The New York Rangers are set to face off against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, both teams eager to break out of respective losing streaks. The Rangers (10-10-2) come into this matchup after a tough three-game road trip, having suffered losses in Las Vegas and Denver, followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings at home last Sunday. This game marks a crucial moment as they aim to avoid their first four-game losing streak of the season.
An update for the Rangers reveals that J.T. Miller will be absent from the game due to a day-to-day upper-body injury. His absence adds to the team’s challenges as they look to regroup against a struggling Mammoth squad (10-8-3), which has lost four consecutive games and seven of their last eight. Notably, Utah began a four-game homestand with a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, indicating their struggle to find offensive consistency. The Mammoth’s performance has dipped significantly, with leading scorer Nick Schmaltz tallying just one assist during their ongoing losing streak, despite leading the team with 10 goals.
The Rangers showcased a glimpse of potential on Thursday night, thanks in part to the strong performance of goalie Igor Shesterkin. They managed to keep pace against the high-flying Colorado Avalanche, only to falter late, with the decisive goal by Nathan MacKinnon coming shortly after they had tied the game. This frustration was echoed by coach Mike Sullivan, who emphasized the need for heightened intensity and awareness during critical moments.
As the Rangers prepare for battle against the Mammoth, they will seek to capitalize on their power play opportunities. The Rangers scored two power-play goals in their last game against the Avalanche, only the second time this season they have managed more than one goal while a man up. They will look to increase their power play chances against a Utah team that averages over nine penalty minutes per game and has seen a decline in its penalty-killing success recently.
Interestingly, the Rangers have maintained a perfect record in Saturday road games this season, going 4-0-0 and outscoring opponents 15-7. This positive trend might provide some momentum as they head into the game. Additionally, with both teams having played closely contested matches, analytics suggest that every detail will matter, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on opportunities to secure those tight victories.
Dominic Moore, a former Rangers center now serving as a Mammoth analyst, has highlighted the significance of points for both teams, each battling for playoff position early in the season. With the stakes high and both teams desperate for a win, fans can expect an intense showdown.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 9 p.m. ET at the Delta Center and can be watched on MSG.
As the Rangers look to end their losing streak and regain their footing in the competitive landscape of the league, optimism surrounds their potential for a turnaround against the Mammoth as they strive to come together and reclaim victory.