Game #74: New York Rangers vs San Jose Sharks Open Thread

Another day brings another opportunity for the New York Rangers to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fresh off of a disappointing overtime defeat in Anaheim in the wee hours of Saturday morning back home, Peter Laviolette's squad will have as strong of a bounce back opportunity as any team could ask for.

The SAP Center in San Jose is the scene for tonight's matchup between the Rangers and the cellar-dwelling San Jose Sharks. In a battle of two teams whose performances this season would make one believe the stench of having David Quinn as a former head coach is yet to be entirely washed off of either team, the Blueshirts will look to end this ongoing California road trip on a high note.

After dealing with former Ranger Jacob Trouba 24 hours ago, it'll be Barclay Goodrow's turn to get a crack at his former team. A heroic playoff run filled with big goals was not enough to save Goodrow from being waived and claimed by San Jose last off-season, so the Rangers will need to fend off a former disgruntled player as part of what needs to be a winning effort tonight.

Player to Watch: Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline, Aube-Kubel was initially summoned from AHL Hartford to skate in place of Sam Carrick against Los Angeles on Tuesday. An injury to Matt Rempe opened up a new lineup spot following Carrick's return, and Aube-Kubel will skate in his third game as a Ranger tonight. A member of the 2022 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, Aube-Kubel also played under Peter Laviolette in Washington during the 2022-23 campaign, so keep an eye on the veteran forward as a player the head coach seems to have an affinity for.

Enjoy the game!