Rangers Look to End Season on High Note Against Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. – The New York Rangers will face off against the Florida Panthers tonight at 7 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in their penultimate game of the season, following their recent elimination from playoff contention.

The Rangers, with a record of 37-36-7, are suffering through a disappointing season and will look to avoid being swept by the Panthers after a challenging prior matchup in the Eastern Conference Final last spring. The Panthers are 47-29-4 and are firmly in the playoff picture, fighting for a favorable seed.

As the Rangers prepare for tonight’s game, they have made several modifications to their lineup. Notably, defenseman Matthew Robertson is set to make his NHL debut after being recalled from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Braden Schneider, who has an upper-body injury, will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

According to coach Peter Laviolette, forwards Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault will also return to the lineup, while veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick is expected to start against Florida. Othmann’s return is notable as he looks to make an impact in the final games of the season.

“We want to finish strong,” Quick said. “Tonight’s game is important for building momentum and showing our capabilities.”

Florida will have its own roster updates, with Sam Bennett and Dmitry Kulikov returning to action after stints on the injured list. Bennett missed four games with an upper-body injury, while Kulikov had been sidelined since March 16. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Bennett’s readiness, emphasizing the player’s eagerness to get back on the ice.

“He is 100 percent and ready to play,” Maurice said. “He feels playing is better for him right now.”

The Panthers are looking to maintain their positive momentum as they head towards the postseason, having recently won three consecutive games after a slump. However, they will be without suspended defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who is currently serving a 20-game ban.

While the Rangers are playing for pride, the Panthers are motivated to finish the regular season strong and secure a good playoff position. They currently trail the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division but could move up depending on the outcome of these final games.

The rivalry between these two teams, reignited in last season’s playoffs, adds extra weight to tonight’s match. The Rangers aim to close out the season with a few victories, which would mark their fourth consecutive season with 20 or more road wins, a franchise record.

As the Rangers skate on the ice this evening, the pressure is on to leave their mark in what has been a turbulent season.