Welcome to 2024! In the first game of the year for the New York Rangers, they will be facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blueshirts recently dominated the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 5-1 victory. As for the Carolina Hurricanes, they are on a 3-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. Who will maintain their winning streak in this divisional matchup between the two teams?
Records
New York Rangers 25-9-1
Carolina Hurricanes 20-13-4
Venue
The New York Rangers will be the home team in this matchup. So, this game will take place in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden which is located in New York, NY.
Projected Lineup
Offense:
Kreider – Zibanejad – Wheeler
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafrenière
Cuylle – Bonino – Brodzinski
Vesey – Goodrow – Pitlick
Defense:
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider
Goaltender:
Igor Shesterkin
Injuries
New York Rangers Injuries
Filip Chytil – Concussion/Upper Body – OUT (On LTIR)
Kaapo Kakko – Knee/Lower Body – OUT (On LTIR)
Carolina Hurricanes Injuries
Jesper Fast – Upper Body – Out (Likely to return JAN 5th)
Frederik Andersen – Illness – OUT (On IR)
Prediction: New York Rangers 4 – Carolina Hurricanes 2
This is an important game as the Metropolitan Division is a really tough division and every win matters to get a playoff spot. However, the Rangers are overall the better team and should take care of business against the Carolina Hurricanes.
- Rangers head coach could be on thin ice amidst team’s struggles
- Rangers could be preparing to trade away young star winger after lineup change
- Rangers’ puzzling roster change should put head coach on the hot seat
3 Stars of the Game Prediction
1. Artemi Panarin
2. Jimmy Vesey
3. Vincent Trocheck
Where can you watch the game?
The New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes game will air on MSG and ESPN+. Keep in mind that the game will be starting at 7:00 p.m. EST.
