Game #82: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers Open Thread

After six months and 81 games of regular season hockey, the Rangers are set to wrap up the first portion of their 2022-23 schedule tonight. In an Original Six battle, the Blueshirts will be squaring off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game that will probably look more like a glorified scrimmage than anything else.

While the Rangers are locked into the 3rd seed in the Metropolitan Division, the Maple Leafs have already secured 2nd place in the Atlantic Division for the second consecutive season. Toronto is locked into an opening round rematch with the Tampa Bay Lightning, so don't expect much urgency out of either team at Madison Square Garden tonight.

The relevant games for the Blueshirts are taking place in Florida and Washington D.C tonight with the Hurricanes taking on the Panthers and the Devils taking on the Capitals. A Devils win combined with a Hurricanes loss would give New Jersey the division title and send the Rangers to Raleigh for an opening round series against the Hurricanes. Any other combination of results, be it both teams losing, both teams winning, or New Jersey losing and Carolina winning, would set the stage for a highly anticipated playoff series between the Rangers and Devils.

Player to Watch: Ryan Lindgren

While injuries have limited Lindgren's participation down the stretch of the season, tonight represents one final tune up opportunity for Lindgren prior the playoffs. Keep an eye on the player described as New York's heart and soul as they look to close out the regular season on a high note.

Enjoy the game!