Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Rangers Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Rangers head to Vegas looking to build on recent success

The New York Rangers are riding high after a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. With just four points separating them from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Rangers are focused on extending their momentum as they face the league-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday in Las Vegas.

This matchup kicks off a crucial three-game western road trip, with stops in Colorado and Utah to follow. The Rangers’ recent form, highlighted by strong defensive performances and key player contributions, sets the stage for an exciting contest against a dominant Vegas team eager to bounce back from a rare shutout loss.

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Rangers’ Recent Surge

The Rangers have started 2025 on a positive note, going 3-1-1 in their last five games. Thursday’s win over the Devils saw them reach the 40-point mark for the season, buoyed by a spectacular overtime goal from Sam Carrick. Carrick, in his 10th NHL season, netted his first-ever overtime winner on a 2-on-1 break, converting a pinpoint pass from Reilly Smith.

“I think I might have blacked out, to be honest,” Carrick said. “Still trying to catch my breath.”

Defensive Excellence The Rangers displayed exceptional defensive discipline in the game, blocking 20 shots and holding a dominant 63.8% to 36.2% advantage in face-offs. Igor Shesterkin returned to the net after a four-game absence due to an upper-body injury and made 21 key saves.

Head coach Peter Laviolette commended the team’s effort, stating, “All the wins are big when you’re pushing up the ladder. The two points and the win are the biggest thing. You’d like to see the game match the score, and I actually thought it did. I thought we played really well, especially defensively.”

Power-Play Success The Rangers capitalized on special teams with power-play goals from Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin, showcasing their ability to seize key opportunities.

Fox emphasized the importance of carrying their recent momentum into the road trip. “Played some good hockey recently, and carrying momentum and just building on it is big for us,” he said.

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Vegas Golden Knights: A Formidable Opponent

The Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights come into Saturday’s game with 59 points, the highest in the NHL. Despite their stellar season, they suffered a surprising 4-0 home loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday. It marked only the fifth home defeat in 22 games (17-5-0) and the third time Vegas has been shut out this season.

Offensive Challenges Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the team’s struggles in their loss to the Islanders. “Tonight we didn’t execute offensively very well,” Cassidy said. “Our defensive game I thought was actually very good. Our goals against started on our stick. Now you’re in a bit of scramble mode from there. … Got to be better against the Rangers.”

Forward Victor Olofsson echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. “We know we’ve got it in this room. We just didn’t really execute tonight. … Definitely look at this game and see what we can learn from, then just turn the page and focus on the Rangers.”

Key Player Watch

Vegas may receive a boost with the potential return of forward Ivan Barbashev, who has been sidelined since mid-December with an upper-body injury. Barbashev, tied for the team lead with 15 goals, participated in a full-contact practice on Friday. Cassidy stated, “We’ll anticipate” Barbashev being in the lineup for Saturday’s game.

For the Rangers, Shesterkin’s performance will be crucial against a high-powered Vegas offense, while Fox and Panarin’s contributions on the power play could tip the balance in a tight contest.

What’s at Stake

The Rangers, currently on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, are treating every game as a must-win. Their recent uptick in form and improved defensive organization will be put to the test against a Vegas squad determined to prove its resilience after Thursday’s setback.

For Vegas, maintaining their position at the top of the league standings while protecting their home ice advantage adds extra motivation. With a record of 17-5-0 at home, the Golden Knights have shown they are one of the toughest teams to beat on their own turf.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s matchup promises to be a clash of contrasting goals and styles. The Rangers aim to continue their climb in the Eastern Conference standings, fueled by newfound momentum and defensive solidity. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights will look to return to their winning ways with the possible return of a key scorer in Barbashev.

With both teams having plenty to prove, fans can expect an intense battle under the bright lights of Las Vegas.