Game #63: New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators Open Thread

If you find somebody who told you the first game after the trade deadline, a Saturday matinee against the Ottawa Senators in the Canadian capital, would be the biggest regular season game up until this point of the season, tell them to buy some lottery tickets.

The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Rangers are back in action after quiet deadline day. Chris Drury made one minor league deal, sending Erik Brannstrom to Buffalo in exchange for forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, but opted against any major moves to reshape the NHL injury. Chris Kreider remains a member of the Rangers. As does K'Andre Miller, as does Zac Jones, and every other Blueshirt recently discussed in trade rumors.

New York did make a pair of moves on Thursday, sending Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for prospect Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick, which was promptly flipped to the Vancouver Canucks for defenseman Carson Soucy. All of that sets the stage for today's game against Ottawa, the current owners of the second wild card spot. The Rangers and Senators are tied with 67 standings points apiece entering play today, but Ottawa holds one game in hand on the Blueshirts. Both teams enjoyed favorable results in the Eastern Conference playoff race from fellow playoff-hopefuls over the past two days, but only one team will be happy with today's result.

Player to Watch: Urho Vaakanainen

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of Friday's action was the two-year, $3.1 million contract extension the Rangers signed Vaakanainen to. Keep an eye on Vaakanainen today as he plays his first game with an added bit of job security.

Enjoy the game!