Game #36: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers Open Thread

It’s been awhile, but the Blueshirts are set to return to action tonight. Residents of Rangerstown haven’t had the opportunity to see their team since last year, but that all changes tonight as the Rangers look to defend home ice against Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and the rest of the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

After ending 2023 with games against Washington, Florida, and Tampa Bay, Carolina marks the latest opponent stemming from the old Southeast Division that existed prior to realignment. With both New York and Carolina occupying the modern day Metropolitan Division, tonight’s game is one the Rangers would like a little bit more than others in the hopes of padding their division lead and not let the Hurricanes, who are currently in 2nd place in the division, gain ground.

Player to Watch: Vincent Trocheck

As the only former Hurricane player on New York’s roster, Trocheck will be someone to keep an eye on tonight. After falling to the Blueshirts in the divisional finals in 2022, Trocheck left Carolina and arrived in New York to bolster the team’s center depth. Trocheck has had a successful Broadway stint through his first year and a half with the team, so watch for him to play with a little bit of pep in his step with the revenge game angle in play.

Enjoy the game!