Game #73: Chicago Blackhawks vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

It's an Original Six matchup tonight as the Chicago Blackhawks travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the Rangers. The Rangers find themselves in the midst of a six-game losing streak, most recently having lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the Blackhawks have struggled, they've performed a bit better, having won two of their last six games.

2023 third-round pick Drew Fortescue will make his NHL debut tonight on the bottom pair with Matthew Robertson. While Noah Laba attended practice without a noncontact jersey, he remains out. Dylan Garand will also get his second career start after an impressive debut against the Winnipeg Jets. For Chicago, 2025 third overall pick Anton Frondell will play in his third career NHL game.

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: Drew Fortescue

Drew Fortescue spent the last three seasons on the blue line for Boston College. Instead of being assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the organization feels Fortescue could jump right in and play at the NHL level. Fortescue will be the second Ranger to make his debut this week with Adam Sykora taking his rookie lap against the Leafs.

Fortescue cracking the lineup continues to display the Blueshirts' youth movement. Outside of the top pair, the Rangers' defense has a lot of holes and needs to be prioritized this offseason. Seeing what the team has in Fortescue in a bad season will help shape how general manager Chris Drury attacks the offseason.

Enjoy the game!