Game #66: New York Rangers vs Minnesota Wild Open Thread

Following a day out of game action and a trip back stateside, the Rangers are set to take the ice in the state of hockey tonight. Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is the site for a clash between New York and the Minnesota Wild.

Peter Laviolette's squad will have to contend with former Rangers Mats Zuccarello and the rest of Minnesota's likely playoff-bound team. A hot start to the 2024-25 campaign has given way to some lower quality play amidst injuries for the Wild, but the team still sits seven points clear of the playoff line in the Western Conference.

As for the Rangers and their hopes to qualify for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, they haven't done themselves any favors since temporarily rising into a playoff spot in the opening week of March. New York has lost its last four outings (0-2-2) and has fallen back to 10th-place and two points out of a playoff spot with one more game played than eighth-place Columbus. The Rangers will get another crack at the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Saturday, but they'll need to take care of business in Minnesota tonight before worrying about next game.

Player to Watch: Brett Berard

After sitting out of Tuesday's loss to Winnipeg while Arthur Kaliyev drew into the lineup, an injury to Kaliyev has granted Berard an opportunity to get back into the action. Berard skated on a line with Sam Carrick and Chris Kreider at practice, and appears slated to begin tonight's contest as part of that trio. Keep an eye on Berard tonight as he looks to make the most out of his return to the lineup.

Enjoy the game!