The New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues face off tonight, December 18, 2025, at Enterprise Center. Both teams are looking to address recent struggles, setting the stage for a compelling matchup.

Rangers' Roster Adjustments and Offensive Search

The Rangers (16-15-4) are aiming to reignite their offense after a slump that has seen them go 1-3-2 in their last six games. During this stretch, they've only managed 10 goals and have been shut out twice. Coach Mike Sullivan expressed concern about the team's inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities despite controlling territory and generating power-play chances. Captain J.T. Miller emphasized the need to "bear down" and convert chances. Key players like Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere, and Will Cuylle are also looking to break their scoring droughts.

In an effort to shake things up, the Rangers have recalled prospects Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. These young players are expected to inject fresh energy into the lineup.

Projected Rangers Lineup:

• Will Cuylle — Vincent Trocheck — J.T. Miller
• Artemi Panarin — Mika Zibanejad — Alexis Lafreniere
• Conor Sheary — Noah Laba — Taylor Raddysh

• Gabe Perreault — Sam Carrick — Matt Rempe

• Vladislav Gavrikov — Braden Schneider

• Carson Soucy — Will Borgen

• Matthew Robertson — Scott Morrow

• Igor Shesterkin (likely starter)

• Jonathan Quick

Scratches: Jonny Brodzinski Injuries: Adam Fox (upper body), Adam Edstrom (lower body) There is a possibility that Othmann will slot into the lineup if Panarin is unable to play. Adam Fox, a key defenseman, participated in a non-contact jersey during practice.

Blues' Injury Challenges and Lineup Changes

The Blues (13-15-7) are also dealing with their own set of challenges, including a significant number of injuries. They have five forwards sidelined with long-term ailments. Despite these challenges, St. Louis has won two of its last three games at home.

Several lineup changes are expected for the Blues. Matt Luff will enter the lineup in place of Robby Fabbri, and Tyler Tucker will replace Matthew Kessel. Coach Jim Montgomery wants fresher legs against the Rangers and Fabbri wasn't in training camp this year.

Projected Blues Lineup:

• Alexey Toropchenko — Robert Thomas — Pavel Buchnevich
• Jake Neighbours — Brayden Schenn — Otto Stenberg
• Pius Suter — Dalibor Dvorsky — Jonatan Berggren

• Mathieu Joseph — Oskar Sundqvist — Matt Luff

• Philip Broberg — Colton Parayko

• Tyler Tucker — Justin Faulk

• Cam Fowler — Logan Mailloux

• Jordan Binnington (Starting Goalie)

• Joel Hofer

Scratches: Matthew Kessel, Robby Fabbri Injuries: Jordan Kyrou (lower body), Dylan Holloway (high ankle sprain), Jimmy Snuggerud (wrist), Nathan Walker (upper body), Nick Bjugstad (upper body), Torey Krug (ankle).

Goaltending Matchup

Igor Shesterkin is expected to start in goal for the Rangers, while Jordan Binnington is likely to get the nod for the Blues.

Keys to the Game

With both teams experiencing offensive struggles and dealing with injuries, this game could come down to which team can capitalize on their scoring chances and which goalie can make the key saves. The Rangers are looking for their newly recalled players to provide a spark, while the Blues will rely on their depth to overcome their injury woes.