Rink Rap | A New York Rangers Podcast from Forever Blueshirts

Dive into the latest New York Rangers action! We break down J.T. Miller's heroics as "Captain Clutch" in overtime, the team's ongoing struggles at Madison Square Garden, and celebrate Gabe Perreault's long-awaited first NHL goal while skating on the third line with Noah Laba. Plus, why rookies Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and Scott Morrow are still earning Coach Mike Sullivan's trust.Next, we debate Sullivan's tough call to scratch Mika Zibanejad for missing a team meeting and take a deep dive into why the Rangers remain stuck in the NHL's "murky middle" — with a legitimate shot at the playoffs despite the inconsistencies.Finally, a preview of the grueling three games in four nights before the holiday break, including why Saturday's crucial home matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers could make or break momentum heading into the Christmas pause. Blueshirt fans, this one's packed with analysis and hot takes!Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:30 - Holiday shopping banter; transition to Rangers focus and recent storylines06:10Week recap: JT Miller’s two OT winners (vs Montreal and St. Louis); low-scoring games; returns of Kreider/Truba to MSG; losses to Anaheim/Vancouver; Mika Zibanejad scratched; Panarin out sick; Adam Fox nearing return07:15Rookies called up: Gabe Perreault’s first NHL goal (deflection); Brennan Othmann also recalled12:30Deep dive on JT Miller as “Captain Clutch”: 3 OT goals this season, direct hand in 5 of 6 Rangers OT wins, historic note (most OT goals by US-born player – 17), heavy shot praised by Mike Sullivan17:00Mika Zibanejad scratched for missing meeting (car accident excuse); host expected bigger response/game from Mika after scratch but felt it was underwhelming; defends Mika’s overall effort/leadership this season vs last year 18:30Continued home struggles at MSG (shut out 6 times in 17 home games); losses to bottom-feeders like Vancouver 28:30 (approx. end of first major segment)29:00 Was Sullivan right to scratch Zibanejad? Bigger picture: Rangers in the “murky middle” of the East – parity, mediocre teams, legitimate playoff chance despite flaws39:00 Continued “murky middle” analysis: no dominant teams chasing wild cards; Rangers mentally tougher this year 50:00Wrap-up of murky middle thoughts; tight standings (40 pts for top wild card down to 34 pts for last place)50:00 Preview of upcoming games: crucial home game vs Flyers on Saturday (head-to-head, 4-point swing potential); need to reverse home woes and beat direct competitors56:00Sunday at Nashville (must beat weaker teams); Tuesday vs Washington (tougher but divisional); finishing 7 games in 11 days strong before holiday break 57:00Closing thoughts: Rangers play up to elite teams but need to beat the mediocre ones; holiday wishes; outro and call to subscribe/visit ForeverBlueShirts.com

JT Miller came up big — again! Plus, we talk about the Rangers struggles at home and much, much more.

Jim talks about the hub-bub around the scratch of Mika Zibanejad on Monday night + the Rangers in the "murky middle."

Jim talks about Rangers big game vs. Flyers as they head into the holiday break.

On a special Friday edition of Rink Rap, Jim is joined by NHL Network's E.J. Hradek. The NHL has never been this wide-open – we dive into historic league-wide parity and map the Rangers’ clearest path back to the postseason in a brutal Metro.Inside the episode:Looming Panarin decision: keep the Breadman or move him before he hits free agency? (Spoiler: the return might sting)Metro madness + early playoff race breakdownPenguins-Oilers goalie swap dissectedWill J.T. Miller make Team USA for the 2026 Olympics under Mike Sullivan? If he’s snubbed, how awkward does it get in the Rangers room?All the angles on the Rangers’ season and the flat-out wild NHL landscape, in under an hour. Let’s go.