NEW YORK – As the NHL season winds down, every game carries increased weight for teams battling for playoff positioning and simply looking to finish strong. Sunday’s matchup between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers, set for 1 p.m. ET and broadcast on Scripps, NHL Network, MSG, SN1, and TVAS, presents a compelling clash of two franchises navigating very different trajectories. The game at Madison Square Garden offers a look at projected lineups significantly impacted by injuries on both sides, and the return of a key player for Florida after a suspension. Understanding the Panthers at Rangers projected lineups requires a closer look at the personnel available for each team.
The Panthers (35-34-3) arrive in New York grappling with a substantial injury list, forcing coach Paul Maurice to rely on depth players and reshuffled lines. Despite the challenges, Florida remains in the playoff hunt, currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. As of March 23, 2024, the Panthers have 73 points, a testament to their resilience. The Rangers (29-35-9), meanwhile, are mathematically still in the playoff conversation, but face a steep uphill battle. Their focus is likely shifting towards evaluating younger players and building for the future.
Panthers Forward Lines and Defensive Pairings
Up front, the Panthers are expected to roll with a top line of Carter Verhaeghe, Eetu Luostarinen, and Matthew Tkachuk. This trio has been a consistent offensive threat for Florida throughout the season. The second line will feature Mackie Samoskevich, Jesper Boqvist, and Noah Gregor, a combination looking to provide secondary scoring. Cole Reinhardt will center a line with Tomas Nosek and Vinnie Hinostroza, while Nolan Foote, Luke Kunin, and A.J. Greer – who is eligible to return after serving a three-game suspension for boarding Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary on March 20 – will round out the forward group.
On defense, Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad are projected to form the top pairing, providing a blend of offensive skill and physical play. Dmitry Kulikov and Seth Jones will likely see significant minutes as well, tasked with shutting down opposing forwards. The third pairing will consist of Donovan Sebrango and Mike Benning. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start in goal for the Panthers, with Daniil Tarasov serving as the backup.
Rangers’ Lineup Adjustments and Goaltending
The Rangers’ projected lineup reflects their own injury woes and a potential look towards the future. Gabe Perreault is slated to center a line with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere, a group with considerable offensive potential. Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck, and Adam Sykora will form the second line, while Tye Kartye will center a line with J.T. Miller and Conor Sheary. The fourth line will feature Jonny Brodzinski, Noah Laba – who is considered a game-time decision after missing five games with a lower-body injury, and Jaroslav Chmelar. The Rangers’ decision to assign forward Juuso Parssinen to Hartford of the American Hockey League on Saturday strongly suggests Laba will play.
Defensively, the Rangers will likely lean on Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox as their top pairing. Matthew Robertson and Will Borgen will form the second pairing, while Drew Fortescue and Braden Schneider will complete the defensive corps. Igor Shesterkin is expected to start in goal for the Rangers, with Dylan Garand backing him up.
Significant Injuries Impacting Both Teams
The injury lists for both teams are extensive. The Panthers are without Sam Bennett (undisclosed), Evan Rodrigues (finger), Sam Reinhart (foot), Niko Mikkola (knee), Anton Lundell (ribs), Uvis Balinskis (fractured foot), Brad Marchand (lower body), Cole Schwindt (lower body), Aleksander Barkov (knee), and Jonah Gadjovich (upper body). For the Rangers, Matt Rempe (upper body), Urho Vaakanainen (upper body), and Jonathan Quick (upper body) are currently sidelined. These absences will undoubtedly influence the pace and strategy of Sunday’s game.
The Panthers’ lengthy injury report underscores the team’s reliance on depth, while the Rangers’ situation presents an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable NHL experience. The return of A.J. Greer from suspension provides a boost to the Panthers’ bottom-six forward group, adding physicality, and grit.
Fans can catch the action live on Scripps, NHL Network, MSG, SN1, and TVAS at 1 p.m. ET. Following Sunday’s game, both teams will continue their push towards the end of the regular season, with the Panthers focused on securing a playoff berth and the Rangers evaluating their roster for future success.
The next scheduled game for the Florida Panthers is Tuesday, March 26th, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The New York Rangers will face the Philadelphia Flyers on the same day. Official updates on player availability and game details can be found on the NHL’s official website.
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