Good news;The New York Rangers defeat the Florida Panthers in overtime, eliminating yet another contender.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024 in New York, during an NHL hockey game, the Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky (72) is defeated by New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) in a penalty shootout. (Peter K. Afriyie/AP Photo)AP

NEW YORK Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves, Artemi Panarin scored twice in regulation and added the game-winning goal in the shootout, and the New York Rangers came back to defeat the Florida Panthers 4-3 on Saturday night.

At 15:52 in the third, Carter Verhaeghe scored his 31st goal to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead. However, Panarin tied the score at 16:35 with his second goal of the game and his team-leading 43rd of the year. In his past two games, he has scored five goals.

Once again, NHL coaches of teams in contention must choose their starting lineups based on a player’s readiness for the playoffs as well as their level of freshness.

Will Cuylle’s health was not a factor in Peter Laviolette’s decision to leave him out of the starting lineup for Saturday’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Panthers; rather, the Rangers head coach wanted all of his players to be involved before he formally unveiled his postseason roster.

Laviolette responded, “Will is a rookie,” when questioned about his motivation for scrubbing Cuylle. In a sense, it was Jonny [Brodzinski’s] first season as a regular in the NHL. It’s [Matt Rempe]’s first time. Additionally, on defense, upon the return of our defensemen, we will need to take

Wil lCuylle was left out of the Rang ers’ victory over the Panthers, despite having just scored a goal against the Islanders.

Will Cuylle was left out of the Rangers’ victory over the Panthers, despite having just scored a goal against the Islanders.
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“I felt Will had a really good game a few games ago. And Jonny played a really good game three games prior. Rempe enters the picture and supplies our team with several components. I would love to outfit all thirteen of them. If any of these players come out, it doesn’t matter what they do. Additionally, in general, not just for those three, if it’s a defenseman or anything else,”Told those players as much, and simply reminded them to exercise patience.” There are still twelve games to go. I hope our health holds up. I’m going to have to make those choices if we do manage to stay healthy. All I want is for everyone to be prepared for the postseason.

After playing as a healthy scratch in Boston, where Rempe made his comeback from a four-game ban, Brodzinski returned to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Laviolette seems to prefer to have more choices in the bottom six, which is why Cuylle ended up being the odd man out.

But up until now, the Rangers’ original rookie of the year has participated in every other game. Despite this being Cuylle’s first complete NHL season, Laviolette has praised him for his mature play and defensive responsibility.

Brodzinski, Rempe, Cuylle, and any other regular skater who might require a break before the playoffs will likely be on Laviolette’s rotation.

Regarding plans to rest regulars throughout the season’s latter stretch, Laviolette remained mostly silent.

He stated, “I think that will be looked upon if anything comes into play where somebody is questionable for a game down the road.” “Healthy guys want to play, and they want to play.” To the very end, we’ll play the schedule hard. But we won’t endanger anyone, I believe.

According to Laviolette, Ryan Lindgren, who suffered an unfortunate fall on his leg after colliding with Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Islanders barely a week ago, has already started skating again on his own.

Laviolette estimates that the 26-year-old defenseman will be out for two to three weeks, but his quick return to the ice is encouraging.