Rangers vs. Hurricanes: 3 things to watch for in rivalry game
The re-energized New York Rangers look to win consecutive games for the first time since a three-game winning streak Nov. 14-19, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in a Sunday matinee at Madison Square Garden.
Yes, it’s been a month since they’ve won consecutive games. But the Rangers are feeling better after a 3-1 win against the Dallas Stars on Friday, even if they are 4-11-0 in their past 15 games.
These final two games before the NHL holiday break — including a road matinee against the New Jersey Devils on Monday — afford the Rangers (16-15-1) the opportunity to flip the negative narrative and spin into an optimistic one.
But to even think that way, the Rangers must follow up a largely solid performance with an even better one Sunday. They can start by cutting down on the shots against, after allowing 42 against the Stars, and penalties, they were short-handed seven times Friday. But a similar compete level will go a long-way against the hard-working Hurricanes, who are eight points ahead of the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division standings.
Related: Why it’s time for Rangers to scratch Mika Zibanejad
3 things to watch for when Rangers host Hurricanes
1. Follow the leader
We’ve said this before, but Vincent Trocheck is really stepping to the forefront as a leader since the trade two weeks ago of captain Jacob Trouba. Trocheck has always been a hard-working, lead-by-example player on the ice, not to mention an extremely productive one. But since the trade, he has emerged as the front-facing vocal leader with the media.
Not that the Rangers are in any rush to name a new captain, but Trocheck checks off a lot of boxes for that role.
The Rangers would do well to continue following his lead on the ice, too. The 31-year-old center scored the game-winning goal against the Stars and assisted on Chris Kreider’s empty-netter to ice the victory. He was plus-3, led the Rangers with five shots on goal, had five hits and blocked three shots. He also logged 23:26 TOI, by far the most among New York’s forwards.
Trocheck did it all Friday, and does it all on a nightly basis. The rest of the lineup would do well to fall in line behind him.
2. Remaining physical
The Hurricanes can grind you down if you let them. So, the Rangers need to initiate the physical play, not be the recipient of it. In other words, continue to do what they’ve done recently in that aspect of the game.
Since Dec. 9, the Rangers have been credited with 201 hits, most in the NHL. They out-hit the Stars 28-13 and their physical play was a big part of the win. The Rangers have 25 or more hits in six straight games, including 33 or more four times.
Matt Rempe provided a jolt in his lineup return Friday, but won’t play against the Hurricanes. He’s instead facing a likely suspension for elbowing Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen. But that can’t slow the Rangers down. Playing a smart. physical game is paramount Sunday.
3. Good timing
Lost in the concern over how poorly the Rangers played the past month is that the Hurricanes haven’t been much better. The top two teams in the Metropolitan Division last season have each had their own issues recently.
The Hurricanes (20-11-1) have a much better overall record, and are just six points behind the first-place Devils, with four games in hand. But they’re just 4-6-1 since Nov. 29, including a 3-1 loss at the Washington Capitals on Friday. Their offense has tailed off with a drop in power-play production, too. Carolina is just 1 for its past 13 on the power play in the past five games.
The Rangers lost 4-3 in Carolina the night before Thanksgiving. Maybe the timing is better Sunday to catch the Hurricanes during a downturn in their play.
New York Rangers projected lineup
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Kreider – Chytil – Cuylle
Berard – Zibanejad – Smith
Edstrom – Carrick – Vesey
Lindgren – Fox
Schneider – Borgen
Vaakanainen – Ruhwedel
Shesterkin
Quick
Rangers vs. Hurricanes: When, where, what time, how to watch
Who: New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
When: Sunday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden
How to watch: MSG
Click here for New York Rangers complete 2024-25 schedule and game results
More About:New York Rangers News
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