Rangers Seek Statement Win Before 4 Nations Break

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers face the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in their final game before the 4 Nations Break, capping off a back-to-back set at Madison Square Garden (7:00 PM ET – TV: MSG Network – Radio: ESPN 1050 AM). The Rangers look to build momentum ahead of the break after a mixed start to February.

Artemi Panarin leads the charge for the Rangers, with points in three of his last four games (2G-3A) and seven points in his last six games (3G-4A). Panarin is three points shy of becoming the eighth player in Rangers history with at least four consecutive 60-point seasons. J.T. Miller, back in Manhattan after being re-acquired, has recorded four points (2G-2A) in his first four games, showcasing his versatility with 10 points (3G-7A) in his last 10 games.

Adam Fox continues his impressive streak, with points in seven of his last eight games (2G-5A) and his sixth consecutive 40-point season, tying Brian Leetch’s franchise record for defensemen. Vincent Trocheck ranks tied for first in the NHL in faceoff percentage (60.7) and third in faceoff wins (640), while Mika Zibanejad, fresh from his 900th career NHL game, has six points in his last four games (1G-5A) and is one goal away from tying Brian Leetch for the 10th most goals in franchise history.

Igor Shesterkin, a cornerstone in net, is 7-4-1 in his last 12 starts with two shutouts and has allowed two or fewer goals in 16 of his 18 wins this season. Chris Kreider, meanwhile, is one power play goal away from tying Camille Henry for the most in franchise history, while also ranking second in Rangers history with 50 career game-winning goals.

The Rangers, sitting at 26-24-4, aim to secure a crucial win before the break as they jostle for playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference.