Rangers’ Key Players Ready for Opening Night Showdown Against the Penguins

KINGSTON, R.I. — As the New York Rangers gear up for their highly anticipated match against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Opening Night this Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, head coach Mike Sullivan has confirmed that both J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin will be ready to play.

Full Participation in Practice

Both forwards participated fully in the Rangers’ practice at Boss Ice Arena, indicating their readiness as the season kicks off. The squad looked sharp, with Panarin skating on the left wing alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafrenière. Meanwhile, Miller took the center spot, working with Will Cuylle and Mika Zibanejad to complete the Rangers’ top six.

Player Injury Updates

• Artemi Panarin: The 33-year-old forward missed all preseason games due to a lower-body injury, compounded by an upper-body ailment at the end of training camp. Although Panarin was precautionarily held from dressing for the morning skate before the second-to-last preseason game, he is now fully cleared to participate.

• J.T. Miller: Miller logged over 21 minutes of ice time in his first exhibition game before suffering a noncontact lower-body injury during practice on September 30. He also wore a red noncontact jersey but transitioned back to a regular jersey in Monday’s practice.

Rangers’ Forward Lines

With both key players back in action, the Rangers’ lineup is taking shape:

• Top Line:
  • Artemi Panarin – Vincent Trocheck – Alexis Lafrenière
• Second Line:
  • J.T. Miller – Will Cuylle – Mika Zibanejad
• Third Line:
  • Conor Sheary – Noah Laba – Taylor Raddysh
• Fourth Line:
  • Adam Edstrom – Sam Carrick – Matt Rempe

Juuso Parssinen and Brett Berard are set to rotate in as extras.

Defensive Pairings and Power Play Units

The defense remains unchanged from the previous preseason games. The top defensive pairing features:

• Vladislav Gavrikov – Adam Fox
• Carson Soucy – Will Borgen
• Urho Vaakanainen – Braden Schneider

Matthew Robertson is expected to step in as the seventh defenseman.

Power Play Units

• First Unit:
  • Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck
• Second Unit:
  • Braden Schneider, Alexis Lafrenière, Conor Sheary, Matt Rempe, Will Cuylle

Coach Sullivan’s Reflections

Facing his former team, the Penguins, Sullivan expressed in an interview that he hasn’t focused much on the emotional aspects of the matchup.

“I don’t know that I can answer you right now. It’ll probably be a better question for after the game,” Sullivan remarked. “My focus has been on the Rangers and preparing this team for the drop of the puck.”

He acknowledged the relationships he built during his decade with the Penguins and noted that it will be an intricate experience.

Off-ice News

Jonny Brodzinski has been away from the team, attending to personal matters regarding the birth of his third daughter.

Conclusion

With the return of J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin, the New York Rangers are looking to make a strong opening statement against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fans can expect an electrifying game as both teams are set to clash at Madison Square Garden.

For more updates about the Rangers and detailed analyses, consider checking Larry Brooks’ Inside the Rangers for exclusive insights.