Game #25: Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers Open Thread

It's been an eventful Friday in Rangerstown to say the least.

After three days off following a stretch of five games in eight days, the Blueshirts will continue their ongoing home stand with yet another Metropolitan Division clash. Monday's effort (if we'd even like to call it that) dropped Peter Laviolette's squad to 1-6-0 in its last seven games, and tonight represents an opportunity for a get right game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tonight also represents the beginning of the post-Jacob Trouba era in New York. Word emerged earlier today that Trouba would be held out of this game for "roster management" purposes, signaling that his time on Broadway was nearing its end. Whether via trade or waivers was to be determined, and the determination was made earlier today when Trouba was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks. The team is spiraling, the captain was just traded to the other side of the country, and it'll be on the veteran leader still around to right the ship moving forward.

Player to Watch: Vincent Trocheck

A Pittsburgh native, there was some surprise on Wednesday when Trocheck was named as a member of Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Trocheck had a career years on 2023-24 to the tune of 77 points in 82 regular season games and 20 points in 16 playoff contests, but has struggled mightily through the first two months of this season. Currently on pace for 41 points, Trocheck's struggles have flown under the radar amidst the well-documented issues facing Mika Zibanejad, but Trocheck needs to turn things around as well. Keep an eye on him tonight to see if No. 16 in blue has any extra pep in his step.

Enjoy the game!