Rangers and Panthers Have Youth on Display — But for Different Reasons

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images The last time the New York Rangers were in South Florida was for the Winter Classic way back on January 2. At the time, the Florida Panthers were one point out of a wild-card spot and the Rangers were three points out. Both teams have endured rough times since.

If you don’t recognize some of the players on either side when they line up tonight in Sunrise, it is understandable. The Rangers and the Panthers have each dressed 38 players to date this season. For the Panthers, 11 players have been elevated from Charlotte sometime during the season.

Seven made their NHL debut. The injury epidemic has been so bad that in Saturday’s impressive win in Toronto, 13 regulars were out of the lineup. Eight of the top nine forwards were out injured as were five of six regular defensemen.

For the Rangers, 13 players who wore the uniform at some point in the season also played in the AHL with five making their NHL debut. Of the newbies, Noel Laba, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar are likely in the lineup tonight. Drew Fortescue was a healthy scratch for the previous game and Dylan Garand is the third string goalie.