Game #40: Dallas Stars vs New York Rangers Open Thread

Following a weekend road swing through Washington D.C. and Chicago that resulted in a two game split, the Rangers have returned to Madison Square Garden for two home contests to wrap up the first half of the 2024-25 campaign. The Dallas Stars are in town tonight as the Blueshirts look to secure consecutive victories for the first time since November, as well as a season series sweep in this interconference matchup.

The Blueshirts only had one day off since Sunday's matinee in Chicago, but there's been plenty of roster juggling in the meantime. Matt Rempe was initially sent down to AHL Hartford, but has been recalled and will serve the final game of his eight-game suspension tonight. Chris Kreider was placed on injured reserve after missing Sunday's game with an upper-body injury, and Arthur Kaliyev was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Kaliyev will not dress tonight as Peter Laviolette will trot out the same lineup that won on Sunday, with the exception of Jonathan Quick starting over Louis Domingue.

Player to Watch: Jonny Brodzinski

When Kreider was announced as a late scratch for Sunday's game, Brodzinski was the player tasked with skating in his vacated spot alongside Mika Zibanejad and Reilly Smith. The move paid early dividends as Brodzinski scored the first of six Rangers goals against the Blackhawks in what was New York's most complete efforts since the team's downward spiral began. Brodzinski is likely not long for a top six lineup spot with Kaliyev's arrival, so keep an eye on Brodzinski as he looks to make the most of his opportunity.

Enjoy the game!