Game #67: Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

Poor weather in New York City doesn't change the fact that it's New York Rangers game day and long-time friend Artemi Panarin makes his return to Madison Square Garden as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. The Blueshirts are riding a five-game win streak and have earned points in eight of nine games since the Olympic break ended. Over the same time period, the Kings are 4-5-1 and sit one point outside the playoffs in the Western Conference.

The Rangers will keep the same lines and power play units they rolled with in their victory over the Minnesota Wild. This keeps J.T. Miller on the top power play and Gabe Perreault on the second unit. For the Kings, they will also likely roll out the same lines they used in their last outing against the New Jersey Devils.

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: J.T. Miller

It certainly hasn't been the year the Rangers' captain had hoped for, but J.T. Miller has made it clear he is around for the long haul. Miller has battled injury on and off all season, which has been a large part as to why he has had a down season. As he looks to lead the team back to being a playoff contender, Miller needs to return to the player the Rangers thought they were getting when they handed him the "C."

Miller hasn't played his gritty, physical, and annoying style that made him a good hockey player. While Miller may return to this type of play once he is given a chance to get fully healthy, he remains in the lineup. With 16 games remaining, a good stretch of games could change the fans' perception of Miller heading into an offseason of uncertainty.

Enjoy the game!