in just two games, alongside two assists. The Rangers, meanwhile, have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 4.0 goals per game during their current six-game losing skid. This vulnerability could create opportunities for the Blackhawks’ young forward. The game’s betting odds reflect the teams’ current form. The Blackhawks are listed at +150 on the moneyline, while the Rangers are favored at -180. Puck line bets favor the Rangers by 1.5 goals at -140, but the Blackhawks are also available at +170 for a 1.5-goal underdog. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5, with the over priced at +110 and the under at -130. Analysts suggest that the Blackhawks’ offensive firepower, particularly the Bedard-Frondell duo, could be decisive. Bedard has found the scoresheet in seven of his last 10 games, tallying five goals and five assists. Frondell’s ability to generate shots and create scoring chances—six attempts with six on goal—adds to the Blackhawks’ threat.#new_york_rangers #madison_square_garden #chicago_blackhawks #connor_bedard #anton_frondell

Head Coach Jeff Blashill on Facing Rangers Head Coach Jeff Blashill emphasized the importance of team growth as the Chicago Blackhawks prepare for their matchup against the New York Rangers. Speaking ahead of the game, Blashill highlighted the need for the team to continue developing as a unit, stating, “Make sure that we grow as a group.” His comments reflect the coaching staff’s focus on maintaining player confidence and cohesion during the critical phase of the season. Blashill also addressed the challenges of facing the Rangers, noting the importance of staying true to the team’s identity. “Just got to go be who you are,” he said, underscoring the need for consistency in their approach. The coach acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining momentum, particularly after recent setbacks, including a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. “Another couple tough errors,” he remarked, pointing to defensive lapses that cost the team crucial points. The Blackhawks’ players also shared their perspectives on recent games. Connor Bedard, who scored his 30th goal of the season against the Flyers, reflected on the intensity of the matchup. “They played more intense than us,” he said, highlighting the need for the team to elevate their effort in high-stakes games. Meanwhile, rookie forward Anton Frondell, who earned his first NHL point in a game against the Islanders, described the experience as “still feels like a dream,” emphasizing the emotional impact of his debut. The team’s performance in recent games has been a mix of moments of brilliance and lapses in execution. Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks’ goaltender, made several key saves, including a sprawling stop on Cam York, which helped preserve a lead.#new_york_rangers #chicago_blackhawks #connor_bedard #anton_frondell #head_coach_jeff_blashill

Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Sabres Can Take Over 1st in East The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with 23 days remaining and playoff races intensifying. The top three teams in each division and the next two highest finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. Key matchups and standings shifts are shaping the playoff picture, with several teams vying for crucial positions. Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins are set to clash in a pivotal game, with the Sabres holding a chance to claim first place in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo, currently at 44-20-7, is on a five-game point streak and has an NHL-best 12-1-1 record since returning from the 2026 Winter Olympic break. A win would propel them past the Carolina Hurricanes for the conference lead, while they remain two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins, at 39-24-8, are one point ahead of the Ottawa Senators for the first wild card spot in the East. Bruins forward David Pastrnak, who has 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 44 games against the Sabres, has never reached 50 points against a single team in the league. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers face a critical test against the Toronto Maple Leafs. A loss for the Rangers would eliminate them from playoff contention, as they trail the Maple Leafs by one game. The Maple Leafs, at 30-29-13, have won four of their past five games and are eighth in the Atlantic Division. Other developments include the Ottawa Senators moving into the second wild card spot in the East after a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Despite missing five defensemen due to injury, the Senators secured their fourth consecutive win, with Carter Yakemchuk and Brady Tkachuk each contributing a goal and assist.#new_york_rangers #boston_bruins #toronto_maple_leafs #buffalo_sabres #ottawa_senators

New York Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets Game Preview for March 22 The New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets are set to face off on March 22, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The matchup, scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States. The Rangers, with a record of 28-33-8, currently sit 16th in the Eastern Conference, earning 64 points in the regular season. The Jets, at 28-29-12, are positioned 12th in the Western Conference, holding 68 points. The game will feature a mix of returning players and key absences. Several key forwards and defensemen are listed as unavailable due to injuries. Noah Laba is out for the lower body, while Jonathan Quick is sidelined with an upper body injury and is expected to miss time. Urho Vaakanainen, Matthew Rempe, Colin Miller, Nino Niederreiter, and Vladislav Namestnikov are all out for lower body issues, with some potentially returning later in the season. The Rangers and Jets have both shown resilience in recent weeks, with the Jets maintaining a strong offensive presence and the Rangers relying on their veteran defense. The matchup will be closely watched as both teams aim to secure crucial points in their respective conferences. The article includes information on betting odds provided by BetMGM, though the exact details of the odds are not specified. Additionally, the piece notes that the watch guide was created using technology from Data Skrive, and that links for betting, ticketing, and streaming are provided by partners of The Athletic. The Athletic emphasizes its editorial independence, stating that partners have no control over the content or editing process. The article concludes with a section titled "Connections: Sports Edition," which poses a puzzle-like question about identifying patterns between sports terms.#new_york_rangers #madison_square_garden #the_athletic #espn_plus #winnipeg_jets

New York Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets: Lineups, Storylines as Blueshirts Aim to End Latest Slump The New York Rangers face a critical test as they attempt to break a four-game losing streak when they host the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. The game, scheduled for noon ET, marks the start of a back-to-back set at the arena, with the Ottawa Senators set to follow on Monday night. The Blueshirts are looking to rebound from a recent slump, having lost three of four games in a span of four days, including back-to-back 6-3 defeats to the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Rangers’ recent struggles contrast sharply with their earlier success, as they had gone 4-for-4 in their previous four games, including a 6-2 win over Winnipeg on March 12. However, the team’s momentum has since reversed, with the three losses coming by a combined score of 16-7. The most significant development in the past two days came when the Rangers recalled top goalie prospect Dylan Garand from the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. Garand joined Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick in practice on Saturday, though Quick left early due to an upper-body injury and is day to day. Coach Mike Sullivan hinted that Garand could make his NHL debut this week, emphasizing the goalie’s strong performance in the AHL. Garand, 23, has posted a .921 save percentage in his last 10 starts for Hartford, where he was selected for the AHL All-Star Classic in 2024-25. His recent form has been particularly impressive, as he led the Wolfpack to back-to-back road wins in Charlotte, allowing just four goals on 54 shots. Sullivan praised Garand’s consistency, stating, “He’s given those guys a chance to win, night in and night out, and he’s deserving.#new_york_rangers #madison_square_garden #winnipeg_jets #dylan_garand #mike_sullivan

Jets and Rangers Projected Lineups for Upcoming Game The Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers are set to face off in a matchup that features key players and notable absences. The game, scheduled for 12 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on MSG and TSN3. Both teams have released their projected lineups, with some adjustments due to injuries and recent roster changes. For the Jets, the projected starting lineup includes Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Alex Iafallo on the first line. Cole Perfetti, Adam Lowry, and Gabriel Vilardi form the second line, while Gustav Nyquist, Jonathan Toews, and Cole Koepke make up the third. Isak Rosen, Morgan Barron, and Brad Lambert round out the forward group. Defensemen Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo will pair with Dylan Samberg, Elias Salomonsson, Haydn Fleury, and Neal Pionk. Notable absences include scratched players Ville Heinola and Jacob Bryson, while injured forwards Nino Niederreiter, Colin Miller, and Vladislav Namestnikov are sidelined due to knee and lower-body injuries. The Rangers’ projected lineup features Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere on the top line. Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck, and Taylor Raddysh form the second line, with Tye Kartye, J.T. Miller, and Conor Sheary on the third. Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, and Jaroslav Chmelar will defend alongside Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox. Matthew Robertson, Braden Schneider, and Connor Mackey are among the other forwards, while Will Borgen joins the defense. Scratched players include Vincent Iorio, Juuso Parssinen, and Drew Fortescue, who was signed to a three-year entry-level contract after completing his junior season at Boston College. Goalie changes are minimal for the Jets, with Connor Hellebuyck expected to start after making 26 saves in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.#new_york_rangers #winnipeg_jets #kyle_connector #mark_scheifele #alex_iaffalo

Game Preview #68: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers The New Jersey Devils will open a five-game road trip tonight with a matchup against the New York Rangers in the second round of “The Battle of the Metro Basement.” Despite the Devils’ season appearing to be in decline, the rivalry with the Rangers remains a compelling fixture. The game will be broadcast on TNT and Devils Hockey Radio, with a start time of 7:00 pm EST. The Devils enter the contest with a record of 34-31-2, while the Rangers sit at 28-31-8. The Devils’ recent performance against the Boston Bruins on Monday night showcased their resilience. After the Bruins took an early 2-0 lead, the Devils staged a comeback, tying the game in the second period with goals from Connor Brown and Jesper Bratt. The teams traded goals in the third period, with Paul Cotter scoring the overtime winner to secure a 4-3 victory. Jacob Markstrom made his 8th start in the Devils’ last 9 games, continuing his role in net for the team. The Rangers’ last game also ended in a loss, this time 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. The Rangers have struggled defensively, allowing 34 goals in their last 8 games, but their offensive output remains strong. Igor Shesterkin started in net for the Rangers, marking his third consecutive appearance. The Kings took an early lead with a goal from Drew Doughty, and despite a late rally by the Rangers, Trevor Moore sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Injuries and lineup consistency have become major concerns for the Devils. The team’s current roster has remained largely unchanged, but the decision on netminder selection remains unclear. Coach Sheldon Keefe’s preference for Jacob Markstrom over Mackenzie Blackwood has raised questions, as the Devils’ playoff hopes seem increasingly distant.#new_york_rangers #new_jersey_devils #sheldon_keefe #jacob_markstrom #battle_of_the_metro_basement

New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers Game Preview The New Jersey Devils, with a record of 31-29-2, will face the New York Rangers, who have a record of 24-29-8, in a matchup set for 3:00 pm EST. The game will be broadcast on ABC and can be heard on the Devils Hockey Network. The Devils, currently positioned in the Eastern Conference standings, will look to capitalize on their recent momentum, while the Rangers aim to rebound from a challenging stretch of games. Both teams have shown resilience in key moments this season, with the Devils boasting a strong defensive presence and the Rangers relying on their offensive firepower. The contest promises to be a battle of styles, with the Devils’ depth in the forward lines and the Rangers’ experience in high-pressure situations shaping the outcome. Fans can expect a tightly contested game, as both teams seek to secure crucial points in their pursuit of playoff positioning.#new_york_rangers #new_jersey_devils #abc #devils_hockey_network #eastern_conference

Hudson River Rivalry Kicks Off with Devils vs. Rangers Clash The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers will finally meet for the first time this season in the opening game of the Hudson River Rivalry on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The matchup, set for 3:08 p.m. ET at Prudential Center, marks the first of three scheduled encounters between the teams over the next three-plus weeks. The Devils, with a record of 31-29-2, host the Rangers, who sit at 24-29-8, in a contest that promises high intensity and competitive energy. Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized that the Devils will stick with their current lineup, with Jacob Markstrom starting in net. Keefe made adjustments to the forward lines, moving Jesper Bratt to a trio with Lenni Hameenaho and Cody Glass. The coach explained that Bratt’s performance had been affected by overthinking, particularly when paired with Jack Hughes, who often took the lead. By placing Bratt with Glass and Hameenaho, Keefe aims to let Bratt focus on his game, attack the net more, and increase his shot attempts. The Devils, riding a three-game winning streak, are looking to build momentum as they approach the end of the regular season. While they remain outside the playoff picture, the recent success has kept their hopes alive. Keefe praised the team’s mindset since returning from the holiday break, noting that the players have been disciplined and focused. The rivalry with the Rangers, however, adds a unique challenge. Keefe acknowledged the unusual timing of the matchup, as the Devils have yet to face their fiercest rival this season. He expressed optimism that the series could keep the team motivated and fresh. The Rangers, under first-year coach Mike Sullivan, are in a “retool” phase as general manager Chris Drury aims to rebuild the roster.#new_york_rangers #new_jersey_devils #sheldon_keefe #chris_drury #hudson_river_rivalry

Calgary Flames Acquire Prospect Forward Brennan Othmann from New York Rangers The Calgary Flames have acquired forward Brennan Othmann from the New York Rangers in a trade finalized on Friday. According to reports from The Athletic, the Rangers received prospect Jacob Battaglia in exchange for Othmann. The deal marks a strategic move for both teams as they prepare for the remainder of the season and the upcoming trade deadline. Othmann, 23, has emerged as a key prospect for the Flames, having played 17 games for the Rangers this season and recorded a goal. His performance in the NHL has been complemented by strong play in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he has tallied eight goals and 16 points in 26 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack. The 6-foot winger is entering the final season of his three-year, entry-level contract, which carries a cap hit of $863,333. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Drafted 16th overall by the Rangers in 2021, Othmann has accumulated a goal and three points in 42 NHL games. His AHL career includes 41 goals and 85 points across 120 games, showcasing his offensive potential. The Pickering, Ont., native has also represented Canada internationally, earning gold medals at the World Juniors in 2022 and 2023. His combination of NHL experience and AHL production makes him a valuable addition to the Flames’ roster. The trade reflects the Flames’ efforts to bolster their depth and address specific needs. Othmann’s ability to contribute at both the NHL and AHL levels aligns with the team’s long-term goals. Meanwhile, the Rangers’ acquisition of Battaglia suggests a focus on developing younger talent while managing their cap space.#jacob_battaglia #new_york_rangers #calgary_flames #brennan_othmann #hartford_wolf_pack

Jacob Battaglia Traded to New York Rangers Jacob Battaglia was traded to the New York Rangers from the Calgary Flames on Friday in a deal that included Brennan Othmann, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic. The transaction marks a significant move for the 20-year-old forward, who has spent the majority of his professional career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) despite being selected by Calgary in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Battaglia, who has remained in the OHL rather than joining the Flames' junior team, has made an impact this season with the Flint Firebirds. In 22 appearances, he recorded 12 goals, four assists, and 14 penalty minutes. His performance has caught the attention of NHL teams, leading to his rights being transferred to the Rangers. The deal underscores the growing interest in Battaglia’s development as a prospect, with the Rangers looking to bolster their depth in the forward corps. The trade also involves Brennan Othmann, a player the Flames had previously acquired. Othmann’s inclusion in the deal highlights the Flames’ strategy to balance their roster while acquiring assets for their future. For Battaglia, the move to the Rangers represents a step toward NHL opportunities, though he will need to prove himself in the OHL before earning a spot in the NHL. Battaglia’s journey from the 2024 draft to this trade reflects the competitive nature of NHL prospect development. While many drafted players move directly to professional teams, Battaglia’s continued presence in the OHL demonstrates the importance of seasoning and performance in the junior league. His 12 goals and 14 PIM this season showcase his offensive potential and physicality, traits that could translate well to the NHL level.#jacob_battaglia #new_york_rangers #calgary_flames #brennan_othmann #flint_firebirds
NHL Rumour Roundup: Latest buzz on Myers, Trocheck, Bobrovsky and more One week before the NHL trade deadline, speculation about potential deals is intensifying across the league. With the Olympic break delaying roster decisions until earlier this week, teams have had time to evaluate their options and prepare for the final stretch of the season. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos outlined several names likely to be involved in trades, while NHL insiders like Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas provided deeper insights into the shifting dynamics of the league. The Vancouver Canucks remain active in trade discussions, with their focus centered on moving veteran defenseman Tyler Myers. After dealing star defender Quinn Hughes earlier this season, the team is open to trading multiple players, excluding young prospects and veteran defender Filip Hronek. Myers, 36, is entering the final year of his three-year, $9-million contract, with a modified no-move clause this season. Friedman noted that Myers’ trade protection expires on July 1, giving the Canucks more flexibility to move him now rather than waiting for the offseason. Despite rumors of a potential deal with Detroit, Myers’ agent has not confirmed any agreement, leaving other teams to consider him as a possible target. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues continue to be a focal point for trade interest, with their roster featuring high-value players like forwards Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn, as well as defensemen Justin Faulk and netminder Jordan Binnington. Friedman highlighted that the Blues’ asking prices remain steep, with Thomas’ value comparable to a Quinn Hughes-type deal. Kyrou’s price is likened to the Rasmus Andersson trade, which involved multiple assets.#florida_panthers #st_louis_blues #new_york_rangers #vancouver_canucks #edmonton_oilers