The New York Rangers have been rolling during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After sweeping the Washington Capitals in Round 1, they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2 in six games.
The Rangers won the first three games of the series, starting the postseason on a seven-game winning streak. But, the Hurricanes found some momentum, winning Games 4 and 5 before taking a 3-1 lead into the third period of Game 6.
That is when New York Rangers star Chris Kreider channeled his inner Mark Messier. He scored a natural hat trick in the third period, giving his team a 4-3 lead. The Rangers would score an empty net goal, making the final score 5-3 and eliminating the Hurricanes.
They are now on to the Eastern Conference Finals to face off against the Florida Panthers. It will be another tough series for New York, but some help could be on the way. There is a chance veteran forward Blake Wheeler can get back in the lineup.
Wheeler has not played since a devastating injury in February. His leg was in an awkward position, resulting in a gruesome scene that had teammate Jacob Trouba believing Wheeler had played his final NHL game.
Placed on injured reserve and announced out for the regular season, Wheeler has been working hard to get back. Last week, a major event occurred when he shed the noncontact jersey at practice, putting him one step closer to returning to the ice.
“I think once you get rid of the red jersey, and the fact they take me off of the injured reserve, I think that’s been my goal the whole time since I got hurt: to be an option and be available again. And that’s where we’re at,” he said. “It’s going to be in the coach’s hands from there, but I’m ready in any capacity I can to help out.”
After spending the previous 12 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Wheeler was bought out by the team. He signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers and was playing well in a part-time role.
Coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have an exact timetable on when Wheeler could get back in the lineup. But, having him as a potential option is great for the team. A veteran with 65 games of postseason experience, the bright lights of the Stanley Cup Playoffs won’t phase him even after a lengthy layoff.
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