Preview: Rangers and Golden Knights Clash in Las Vegas
In an eagerly anticipated matchup, the New York Rangers are set to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena on January 18. This contest marks the first time these teams have locked horns this season, promising a thrilling battle as both sides vie for supremacy in their respective divisions.
Division Leaders and Contenders
The Rangers, currently leading the Metropolitan Division with an impressive 28-13-2 record, will be looking to solidify their position at the top. Despite experiencing a slight dip in form with a 4-5-1 run in their last 10 games, they remain one of the league's formidable forces, averaging three goals per game alongside 4.9 assists. Their discipline has been noteworthy, with averages of only 3.2 penalties and 6.7 penalty minutes per game.
On the defensive end, the Rangers have been consistent, conceding an average of three goals per game. Their robust play has earned them a +21 goal differential, placing them eighth in the entire league.
The Golden Knights stand second in the Pacific Division, brandishing a 25-14-5 record. They've hit a rough patch recently, mirroring the Rangers' recent form with a 4-6-0 record over their past 10 outings. The team has been less prolific offensively compared to their counterparts, averaging two goals and 3.4 assists per game, while accumulating slightly more infractions at 3.8 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes per game.
Vegas boasts a respectable +17 goal differential, good for 11th in the league. However, with several key players sidelined due to injuries, including Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and William Karlsson, the team faces significant challenges ahead.
Injury Woes for Both Squads
Injuries have indeed become a central narrative for this encounter. The Golden Knights have been hit particularly hard, with Eichel and Karlsson out with lower-body injuries. The absence of these stars could prove detrimental, considering Eichel's contribution of 19 goals and 25 assists and Karlsson's tally of 15 goals and 17 assists this season.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy expressed concern about Eichel's condition, stating, "He's going to miss a little bit of time," and acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his return. Cassidy added, "Obviously, not good news for us or Jack. But we'll see how it plays out."
The Rangers are not without their own injury setbacks. Tyler Pitlick is currently out with a lower-body injury, Filip Chytil is sidelined with an upper-body injury, and both Jiri Patera and Tobias Bjornfot are day-to-day with undisclosed injuries. Additionally, Ben Hutton is also unavailable due to an upper-body injury.
Key Players and Performances
Despite the injuries, both teams boast impressive talent within their ranks. Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with a stellar 59 points from 27 goals and 32 assists. Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad have also been pivotal, contributing 44 and 41 points respectively over the course of the season. In net, Igor Shesterkin has made 728 saves with a .905 save percentage, anchoring the team's defense.
For the Golden Knights, even with the absence of Eichel and Karlsson, others have stepped up. Mark Stone has notched 15 goals and 29 assists, while goaltender Logan Thompson has recorded 690 saves and allowed 70 goals, achieving a goals-against average of 2.7 and a save percentage of .909.
Odds and Expectations
As the teams prepare for the puck drop, the Rangers are the bookmakers' favorites to emerge victorious. Their track record when favored is notable, having won 23 out of 35 games under such circumstances. Conversely, the Golden Knights have seized victory in 7 out of 13 games when cast as the underdogs, proving they can upset the odds.
The stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two of the NHL's top contenders. With both teams eager to bounce back from their recent stumbles and assert their dominance, fans can expect a high-octane clash filled with skill, strategy, and perhaps a touch of playoff-like intensity.