With fewer distractions, perhaps the New York Rangers will produce a better result Tuesday night, when they host the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden.
It’s the second game of a back-to-back set for the Rangers (16-14-4), who lost 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks at home Monday. That contest featured the return of former Rangers Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, complete with the video tributes, standing ovations, and mixed emotions that come with these kind of homecomings.
It also included an unexpected distraction. The Rangers scratched alternate captain Mika Zibanejad for missing a team meeting.