New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators opens thread

There’s a hockey game tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville that neither fan can look forward to. The New York Rangers are away on Broadway to take on Brady Skjei, Steven Stamkos and the rest of the 2024 offseason champion Nashville Predators.

After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last spring, Nashville spent money in free agency like it had a hole burning in its pocket. Stamkos, Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault headlined a star-studded group of free agents the Predators brought in over the summer. The results on the ice weren’t quite up to par as Nashville enters tonight’s game ranked bottom of the NHL. At 8-17-6, the Predators are the only team to reach double-digit wins so far. If there’s one team the Rangers can fall back on, it’s Nashville.

Player to Watch: Urho Vaakanainen

Vaakanainen is coming back from injury with the Anaheim Ducks and is expected to make his Rangers debut tonight. Skating on the third defensive pair alongside Chad Ruhwedel. Vaakanainen will wear number 18 for the Blueshirts, who will wear their white away jerseys tonight. So keep an eye on Vaakanainen as he joins the lineup as a Ranger for the first time.

Have fun with the game!