The afternoon following a 7-4 defeat to the Capitals in Washington, the New York Rangers aim to improve as they face the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. Transitioning from competing against the Eastern Conference leaders to the bottom-ranked team in the NHL presents an opportunity for the struggling Rangers, who have lost 16 of their last 21 games (5-16-0). However, it’s worth noting that last month, the Blackhawks dealt the Rangers a 2-1 loss at Madison Square Garden.
Due to playing on back-to-back days, the Rangers will alter their lineup, with Louis Domingue set to make his season debut as the starting goalie after Jonathan Quick allowed six goals (seven total when including an empty-netter) the previous game while attempting to secure his 400th NHL win in place of the injured Igor Shesterkin.
Domingue’s performance in the AHL this season has been less than stellar, holding a 4-9-2 record with a 3.64 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage. However, he showed promise in his sole appearance with the Rangers last season, making 26 saves during a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on November 9, 2023.
Moreover, the Rangers will face a Blackhawks team that recently snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. There is also potential for defenseman Zac Jones and/or forward Jonny Brodzinski to join the lineup for Sunday’s game.
With a matchup against the Dallas Stars looming on Tuesday at MSG, the Rangers desperately need these two points against the Blackhawks.
Here are three key points to observe as the Rangers take on the Blackhawks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive momentum in the game, a struggle in their last match against the Capitals.
Additionally, let’s review three insights from the Rangers’ recent loss to the Capitals, including another breakdown of special teams play. And what about Mark Messier criticizing the entire Rangers organization during intermission on ABC on Saturday?
