Game #39: New York Rangers vs Chicago Blackhawks Open Thread

For the second time in a tick more than 24 hours, the Rangers will take the ice in their latest attempt to turn the season around. Saturday's drubbing at the hands of the Washington Capitals will need to be flushed quickly as Peter Laviolette's squad is back in action this afternoon. The United Center in Chicago is the site for an Original Six matchup between the Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks as two of the NHL's bottom feeders clash on national television.

The last time the Rangers and Blackhawks clashed, the then-32nd place Blackhawks came into Madison Square Garden and earned a 2-1 victory to send the home fans out of the building without anything to cheer about. Chicago rose out of dead last following that victory, but once again finds itself in 32nd place as the Rangers come to town. Some might say putting the 2024-25 Rangers on national TV on back-to-back days constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Some might be correct, but you're here to watch anyway.

Player to Watch: Louis Domingue

With Igor Shesterkin placed on injured reserve and out for the time being, Jonathan Quick has ascended from the backup role to the starter. Domingue has been a steady farmhand for the Blueshirts dating back to 2022, was recalled to serve as Quick's backup, and will make his first NHL start of the season this afternoon. Domingue was pressed into NHL action once last season, a 25-save effort against the Minnesota Wild to lead the Rangers to a 4-1 victory. Domingue's NHL action will likely be limited as New York rides Quick as much as it can to keep the season alive, so keep an eye on Domingue in what will likely be one of only a handful of appearances he makes this season.

Enjoy the game!