After their abysmal performance last, the Rangers will look to regain confidence in the form of their first western road trip of the season. You could have heard a pin drop at Madison Square Garden the other night, as the Nashville Predators dominated the Rangers 4-1.
With Igor Shesterkin being pulled for the first time in the season, many are now questioning the system of Peter Laviolette. The only positive from last night’s loss is that it’s one loss, not consecutive. The Blueshirts will hit the road for ten nights and play 5 games across Seattle and Western Canada. A change of scenery could not have come at a better time.
Rangers Look To Reclaim Identity On First Western Road Trip
When the 2023-24 schedule was released, many circled this first western road trip as a test for Peter Laviolette and his squad. After last night’s loss, the Rangers now sit with a record of 2-2-0. Despite their dreadful performance against Nashville, the Rangers have shown some bright lights so far.
See you in a couple weeks, New York. #NYR | @Delta pic.twitter.com/PEZFyd1M37
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 20, 2023
They are controlling the puck with confidence when given the chance. The new look second line with Artemi Panarin, Filip Chytil, and Alexis Lafrenière shows tenacity every shift. Speaking of Panarin, he has been brilliant as he shoots the puck every chance he gets. Do not let his one goal on the season fool you, more will follow.
Their current form comes with many concerns, including the form of the budding youngsters in the lineup. Chytil, Lafrenière, and Kaapo Kakko have yet to find their footing in Laviolette’s system. The first western road trip could provide them the confidence they have been longing for. Yes, it is a long season, and we are only four games into it, but it is no secret that they need a spark. The spark is more for Kakko, as the top line is being carried by both Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
The Rangers will now hit the road for ten days on their first western road trip of the season. Here’s a closer look into each of their upcoming road matchups before coming back home on November 2.
10/21 at Seattle Kraken (1-3-1)
The Rangers kick off their first western road trip at Climate Pledge Arena against the Seattle Kraken. In their first four games, the Kraken struggled offensively, only notching 3 goals. Last night, however, their offence finally woke up after they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 7-4.
Vince Dunn is having a hot start, as he is their only point-per-game player so far (1 G, 4 A). Forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jaden Schwartz will always be a threat and will look to find the net past Igor Shesterkin. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer has yet to find his first win of the season. Last night, it was backup Joey Daccord who secured the victory for Seattle.
10/24 at Calgary Flames (2-1-1)
In a Pacific Division that seems to be tougher than ever, the Flames are one of those “bubble teams”. After losing Matthew Tkachuk in a blockbuster trade last summer, Jonathan Huberdeau comes into the Saddledome as one of their reliable pieces.
In the young season, the Flames have 5 point-per-game players including Huberdeau, Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Adam Ruzicka, and Noah Hanifin. Lindholm continues to improve every single season, as he is now one of the most underrated centermen in the entire league. Look for Lindholm to be matched up against fellow Swede, Mika Zibanejad.
10/26 at Edmonton Oilers (1-3-0)
On paper, this is the most talented core that the Rangers will face on this entire road trip. Sure, their record does not show it up having two of the best centremen in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will forever be a plus for Edmonton.
The first key for the Rangers in this matchup is to stay disciplined. You do not want to face a powerplay unit highlighted by McDavid and Draisaitl. The way they possess the puck on the man advantage is unlike any other. The second key is to get to their goaltending early. Whether it’s Jack Campbell or Stuart Skinner, they are going to cough up rebounds.
10/28 at Vancouver Canucks (2-2-0)
A rematch of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals is always a fun one for Rangers fans. The Canucks started their season on the ultimate high note, defeating the Oilers 8-1. Brock Boeser earned himself a 4-goal night, the best individual performance so far this season.
Elias Pettersson is turning into the most impactful playmaker this season, securing a goal and 7 assists in just four games played. J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes will look to take both points away from the Blueshirts. Vancouver seems to always have vengeance on their minds whenever New York comes to town.
10/30 at Winnipeg Jets
It might be one of the smaller barns in the NHL, but the Canada Life Centre seems like a “can’t miss” environment. Sure, it is probably a bit quiet now because of their current form, but Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are always going to be the top-scoring threats in The ‘Peg.
Connor Hellebuyck against Igor Shesterkin will be the most anticipated goalie matchup on the first western road trip. Although there are talks of Hellebuyck potentially leaving at this season’s trade deadline, he has always been a top netminder during his career in Winnipeg.
Main Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
