Game #19: New York Rangers vs Edmonton Oilers Open Thread

After a poor showing in Calgary that spelled the end of the Blueshirts three-game winning streak on Thursday, Peter Laviolette's squad is set to cap off the this Western Conference road trip in a matchup with the Edmonton Oilers.

Coached by former Hartford Wolfpack head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers made the unusual move of plucking Knoblauch out of the Rangers organization early last season for a head coaching change. However unusual the move may have been, the results cant be argued with as Edmonton rallies from being bad enough that firing its coach was necessary to losing a heartbreaking seventh game in the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers have been unremarkable in the early goings of 2024-25, sporting a 10-9-2 record at the quarter mark of their season, but the guys in copper and blue are always dangerous with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lurking.

Player to Watch: Kaapo Kakko

With Jonny Brodzinski not being an ideal third line center, Peter Laviolette opted to experiment with Kakko in that position late in Thursday night's defeat. Kakko found himself centering Will Cuylle and Jimmy Vesey by the time the game against Calgary was over, so perhaps Laviolette gives that trio an extended look. Keep an eye on Kakko as the Rangers look to end this road trip on a high note, with a potential 3-1-0 record looking much prettier than a 2-2-0 mark.

Enjoy the game!