The New York Rangers will host Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller and the Tampa Bay Lightning in their MSG finale on Friday night.
The New York Rangers will play their final home game on Broadway Friday night against some old friends. It’ll be Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller and the loaded Tampa Bay Lightning invading the Garden.
- New York Rangers (33-35-9, 75 points)
- Tampa Bay Lightning ( 51-22-4, 106 points)
- Television: MSG Network
- Madison Square Garden, New York
The Rangers had high expectations when the season began, but when they take the ice for the final home game of the season Friday night, they’ll be looking to finish out a disappointing season.
McDonagh and Miller will come to MSG as visitors for the first time in each’s career. Both players were involved in a last-minute trade deadline trade with the Tampa Bay Lighting that sent the Rangers F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Brett Howden, D Libor Hajek, a 2018 first round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2019.
Classy, as the Rangers fans always are, anticipate a warm reception for the former captain and right winger.
Starting Goaltender
AV said Pavelec will start tonight for #NYR.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 30, 2018
In a surprise announcement, head coach Alain Vigneault will start Ondrej Pavelec against the Lightning as Henrik Lundqvist will serve as backup.
Steven McDonald Award Extra Effort Award
Together, let’s honor the memory of beloved Detective Steven McDonald by recognizing the #NYR player who goes above and beyond the call of duty for the 2017-18 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award presented by @NorthwellHealth: https://t.co/RhLvrQXIT9 pic.twitter.com/ZuWEwc4d5Z
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 25, 2018
One of the highlights of the final home game is the announcement of the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. The Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award has been presented each season since 1987-88 to the Rangers player who goes above and beyond the normal call of duty, and is named in honor of paralyzed New York City Detective Steven McDonald.
Detective McDonald passed away on Jan. 10, 2017.
Some of the Previous award winners:
Mats Zuccarello, Cam Talbot, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Prust, Brandon Dubinsky, Jed Ortmeyer, Henrik Lundqvist, Adam Graves, Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, Jan Erixon, John Vanbiesbrouck, Kelly Kisio and Tony Granato.
The Rangers will have four more games remaining on the season following Friday’s nights game. At Carolina Saturday night, April 3, at New Jersey, April 5, at New York Islanders and the season finale, April 7 at Philadelphia.
- Mike Murphy of Blueshirt Banter talks about why the Rangers should go after Adam Mascherin.
- Neal Purcell of ESNY lets fans know they should give D Neal Pionk a break.
