Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

The win streak ended at nine games, so it’s time to start another one.

After falling a win short of the franchise record 10 game win streak, the Rangers (14-3-2) look to get back to their winning ways against the Florida Panthers (8-8-3) to cap off a brief two game road trip.

The Rangers lost in regulation for just the third time this season, and the first time since October 15^th. After Dominic Moore scored a late goal to tie the game at one, but they surrendered a shorthanded goal with just 1:05 remaining in the third period.

This is the first of three games between these two teams, and the first of two at the BB&T Center. The Rangers swept the season series last year against the Panthers.

The Panthers dropped their last game on Thursday, falling by a score of 3-1 to the Anaheim Ducks, despite a 38 save performance from Roberto Luongo. Aleksander Barkov scored the lone goal, assisted by Reilly Smith and Jaromir Jagr.

The Panthers have leaned heavily on the ageless wonder, the former Rangers captain, and Jagr has responded with seven goals and eight assist in 17 games this season, missing two games with an injury. It’s still very hard to take the puck away from him, and his wrist shot is still strong and accurate.

Last year’s Calder Trophy winner, Aaron Ekblad, has really improved his play as of late. The 19 year old defenseman has tallied four points (2-2-4) in the last five games, and he’s already scored four goals through the team’s first 19 games. His defensive partner, Brian Campbell, has eight points (1-7-8) this season, and the duo will see a lot of ice time tonight.

Photo courtesy of Elliot J Schecter/Getty Images.

Henrik Lundqvist is expected to get the nod tonight for New York. The Swede surrendered two goals on 28 shots in the loss to the Lightning, seeing his record fall to 10-3-2 on the year. Lundqvist has a 1.71 GAA and a .946 save percentage on the season.

Lundqvist has been dominant against Florida in his career, posting a 20-9-1 record with a 1.81 GAA and a .937 save percentage, as well as five shutouts. In the last 17 games against the Panthers, Lundqvist has won 13 of them, two of those wins coming via shutout. He has also allowed two goals or fewer in hi slast 10 road starts/appearances.

After Thursday’s loss, Alain Vigneault praised the play of the fourth line. Jarret Stoll, Jesper Fast and Dominic Moore, who scored his first goal in 14 games, played very well in their own end, and supplied the only offense for the team that night.

The Rangers will need some production from their top line, as Rick Nash continues to struggle to find the back of the net, scoring just twice in 19 games. Mats Zuccarello has 11 points (5-6-11) in 11 career games against the Panthers, so look for him to help lead the way on offense yet again.

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

No lineup changes means that Dan Boyle remains in the lineup for New York. The veteran played a solid game against the Lightning, but the Rangers really need him to start producing more, especially on the power play.

The Rangers and the Panthers will face off at the BB&T Center at 7 PM. The game will be broadcasted on MSG+.

EXPECTED LINES

Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello

Chris Kreider-Derek Brassard-JT Miller

Oscar Lindberg-Kevin Hayes-Viktor Stalberg

Jarret Stoll-Dominic Moore-Jesper Fast

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Marc Staal-Dan Boyle

Keith Yandle-Kevin Klein

Henrik Lundqvist