Rangers Prepare for Key Matchup Against Lightning at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Rangers will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday evening at Madison Square Garden, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The Rangers, currently in the postseason hunt, have just five games remaining in the regular season, including two more home games and three on the road.

Key to the Rangers’ recent success is forward Artemi Panarin, who has accumulated points in 14 of his last 18 games, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists during that stretch. Since March 1, Panarin is tied for the eighth most points in the NHL with 23, and his performance has solidified his place among the team’s all-time greats. Panarin’s 30-goal milestone this season makes him the first Ranger since Jaromir Jagr (2005-07) to score 30 or more goals in consecutive seasons.

“I just try to play my game, and when the opportunity arises, I try to take advantage of it,” Panarin said. He is now halfway to being the only active undrafted player with 300 career goals, currently standing at 299 games played.

Meanwhile, J.T. Miller has made an impactful return to the Rangers with 26 points in 26 games since being acquired. His knack for multi-point games and high faceoff percentage (58.7) has helped to solidify the team’s forward lines. Since his NYR debut on February 1, Miller has been crucial with league-high multipoint games during his stint.

“It’s about finding chemistry, and with these guys, it just feels right,” Miller noted in reference to his recent contributions.

If faceoffs are a critical factor, Vincent Trocheck leads the league with a 59.5 faceoff percentage, proving pivotal for the Rangers in both offensive and defensive situations. Trocheck ranks second on the team in goals and points, showcasing a balance of skill and tenacity on the ice.

Defensively, Adam Fox has reached impressive milestones, recording 22 points in the last 23 games and joining a select group of defensemen with 300 career assists, tied for seventh in NHL history for fewest games played to reach that total. Fox’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

Will Cuylle, marking his presence with 12 points in his last 22 games, continues to impress, ranking fifth on the team in goals. His physical play is complemented by a high hit count, marking him as one of the team’s mainstay forwards this season.

Lastly, Chris Kreider is on the cusp of breaking a franchise record for power play goals, needing just one more to surpass Camille Henry‘s total of 116. With 20 goals this season, he remains a reliable scorer, proving essential in high-pressure situations.

The Rangers will aim to carry this momentum against the Lightning, as every game counts in their chase for the postseason.