Game #55: New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Open Thread

It's only been 24 hours since the Blueshirts' most disappointing effort of the 2024-25 campaign, but that's all the time they'll get before needing to put Friday's defeat behind them and prepare for another pivotal game.

The Rangers are in Columbus for the final game before a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, and tonight represents another opportunity to gain ground in the wild card race. The Blue Jackets currently sit one point out of the playoff picture, ninth place in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the Metropolitan Division.

New York and Columbus met at Madison Square Garden three weeks ago, and a goaltending duel that required a shootout ended in a 1-0 Rangers victory. Aside from needing to earn every point it can the rest of the way, New York is in desperate need of a win to wash the taste of Friday's horrific showing out of its mouth and enter the break on a high note.

Player to Watch: Artemi Panarin

The only former Blue Jacket in a matchup between teams that seemingly passed players back and forth once upon a time, Panarin will need to work his magic to get the Rangers back in the win column tonight. New York has a multitude of players who will be participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off rather than enjoying two weeks away from the ice, but Panarin is not one of them. In what'll be his last game action until the NHL returns later in the month, keep an eye on Panarin tonight.

Enjoy the game!