In an exciting matchup, the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks are set to clash tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, and TVAS.
The Rangers arrive at this game with a record of 15 wins, 12 losses, and 4 overtime losses. Their projected lineup showcases a star-studded forward line led by Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere. Supporting them is a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, with Conor Sheary, Vincent Trocheck, and J.T. Miller forming another potent offensive trio. The team’s depth continues with Will Cuylle, Noah Laba, and Brett Berard, while Jonny Brodzinski, Sam Carrick, and Jaroslav Chmelar round out the forward lines.
On the defensive end, Vladislav Gavrikov and Braden Schneider are expected to lead the charge, supported by Carson Soucy and Will Borgen. Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow will also be crucial in maintaining the defensive setup. In net, Igor Shesterkin is anticipated to start, with Jonathan Quick serving as the backup. Notable absences for the team include defenseman Adam Fox and forwards Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom due to injuries.
The Chicago Blackhawks come into the game with a record of 12 wins, 11 losses, and 6 overtime losses. Their lineup features young superstar Connor Bedard, paired with Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky. Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, and Tyler Bertuzzi bring additional firepower to the offense, while Teuvo Teravainen, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev aim to solidify the middle lines.
Colton Dach, Ryan Donato, and Sam Lafferty will provide depth on the forward end, while Alex Vlasic and Louis Crevier anchor the defensive core. Wyatt Kaiser and Connor Murphy are also expected to play pivotal roles, aided by Matt Grzelcyk and Artyom Levshunov. In goal, Spencer Knight is set to start, with Arvid Soderblom backing him up. The Blackhawks are missing veteran forward Nick Foligno, who is sidelined with a hand injury.
Before the game, both teams are making strategic adjustments. The Rangers opted for an optional morning skate, hinting that Shesterkin may return to the crease following a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in their last outing. Meanwhile, Blackhawks forward Dominic Toninato has been scratched, while the team made recent personnel moves by recalling Toninato from Rockford and assigning defenseman Sam Rinzel and forward Landon Slaggert to the same AHL affiliate.
Chicago aims to return to a conventional lineup of 12 forwards and 6 defensemen after experimenting with an 11 and 7 configuration for much of the season. The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying encounter between these two storied franchises, both in pursuit of vital points as the season unfolds.
