Game #82: New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Open Thread

For the final time this season, the New York Rangers will lace up their skates and are set to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers lost their last game against the Florida Panthers in Jonathan Quick's last game. The Lightning won their last game in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings. The Lightning, who are set to play the Montreal Canadiens in round one of the playoffs, are still fighting for home ice advantage.

The Blueshirts will deploy the same lines they used against the Panthers, which saw Drew Fortescue return to the lineup. In net for the Rangers is Dylan Garand, who will get his third career start. The Lightning were without multiple players against the Canadiens, including Brandon Hagel, Darren Raddysh, and Victor Hedman.

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

This is very likely Vincent Trocheck's last game as a New York Ranger, as general manager Chris Drury will look to trade him once again this offseason. If this is it for his Rangers' career, in four seasons with the team, Trocheck has recorded 253 points in 312 games.

While his play the last two seasons has been underwhelming. Trocheck played a big role on the 2023-24 team that won the Presidents' Trophy and 20 points over 16 games in the postseason that year.

Enjoy the game!