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As the New York Rangers prepare to face off against the Minnesota Wild for the first time this season, fans are buzzing with excitement. Scheduled for March 13, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET at the Xcel Energy Center, this matchup is crucial for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
The Rangers, currently sitting at a record of 31-28-6, are looking to break a four-game winless streak. Meanwhile, the Wild, with a record of 37-24-4, are firmly positioned as the first wild card in the Western Conference. Both squads come into this game needing a win to solidify their playoff aspirations, making this an engaging contest for hockey fans.
Projected Lineups
New York Rangers:
- Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Will Cuylle
- Alexis Lafreniere - J.T. Miller - Mika Zibanejad
- Chris Kreider - Sam Carrick - Brett Berard
- Brennan Othmann - Jonny Brodzinski - Matt Rempe
- K'Andre Miller - Will Borgen
- Urho Vaakanainen - Braden Schneider
- Carson Soucy - Zac Jones
- Goalies: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Quick
Minnesota Wild:
- Matt Boldy - Marco Rossi - Mats Zuccarello
- Marcus Johansson - Frederick Gaudreau - Gustav Nyquist
- Marcus Foligno - Ryan Hartman - Vinnie Hinostroza
- Yakov Trenin - Devin Shore - Justin Brazeau
- Jake Middleton - Brock Faber
- Declan Chisholm - Jared Spurgeon
- Jon Merrill - Zach Bogosian
- Goalies: Filip Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury
Key Players to Watch
This matchup brings a variety of notable players into the spotlight:
1. Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere, who has struggled to find the back of the net lately, will be positioned on a new line with J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad. This change may provide the spark he needs to elevate his game and contribute more offensively.
2. Mats Zuccarello
A former Ranger, Zuccarello continues to be a vital player for the Wild, bringing both experience and skill. With 15 goals and 41 points this season, he will be a focal point in Minnesota's attack, especially in the absence of star player Kirill Kaprizov.
3. Zac Jones
With Adam Fox sidelined, Jones has been given the opportunity to step up. His recent performances have been mixed, and he needs to make a strong impression to retain his spot once Fox returns. His defensive play will be vital in limiting the Wild's scoring chances.
Matchup Importance
Both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their performance. The Rangers are without Adam Fox and Arthur Kaliyev, while the Wild are missing key forward Kirill Kaprizov. For the Rangers, getting ahead early is crucial, as the Wild have an impressive record of 25-0-0 when leading after two periods this season. Additionally, the Rangers could exploit the Wild's struggling penalty kill, currently ranked 31st in the league.
As both teams gear up to battle, fans should expect a hard-fought game filled with excitement. This encounter could serve as a pivotal moment for both teams as they look to secure their spots in the postseason. Tune in to see how the Rangers and Wild shape their playoff destinies!
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