New York Rangers News

Durzi was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with the Mammoth not announcing his absence prior to warmups. It's unknown whether his status for Utah's round one matchup against the Golden Knights is in jeopardy.

Garand made his NHL debut last month and will tend the twine in the Rangers' final game of the season, an indication that the team is eyeing him as their full-time backup goalie in 2026-27. The 23-year-old Garand has been excellent in limited action at the NHL level, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .954 SV% in two games (1-0-1). The Rangers enter Wednesday's contest as +132 road underdogs against a Tampa Bay Lightning team awaiting their first-round playoff matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.

Jonny Brodzinski will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Raddysh to re-enter the lineup. The 28-year-old Raddysh is averaging 11:53 time-on-ice and has 19 points (9G / 10A) in 67 games this season.

Garand made his NHL debut last month and will tend the twine in the Rangers' final game of the season, an indication that the team is eyeing him as their full-time backup goalie in 2026-27. The 23-year-old Garand has been excellent in limited action at the NHL level, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .954 SV% in two games (1-0-1). The Rangers enter Wednesday's contest as +132 road underdogs against a Tampa Bay Lightning team awaiting their first-round playoff matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.

Veleno was a healthy scratch for Montreal's previous contest but will draw back into the lineup for their final game of the season on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The 26-year-old has struggled to produce in a bottom-six role in his first season in Montreal, with just two goals, four points and a -12 plus/minus in 60 games played.

With Drew Fortescue drawing back into New York's lineup on Monday in Florida, Urho Vaakanainen will be the odd-man out and a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old stay-at-home defensemen has appeared in 80 games with the Rangers in the last two seasons, but has only managed two goals and 21 points.

Fortescue was a healthy scratch for New York's previous game but will draw back into the lineup for Urho Vaakanainen vs. Florida on Monday. Fortescue made his NHL debut on March 27th and has adapted well to the highest level of hockey, with two assists, four PIMs and a +5 plus/minus in seven games played.

Shesterkin allowed four goals on 26 shots in the Rangers' loss to the Sabres on Wednesday. It was the first tough outing for Shesterkin in a while. He's gone 3-2-0 with a sparkling 2.02 GAA and .918 SV% in his last five games. Despite his strong record of late, he draws a tough assignment in Dallas on Saturday.

Zack Bolduc will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Veleno to re-enter Montreal's lineup. The 26-year-old Veleno is averaging 12:07 time-on-ice, recording just four points (2G / 2A) and a -12 plus/minus in 58 games.

With Luke Hughes out for the final four games of the season, Cholowski will re-enter the lineup. The 28-year-old Cholowski has not played a game for the Devils since mid December. He has one assist in 15 games this season.

Since being officially eliminated from the playoffs, the Rangers have showcased their most impressive stretch of the season. The team is coming off a dominant 8-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, where Shesterkin saved 20 of 21 shots (.952 SV%). The 30-year-old Shesterkin has won three of his last four while posting a tremendous 1.51 GAA and .938 SV%. The Rangers enter Wednesday's contest as +125 home underdogs against a Buffalo Sabres team coming off an important 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to help them inch closer to their goal of winning the Atlantic Division.

Veleno was a surprise scratch along with Brendan Gallagher on Tuesday night, with the Habs not announcing their absence prior to warmups. Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier will draw into the lineup in their place.