Bantering Points: 2/5/24

Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

Peter Botte reports that Ryan Lindgren is expected to return to the lineup tonight after missing the final game before the All-Star break (NY Post)

Vincent Mercogliano points to a bounce back second half from Igor Shesterkin as they key for a successful stretch run out of the Rangers (LoHud)

Sam Henes hands out midseason grades as the Blueshirts get set to kick off the second half of the season (The Hockey Writers)

Jesse Courville-Lynch lists three moves the Rangers can make ahead of the trade deadline even as some bigger names are now off the board (The Hockey Writers)

Around the NHL:

The Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to a two year, $1.6 million contract with forward Jesse Puljujarvi (ESPN)

The Calgary Flames claimed defenseman Brayden Pachal off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights (TSN)