Date: November 12th, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

 

Tonight, the New York Rangers host the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden in a clash between two of the NHL’s hottest teams. Both teams are coming into the game with strong momentum. The Jets are 1st place with a 14-1-0 record (a new NHL record) riding a seven-game winning streak and boasting a flawless 6-0-0 mark on the road. The Rangers sit 10th place, currently 9-3-1 and have had a solid start to their season and are particularly strong at home, going 4-2-1 in Madison Square Garden this season.

 

New York Rangers: Dominance on Broadway

The New York Rangers have showcased both a strong offense and a solid defense. Artemi Panarin is in exceptional form, his playmaking has been instrumental in the Rangers success, and he recently achieved the milestone of 500 career assists. Kreider, known for his power play prowess, has also been productive contributing with 9 goals in his last 15 games. The Rangers allow just 2.3 goals per game, highlighting their defensive depth. Igor Shesterkin will aim to bounce back after a challenging last game against the Sabres as he anchors the net tonight for New York.

 

Winnipeg Jets: A Season of Excellence

The Winnipeg Jets come in as the NHL’s top-scoring team, averaging 4.47 goals per game, scoring o1.5 in 96% of their games and hold a league-best +36 goal differential. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor lead the team with a consistent goal-scoring presence, while Josh Morrissey has been effective in setting up plays from the blue line. The Jets success cannot be talked about without mentioning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who’s been outstanding, recently named the NHL’s First Star of the Week with a .935 save percentage and 1.83 goals-against average, dashing Winnipeg to the top of the NHL.

 

Key Players to Watch

• Rangers: Artemi Panarin (21 points in 13 games)
• Jets: Mark Scheifele (19 points in 15 games), Kyle Connor (19 points in 15 games)

 

Between the Crease

• Rangers: Igor Shesterkin (.919 save percentage / 2.62 goals against average)
• Jets: Connor Hellebuyck (.935 save percentage / 1.83 goals against average)

 

Alexis Lafrenière: A Breakout Season for the Frenchmen

This season, Alexis Lafrenière is showing signs of the potential that made him the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. After a couple of years adjusting to the NHL’s speed and physicality, the 22-year-old forward is beginning to find his stride with the New York Rangers. Lafrenière has been a consistent contributor to the Rangers’ offense through the early part of the 2024 season with 11 points in 13 games. He’s displayed improved confidence in his playmaking ability while being more assertive in his approach to the game. His work ethic and physicality have also been noticeable, especially in high-pressure moments within the game. Definitely a player to keep an eye on this season.

 

Cole Perfetti: A Rising Star for the Jets

Cole Perfetti has emerged as one of the most promising young talents for the Winnipeg Jets over the last few seasons. The 21-year-old forward, drafted 10th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, has continued to develop his game showing more confidence with his offensive ability. Perfetti’s true skill is at display this year, his vision and playmaking ability have been his standout qualities this season. As a highly skilled passer, he’s been able to generate offense not only for himself but for his teammates as well with 9 assists in 15 games. Early this season, he’s shown chemistry with the top lines, contributing 6 points on the power play this year.

 

New York Rangers Ideal Game Plan:

1. Leverage Defensive Depth and Special Teams

• The Rangers have been one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing just 2.3 goals per game. To win tonight, they must continue to shut down Winnipeg’s high-powered offense, which leads the NHL in goals per game at 4.47.

• Igor Shesterkin will need to remain sharp, especially against the Jets top scorers like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.

• Additionally, the Rangers power play has been effective, and they must capitalize on any opportunities with the man advantage. Penalty killing and good discipline will also be crucial in keeping the Jets off the board.

 

2. Panarin’s Playmaking and Kreider’s Net Presence

• Artemi Panarin has been a point-per-game player this season, contributing both as a scorer and playmaker. His ability to generate offense with his vision and creativity will be critical in breaking down the Jets defense.

• Chris Kreider, who thrives in front of the net, needs to continue using his physicality to create traffic and screen goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

 

3. Contain Winnipeg’s Speed and Transition Game

• The Rangers must neutralize the Jets speed and quick transition game. Winnipeg is known for its ability to transition quickly from defense to offense, and shutting down their rush will be necessary.

• If the Rangers can slow down the Jets in the neutral zone and avoid turnovers, they will limit Winnipeg’s scoring chances.

 

Winnipeg Jets Idea Game Plan:

1. Exploit the Rangers’ Defensive Gaps

• The Jets thrive on their offensive depth, with Scheifele, Connor, and Pierre-Luc Dubois all contributing significantly to their attack. To win tonight, Winnipeg must exploit any defensive lapses from the Rangers.

• With the Rangers focusing on shutting down their top players, other Jets forwards will need to step up and capitalize on the opportunities created by their stars.

2. Maintain Strong Goaltending from Hellebuyck

• Connor Hellebuyck has been playing at an elite level this season. For the Jets to win, Hellebuyck will need to continue his strong performance between the pipes, especially against the Rangers potent power play.

• If he can keep the Rangers from scoring on special teams and maintain a steady presence in net, the Jets will have a great chance.

3. Outpace the Rangers with Speed and Physicality

• While the Rangers are solid defensively, they are not as fast or aggressive as Winnipeg.

• If the Jets can outpace the Rangers, particularly through the neutral zone, and engage in a physical game, they’ll be able to create more offensive zone time.

•Winnipeg needs to force the Rangers to play a high-tempo game that can lead to mistakes, which they can then capitalize on.

 

 

This game promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle between two of the NHL’s top teams.

Puck drops at 7:00 PM ET—don’t miss it!

 

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