Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Larry Brooks hears from Kevin Hayes about how the big-bodied center is trying not to change his game (NY Post)
• Justin Tasch relays word that Nick Holden blasted a slap shot directly into Henrik Lundqvist’s mask during practice, and the fallout was as expected (NY Daily News)
• Steve Zipay goes in-depth on how Ryan McDonagh has returned to form (Newsday)
• Sean Hartnett writes that the now that they’ve righted the ship, the Rangers have an eye on the Metropolitan Division crown (CBS)
• John Williams examines Toronto Maple Leafs’ center Tyler Bozak as a possible trade option (Blue Line Station)
• Justin Starr lists the five most important players to New York’s success (Blue Line Station)
• Brandon Spreckels predicts what the Rangers will look like when the 2019-20 season rolls around (Elite Sports NY)
• Sam Kee breaks down how Alain Vigneault’s system affects the team’s defenseman (Blueshirts Breakaway)
• Henrik Lundqvist revealed the pads he’ll be suiting up in for the 2018 Bridgestone Winter Classic (SNY)
• The Goo Goo Dolls have been booked to perform during the first intermission of the Winter Classic (NHL.com)
• Media Availability: Henrik Lundqvist,(2:51) Alain Vigneault,(5:46) Paul Carey,(1:45) Kevin Shattenkirk,(1:06) Mika Zibanejad,(1:44) and Ryan McDonagh (1:41) (Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Matt Cane dives into how to optimally structure a contract (Puck Plus Plus)
• Sean Leahy passes along word that Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos, Pernell-Karl Subban, and Connor McDavid are currently leading the All-Star fan vote (NBC Sports)
• Elliotte Friedman authors another edition of 31 Thoughts (Sportsnet)
• Allan Perkins highlights how the local fans have taken a liking to the Vegas Golden Knights (TSN)
• Jared Clinton argues that the time has come to consider the Golden Knights as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender (The Hockey News)/