Game #15: Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

It's been a few days since the New York Rangers stepped on the ice, but they are back and set to take on the Edmonton Oilers. The Rangers have lost their last three, including their most recent game against the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers, on the other hand, are coming off a 4-0 victory against the New York Islanders. A win today would tie the Oilers for first place in the NHL.

The Rangers continue to toy with their top six, moving Pavel Dorofeyev up to the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière. To go with that, Gabe Perreault has been moved down to the third line. Eeli Tolvanen was not at the Rangers' last practice for personal reasons. The Oilers remain without Zach Hyman, Matt Savoie, and Issac Howard. Matt Tomkins will start for them in net, which will be his first NHL appearance since the 2023-24 season.

Where to Watch

Cable/Network TV: MSG Network, NHL website, NHL app, and DAZN

National Broadcast: ESPN+

Radio: 880 AM

Player to Watch: Alberts Smits

The Rangers' fifth overall pick is still in his search of his first NHL point. Smits Play has been up and down so far this season and will face some of the best forwards in the league. Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are having historic seasons, and the Rangers are still getting used to not having Igor Shesterkin behind them.

Smits is still only 18 years old and by no means has been disastrous on the ice. Playing in the NHL against the world's best and still needs to adjust. It also has not helped that he is playing with Braden Schneider. Smits has shown flashes, and a few more of those, along with a couple less negative plays, could spin the narrative around him.

Enjoy the game!