Bantering Points: 2/8/25

Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

Highlights: PIT 3, NYR 2 (5:03 video via NHL.com)

Game Recap: No Crosby, no Malkin, no problem for the Penguins as the Rangers put forth one of their worst efforts of the seasons in dropping a critical game against Pittsburgh's "B" team (CBS Sports)

Dan Martin notes that after playing well in his first game action in over a month, Zac Jones was not able to carry that strong play over into Friday night (NY Post)

Sean Farrell offers his takeaways from New York's disappointing defeat against Pittsburgh (LoHud)

Brian Abate calls on Alexis Lafreniere and Cuylle as two forward in need of a scoring outburst to get the Rangers going (The Hockey Writers)

Remy Mastey credits Jonny Brodzinski for filling in nicely as the Blueshirts' third line center since J.T. Miller's arrival (The Hockey News)

Around the NHL:

The Nashville Predators acquired defenseman Mark Friedman from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for future considerations (TSN)

With zero players participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals will get a lengthy opportunity to rest over the upcoming break (ESPN)

The NHL trade deadline is officially less than one month, and the key names to be moved are beginning to come into focus (Sportsnet)