P.K. Subban analyzes Rangers' championship potential against tough Panthers squad
In the latest episode of the Pat McAfee Show, former NHL star P.K. Subban analyzed the New York Rangers' championship potential as they face the tough Florida Panthers squad. Subban expressed strong confidence in the NYR.
"I'm gonna stick with the NYR, man. I think the Rangers have it all going for them. Next, I'm taking the NYR in this series. New York is a hockey city, and now it's official," Subban said
Subban even noted the impressive journey of the NYR this season, emphasizing that they have "outlasted New York."
"They've outlasted the New York. So once again, to prove my point that New York City is a hockey city, so it's official now, and now they have a chance to win a championship," Subban said
The former defenseman pointed out the strengths that make the NYR a formidable contender.
"They have enough with this team to do it. And now it's getting to all the edges are in that locker room. They have a good enough coach. Good enough goaltending. The special teams have done well. Now it's up to the players, so I think they have enough to get it done," Subban added
"But the Florida Panthers are going to make it very, very difficult, and the biggest key to that series is going to be matchups. How are the Rangers going to match up against Barkov and Kucherov if those guys are on different lines?
"Good luck doing that because if you're going to keep Lindgren and Fox together against one of those lines, it's gonna be tough to handle down low," Subban added.
Rangers' playoff performance backs their potential but there are hurdles they need to overcome. On May 17, the Rangers faced a difficult situation against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite comfortably commanding the series, they struggled to close out the second-round encounter.
Entering the third period of a crucial game, they were down. It was Chris Kreider's performance that ensured that they secured their spot in the Eastern Conference finals.
New York Rangers sign forward Dylan Roobroeck to entry-level contract
The NYR has signed forward Dylan Roobroeck to a three-year, entry-level contract. He was drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Roobroeck has 26 goals and 46 assists for 72 points in 68 games with the Oshawa Generals during the 2023–24 OHL season. He led the squad in playoff scoring with 11 goals and 26 points in 21 games.
Over three OHL seasons with Oshawa and the Niagara IceDogs, Roobroeck amassed 146 points in 200 games.