Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Broadcast: FDSNMW, MSGSN, ESPN+
The New York Rangers (16-15-4) visit the St. Louis Blues (13-15-7) in a cross-conference matchup, the second meeting of the 2025-26 season after the Rangers’ 3-2 win on Nov. 24 in New York. Both teams struggle offensively, with low-scoring trends dominating recent games, setting up a potential defensive battle in the Gateway City.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon)
New York Rangers:
Artemi Panarin (F, undisclosed): Game-time decision – Key scorer’s status major factor; limited practice.
Adam Fox (D, various): Dealing with ongoing issues; monitoring.
Other depth players sidelined long-term; core like Vincent Trocheck, J.T. Miller, and Will Cuylle available.
Igor Shesterkin or backup in net.
St. Louis Blues:
Multiple forwards (e.g., five long-term IR): Significant absences impacting scoring depth; newcomers like prospect Otto in lineup recently.
Defensive depth tested; no major updates on returns.
Jordan Binnington or Joel Hofer projected starter.
Rangers monitoring Panarin closely; Blues severely depleted up front, relying on prospects and veterans.
Key Player Matchups
Vincent Trocheck/J.T. Miller vs. Blues Centers: Trocheck’s physicality and Miller’s playmaking test St. Louis’ depleted middle; faceoffs and forecheck pivotal.
Artemi Panarin (if active) vs. Blues Defense: Panarin’s elite vision and shot vs. Blues’ gritty blue line; potential game-changer if he plays.
Blues Forwards (e.g., Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas if healthy) vs. Rangers Defense: Kyrou’s speed exploits transitions; Rangers’ structure aims to limit high-danger chances.
Goaltending Duel: Shesterkin (elite when healthy) vs. Binnington (strong home numbers); save percentage on slot shots key.
Special Teams: Rangers’ PP (if Panarin in) vs. Blues’ PK; discipline crucial in low-event projection.
Game likely features strong netminding and limited chances; turnovers in neutral zone could create odd-man rushes.
Team Records and Standings Context
New York Rangers: 16-15-4 (Mid-pack Metropolitan Division). Inconsistent but capable of streaks.
St. Louis Blues: 13-15-7 (Lower Central Division). Offensive struggles amplified by injuries.
Recent Team Form
Rangers: Goal-starved lately, shut out or low-output in recent games; seeking offensive solutions after dropping four of five.
Blues: Coming off 5-2 loss to Nashville; 6-4 in last 10 vs. Rangers historically but current form mixed with injuries costing scoring.
Both teams trending low-scoring; Rangers intent on solving woes, Blues relying on home structure.
Series History
2025-26 Season: Rangers lead 1-0 (3-2 win Nov. 24).
Recent (Last 10): Blues 6-4; competitive with close decisions.
All-Time: Competitive cross-conference; Blues strong at home lately (five straight wins at Enterprise Center vs. Rangers, outscoring 22-10).
Trends: Often unders; third-period surges common.
Betting Trends
Unders dominating recent games for both; sharp action on low-event outcome.
Value in Blues covering at home or under hitting.
Game Odds
New York Rangers – 148
St. Louis Blues 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
