Game #60: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

With the New York Rangers set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, they will look to put together a pair of victories against Metropolitan opponents following their shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blue Jackets have dropped both of their games since the Olympic break. While the Rangers season continues to spiral, the Blue Jackets enter tonight's game outside of the playoff picture, and a win tonight would go a long way in getting them back on track.

The Rangers will have slightly different lines as they did in their last game, with Conor Sheary moving up to the third line and Brendan Brisson getting knocked down to the fourth line. On the blue line, Vincent Iorio draws back onto the bottom pair and Scott Morrow. In net for the Blueshirts will be Igor Shesterkin, who recorded a .939 save percentage.

Where to Watch

Cable/Network TV: MSG 2, NHL website, NHL app, and the Gotham Sports app

National Broadcast: ESPN+

Radio: 880 AM

Player to Watch: Vincent Trocheck

Unlike with Artemi Panarin, general manager Chris Drury seems keen on playing Vincent Trocheck until a trade partner is found. Trocheck was part of the gold medal USA team at the 2026 Milan Olympics, where he and J.T. Miller spearheaded a perfect penalty kill. In 45 games for the Blueshirts, Trocheck has recorded 38 points.

It seems Trocheck's time as a member of the Rangers is nearing an end, with the trade deadline set to be on March 6th. His two-way game, playoff experience, and faceoff expertise make him very desirable to teams aiming to hoist Lord Stanley. The return Trocheck fetches will make or break Drury's retool.

Enjoy the game!