Game #82: Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers Open Thread

For the final time in the 2024-25 campaign, the New York Rangers will take the ice.

A season that began with championship aspirations following last year's Presidents Trophy-winning regular season and Eastern Conference Final appearance will come to an end much sooner than anyone would have thought when the puck dropped in October. The Blueshirts will be watching the entirety of the Stanley Cup Playoffs from home for the first time since 2021 after a nightmare of a season that will likely result in major off-season changes.

Peter Laviolette is likely coaching his final game as New York's bench boss with all signs pointing to the veteran head coach being relieved of his duties at some point following the end of the season. Ten players will play the final game of their current contracts with K'Andre Miller and Will Cuylle highlighting the list of players due for new deals ahead of next season. Even for all the mid-season roster reconstruction Chris Drury performed, there will be much more to come following a season of sub-par performances from established veterans and young players alike.

Player to Watch: Chris Kreider

New York's first round draft selection in the 2009 Entry Draft, Kreider is likely playing his final game on Broadway tonight. The Rangers' longest tenured player made his NHL debut nearly 13 years ago, leaving Boston College early to join the Blueshirts in the midst of their 2012 playoff run. Between regular season and playoff appearances, Kreider will suit up for his 1,006th game as a Ranger tonight.

Kreider's struggles have been a major part of the disappointing result of this season for the Rangers, but one bad season won't change his legacy as one of New York's top players throughout his time in the organization.

From bursting onto the scene in that 2012 playoff run to his magical 52-goal season to lead the Rangers out of their rebuild era and back into championship contention to his series-clinching natural hat trick in last year's divisional final against the Carolina Hurricanes, Kreider has had many, many more good moments than bad ones with the Blueshirts.

If tonight is indeed his final game as a Ranger, keep an eye on Kreider as it might be the last time we see a Ranger don a No. 20 sweater for a very long time.

Enjoy the game!