Overview
- Sullivan acknowledged mixed emotions about facing Pittsburgh but emphasized his focus on setting the Rangers up for success.
- J.T. Miller, named captain after an offseason trade, and Artemi Panarin are set to play after limited preseason availability.
- The Rangers are turning the page on a 39-36-7 season marked by offensive decline and significant roster churn, including multiple trades.
- Sullivan signed with New York in May after 10 seasons in Pittsburgh, where he went 409-255-89 and won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017.
- Pittsburgh enters with its veteran core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, a youth infusion under coach Dan Muse, and additions Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari and Mathew Dumba.