In what could be the most meaningful game since the infamous letter New York’s management team issued two years ago, the Rangers will head into PNC Arena for a Metropolitan Division clash with the Carolina Hurricanes. A string of five wins in their last six games has vaulted David Quinn’s squad back into the playoff hunt, and the Hurricanes are one of the three teams standing between the Rangers and their first playoff berth since 2017.

Tonight’s game will serve as the conclusion of the season series for these two teams. The Blueshirts will be looking to finish off a sweep of last year’s Eastern Conference runner-up, as they’ve already earned victories of 4-2, 3-2, and 5-3 in the early portion of the season. Tonight’s game will also kick off a stretch of six divisional contests in the next nine games for New York, so if the team is serious about their playoff push, it starts tonight in Raleigh.

Player to Watch: Julien Gauthier

96 hours ago, Julien Gauthier was one of the Hurricanes’ top prospects. In spite of his strong performance with AHL Charlotte, Carolina’s strong forward depth presented a logjam that Gauthier wasn’t going to break anytime soon. Now, the Rangers’ most recent major acquisition will get the opportunity to make his former team rue their decision.

Enjoy the game!