Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Highlights: PIT 4, NYR 2 (5:01 video via NHL.com)
• Game Recap: Jack Johnson’s first goal as a Ranger staked the Blueshirts to an early lead, but the team was once again unable to capitalize on scoring first against Pittsburgh (CBS)
• Larry Brooks points out the team’s lack of mental toughness as one of their weak points under David Quinn’s watch (NY Post)
• Colin Stephenson relays word that Artemiy Panarin’s absence will continue on a day-to-say basis for the time being (Newsday)
• Vincent Mercogliano offers his takeaways from last night’s defeat at PPG Paints Arena (LoHud)
• Brian Abate discusses how Ryan Strome has elevated his game in the wake of Panarin’s absence (The Hockey Writers)
• Media Availability: Ryan Strome,(3:36) David Quinn,(3:08) and Chris Kreider (2:18) (Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Joe Reedy reports that the league has agreed to a seven year contract with ESPN to begin broadcasting NHL games starting in 2022 (The Detroit News)
• Elliotte Friedman authors another edition of 31 Thoughts (Sportsnet)
• James O’Brien takes a look at how the Dallas Stars can rally from their early season struggles and return to the playoffs (NBC Sports)/