Preview: Rangers and Golden Knights Clash in Las Vegas
In what is shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter, the New York Rangers are set to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on January 18. This marks the first time the teams will meet this season, and with both sides showing strong performances thus far, anticipation for the game is running high.
Rangers Lead Metropolitan Division
The Rangers have been formidable this season, leading the Metropolitan Division with an impressive 28-13-2 record. Despite experiencing some recent turbulence, holding a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 games, they've managed to maintain their position at the top. Offensively, the team has been consistent, averaging three goals per game, complemented by 4.9 assists. Discipline, however, could be a concern as they average 3.2 penalties and 6.7 penalty minutes per game. Defensively, they concede three goals on average, a stat they'll surely look to improve upon as they prepare to face the Golden Knights.
Artemi Panarin has been a standout performer for the Rangers, leading the team with 59 points from 27 goals and 32 assists. Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad have also been significant contributors, with Trocheck netting 14 goals and 30 assists over 43 games, and Zibanejad adding 14 goals and 27 assists over 42 games. In net, Igor Shesterkin has been a bulwark, making 728 saves for a .905 save percentage.
Golden Knights Hold Firm in Pacific Division
The Golden Knights, currently second in the Pacific Division with a 25-14-5 record, have had their own share of challenges, going 4-6-0 in their last 10 outings. The team averages two goals and 3.4 assists per game, which may not rival the Rangers' offensive output but is still respectable. Where they've been less disciplined is in penalties, accruing 3.8 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes per game. Their +17 goal differential ranks them 11th in the league, just behind the Rangers' eighth-ranked +21.
Mark Stone has been a key player for Vegas, contributing 15 goals and 29 assists. However, the Golden Knights will feel the absence of Jack Eichel and William Karlsson, both sidelined with lower body injuries. Eichel's 19 goals and 25 assists will be particularly missed, as he has been a driving force for the team's offense. Logan Thompson has shouldered the goaltending responsibilities admirably, making 690 saves and allowing 70 goals, resulting in a 2.7 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
Injuries could play a pivotal role in the upcoming game. The Golden Knights are without several key players: Eichel and Karlsson, as previously mentioned, and also defensemen Shea Theodore and William Carrier. Coach Bruce Cassidy expressed concern about Eichel's condition, stating, "He's going to miss a little bit of time," and acknowledging the uncertainty of the situation, "Obviously, not good news for us or Jack. But we'll see how it plays out."
The Rangers are not without their own injury woes. Tyler Pitlick is out with a lower-body injury, Filip Chytil with an upper-body injury, and both Jiri Patera and Tobias Bjornfot are day-to-day with undisclosed injuries. Ben Hutton is also sidelined due to an upper-body issue.
Game Predictions
Despite recent struggles, the Rangers are favored to win the upcoming match. Historical performance when favored supports this, as they have won 23 out of 35 games under such circumstances. Conversely, the Golden Knights have won 7 out of 13 games when playing as underdogs this season, indicating they are more than capable of pulling off an upset.
As the teams prepare to battle it out on the ice, fans can expect a fiercely competitive game. With the Rangers aiming to solidify their division lead and the Golden Knights looking to climb theirs, neither side will want to give any ground. The stage is set for an exciting confrontation in Las Vegas, and only time will tell which team will emerge victorious.