The New York Rangers are set to face the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, looking to turn around a disappointing season and snap a four-game losing streak. Currently, the Rangers sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 20-21-6, having earned just 46 points. They are coming off a 4-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken, where they struggled offensively, getting outscored 4-0 in the final two periods.
Both teams are at critical junctures in the season. The Senators, with a record of 21-19-5, have also faced challenges with a 3-6-1 record in their last ten games. They recently ended a four-game skid by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 on home ice. The proximity in points indicates that this matchup presents a valuable opportunity for both teams to claim much-needed points.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this occasion against Ottawa, noting that they’ve had recent success against them, with points in six straight games (5-0-1), including a victory earlier this month. Veteran center Sam Carrick mentioned the need for the team to shift their mindset and focus on getting results.
A focal point for the Rangers will be Jonathan Quick, who is set to make his fourth consecutive start in goal after Igor Shesterkin was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body issue. This game will hold significance for Quick as it marks his 800th NHL start. Despite facing tough times recently, Quick remains determined to improve his performance and secure a win.
On the other side, the Senators’ goaltending has been a major concern, as they rank among the worst in the league, allowing 3.31 goals per game. With their primary goaltender Linus Ullmark unavailable for personal reasons, James Reimer is expected to make his debut for Ottawa, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.
The Rangers will be relying on their star players, Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, who have been significant contributors to the team’s offense. Zibanejad enters the game with a six-game point streak, while Panarin has had assists in seven consecutive outings.
As the Rangers and Senators prepare to meet, the stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to break their respective skids. Fans can catch the action live at Madison Square Garden, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup could potentially present a turning point for the Rangers, instilling a sense of urgency and ambition to reclaim their place in the standings.