Every Tuesday, The New York Times will look at the week ahead in the N.H.L., highlighting hot — or not so hot — teams and players. (All times Eastern.)
These are two of the hottest teams in the league, despite major injury problems. The Rangers have won seven of 10 without both Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh for most of those games. McDonagh will not play Tuesday against the Devils, but he is expected to make the trip to St. Louis and Dallas. The Blues have won five of six and are on the tail of the Blackhawks and the Stars in the Central Division, but have 220 man-games lost to injury.