Game #75: Minnesota Wild vs New York Rangers Open Thread

After three days off following the three-game California road trip, the Rangers have returned home for an interconference matchup against the Minnesota Wild.

The time off has not been kind to New York's playoff chances. After leaving the ice following their 6-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Friday night/Saturday morning, the Blueshirts had climbed into the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Entering play on Wednesday, the Rangers find themselves in 10th place in the East, two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot while also being tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets with 77 points in one less game played than New York.

With eight games remaining and six of those eight coming against likely playoff-bound opponents, the Blueshirts will need to play their best down the stretch of the regular season if they hold hope of playing deep into April, May, and beyond. That starts tonight, and a new face has joined the playoff push to aid the Rangers in their quest.....

Player to Watch: Gabe Perreault

The Rangers' top prospect has arrived in the NHL. Following Boston College's elimination from the NCAA playoffs, Perreault signed a three-year, entry-level contract to forgo his remaining college eligibility and turn pro on Monday. The 23rd overall selection in the 2023 Entry Draft and son of one the greatest faceoff men the league has seen in longtime veteran center Yanic Perreault, Gabe profiles as a high-end scorer. The younger Perreault will don his father's No. 94 and begin his pro career on a line alongside Alexis Lafreniere and J.T. Miller, so keep an eye on Perreault as he makes his NHL debut tonight.

Enjoy the game!