Game #81: New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers Open Thread

It's the second to last game of the season for the New York Rangers, and for the third time, they will take on the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. The Rangers got the best of the Panthers in both of their previous matchups this season, including at the 2026 Winter Classic. With both teams eliminated from the playoffs, both teams are only fighting for draft position. The Rangers currently have the third-best odds to win the lottery, but a win tonight would move them to fourth, while a loss would mean they would at worst have the fourth-best lottery odds.

The Rangers will keep the same forwards as they did in their loss against the Dallas Stars but have made a slight change to their defensive pairs. After being a healthy scratch, Drew Fortescue draws back into the lineup for Urho Vaakanainen. Jonathan Quick will get the start in what could very well be the last game of his career. The Florida Panthers have shut down most of their top players, including Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad, and more.

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: Jonathan Quick

After practice, Jonathan Quick announced he will be retiring at the end of the season. 20 years later, three of which with the Blueshirts, Quick's legendary career comes to an end.

Quick has accomplished many achievements during his time in the league, including three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe trophy, and he is the winningest American-born goaltender. It has been an amazing journey for Quick, and if this is it, he deserves all the best in retirement.

Enjoy the game!