Game #8: Anaheim Ducks vs New York Rangers Open Thread
Following a disheartening loss to the Florida Panthers in an Eastern Conference Final rematch, the Blueshirts will return to the ice tonight against a foe not quite as fierce. Ryan Strome, Frank Vatrano and the rest of the Anaheim Ducks are in town for one of their east coast road trips, and the Rangers will look to use them as a bounce back opportunity.
Anaheim is off to a modest 3-2-1 start to the 2024-24 campaign, and are well rested having been out of action since a victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Although New York only had one day off on Friday, there's been plenty of news to keep the team in the headlines of the hockey world as of late.
Matt Rempe was sent down to AHL Hartford following Thursday's game, and Jake Leschyshyn was recalled on Saturday to take Rempe's place as New York's 13th forward. Alexis Lafreniere signed a seven-year contract extension on Friday, an agreement a long time coming for the blossoming star. It'll be back to the grind tonight as Peter Laviolette's squad looks to get back into the win column.
Player to Watch: Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere's breakout began last season and carried over into the 2024 playoffs, and the former first overall pick has picked up right where he left off thus far. Lafreniere has recorded a point in six of New York's seven games, and been part of a strong forward line alongside Vincent Trocheck and Artemiy Panarin. The Ducks have some defensive issues, so keep an eye on Lafreniere to find the score sheet once again tonight.
Enjoy the game!