The New York Rangers are set to face off against the San Jose Sharks this Friday at the SAP Center, marking a pivotal match-up between two teams experiencing drastically different seasons. With the Rangers struggling at 21-24-6 and sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they’ve officially opted to retool their roster after an underwhelming campaign. This decision follows a stretch where they’ve lost seven of their last eight games, resulting in a league-low scoring average of 2.66 goals per game and a concerning minus-21 goal differential.
In stark contrast, the Sharks are riding a wave of optimism with a record of 25-21-3, currently positioned to contend for the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Despite some defensive struggles, allowing 3.51 goals per game, they find themselves tied with the Seattle Kraken for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, showcasing an unexpected burst of youthful exuberance and talent.
The Sharks, after a challenging road stretch, are returning home for their only game in San Jose in a span that sees them play nine out of ten matches away from their home ice. They previously split their last four games on the road, including a recent 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In contrast, the Rangers, fresh off a four-game road trip, will look to improve on their away performance, having recorded an impressive 16 road wins this season.
This match-up is particularly notable as the Rangers address their historical dominance over the Sharks, having earned points in 14 consecutive games (11 wins, 3 overtime losses) against them. Their all-time points percentage of .740 against San Jose ranks as the second best in franchise history. Additionally, Rangers’ assistant coach David Quinn returns to familiar territory after previously coaching the Sharks, while head coach Mike Sullivan looks back fondly on his debut season with the franchise during its inaugural year.
Among the key players to watch is Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider, who is navigating a challenging phase with increased responsibilities, particularly with injuries in the lineup. Reports suggest that several teams, including San Jose, are showing interest in Schneider, adding another layer of intrigue to Friday’s game.
On the Sharks’ side, the spotlight will be on 19-year-old sensation Macklin Celebrini, who has quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout young players, drawing comparisons to NHL great Sidney Crosby. Celebrini’s exceptional performance has placed him among the league’s elite scorers, elevating the Sharks’ competitive edge this season.
Hockey fans can catch the action on Friday, January 23, at 10 p.m. ET as these two teams clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter filled with storylines and the potential for a turning point in their respective seasons. The Rangers will look to regroup and find a spark, while the Sharks aim to solidify their playoff position amidst their resurgence.