Rangers vs. Kings: 3 things to watch for beginning busy weekend
The New York Rangers are gearing up for a busy weekend, beginning with a home game against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon. This game marks the first of two in a back-to-back series, with the Rangers traveling to St. Louis on Sunday to face the Blues. The stretch of three games in four days will conclude on Tuesday with a matchup against the Nashville Predators. This is the Rangers’ third back-to-back set of the season, with a less-than-ideal record so far: 0-2-0 in the first game and 1-1-0 in the second. Last week, they suffered defeats in both games of a back-to-back, losing 7-5 to the Seattle Kraken and 2-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks. However, they bounced back with a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, although their recent form has been inconsistent with a 3-8-0 record in their last 11 games. They are currently tied for fifth in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
On Friday, the Rangers received a blow when defenseman K’Andre Miller was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury he sustained against the Sabres. To fill the gap, Connor Mackey was recalled from the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack to replace Miller in the lineup. The Kings, who sit in second place in the Pacific Division, are coming off a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, which snapped their six-game winning streak. This will be the third game of a seven-game road trip for Los Angeles, which has a 7-7-2 record away from home this season.
Here are three key points to watch for as the Rangers face the Kings:
1. Mackey’s Role in Miller’s Absence
With Miller sidelined, the Rangers’ defense will be under considerable pressure. The Kings feature a strong lineup, and without Miller and Jacob Trouba—who was traded last week—the Rangers’ defensive depth will be tested. Mackey, who has 40 games of NHL experience and impressed in his brief stint with the Rangers last season, will be expected to step up alongside Braden Schneider. The top defense pairing of Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren, along with young Victor Mancini on the third pair with Zac Jones, will need to play a pivotal role in holding the Kings at bay. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette has emphasized the need for a cohesive effort, urging his forwards to be more committed defensively to support the team.
Laviolette has expressed confidence in Mackey, describing him as a strong, physical, and reliable defenseman who moves the puck effectively. “The time we had him up here, he was good,” Laviolette said, reinforcing Mackey’s readiness for the challenge.
2. The Play of the Fourth Line
Rookie Brett Berard continues to impress in the lineup, playing in place of veteran Jimmy Vesey. Laviolette has praised the fourth line, which has been delivering solid performances. Alongside Berard, Sam Carrick and Adam Edstrom have formed a line that has contributed positively to the Rangers’ recent success. In the victory over the Sabres, Edstrom drew a penalty that led to a power-play goal by Mika Zibanejad, while Carrick’s hard work in front of the net helped create scoring chances. Berard has become a fan favorite, known for his speed and relentless energy.
Laviolette commended the line for its fast and hard-to-contain style of play, stating that they have been a key factor in the team’s success. The line’s intensity and commitment to driving play have been instrumental, and the Rangers will need this energy to maintain momentum against the Kings.
3. Battling for Scoring Chances Against the Kings’ Defense
The Kings have been one of the toughest defensive teams in the league, allowing the fewest shots per game (24.2) and ranking among the best in goals allowed per game (2.55, tied with the Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs). The Rangers will face a stiff challenge in generating offense, especially since the Kings’ team defense significantly limits the number of scoring opportunities for opposing teams. Despite goaltenders David Rittich and Darcy Kuemper not posting stellar individual stats, the Kings’ defensive system minimizes the chances they face, making it harder for teams to break through.
For the Rangers to succeed, they’ll need to outwork the Kings, making the most of the few opportunities they get. The Rangers have at times been criticized for not consistently putting in the effort required to create scoring chances, so this game will be a test of their work ethic and ability to play a disciplined, relentless style of offense. If they can match the Kings’ intensity and capitalize on their chances, the Rangers will have a better shot at coming away with a victory.
Rangers’ Projected Lineup for Saturday:
Forwards: Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere
Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Reilly Smith
Will Cuylle, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko
Adam Edstrom, Sam Carrick, Brett Berard
Defense: Ryan Lindgren, Adam Fox
Connor Mackey, Braden Schneider
Zac Jones, Victor Mancini
Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Quick
Game Information:
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Broadcast: MSG
This weekend’s matchup will be a crucial test for the Rangers as they continue their push for a playoff spot. With key injuries and the need for a more consistent effort, the Rangers will need to perform at their best to overcome the Kings’ strong defensive game.
