Game #42: New York Rangers vs Vegas Golden Knights Open Thread

The second half of the New York Rangers' season kicks off in the Sin City tonight. After concluding the first half with a thrilling overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils, the Blueshirts have hit the road for a three-game trip against Western Conference opponents.

New York ended the first half with a disappointing 19-20-2 record, which has it 13th in the Eastern Conference and four points out of a playoff spot. If Peter Laviolette's squad wants to start the second half on the right foot, it'll come against as stiff of competition there is in the league against the NHL-leading Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas will be the first stop on this road trip, followed by Colorado and Utah, so there won't be any gimmes for the Blueshirts while they're away from home.

The team made a roster move on Friday, sending Brett Berard back to AHL Hartford and recalling Bo Groulx for extra depth at the center position. Filip Chytil and Chris Kreider are traveling with the team on the trip, and could be options to draw into the lineup.

Player to Watch: Reilly Smith

An original member of the Vegas Golden Knights, Smith played for Vegas for its first six seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. Smith was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins following Vegas' championship run, and spent one season in the Steel City before joining the Rangers for this season. The veteran forward has been a versatile player for the Blueshirts thus far, and assisted on Sam Carrick's overtime winner on Thursday. Keep an eye on Smith in what stands to be a revenge game for the veteran forward.

Enjoy the game!