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WATCH: Fans energize arena with "Let's go Rangers" chants before Game 3 against Panthers
As the excitement builds for game three of the Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers, fans are already making their presence known in the arena. In a video shared by NHL insider Jonny Lazarus on X (formerly Twitter), the energy of the crowd is evident as they rally behind their team with chants of:
"Let's go Rangers!"
The video captures the atmosphere inside the arena, with fans enthusiastically voicing their support for the NYR just 30 minutes before warmup. Despite the away game setting, there appears to be a significant contingent of Rangers fans in attendance, echoing the fervor typically witnessed at Madison Square Garden.
Rangers face lineup decisions in Eastern Conference Final after Jimmy Vesey's injury
New York faces lineup challenges after Jimmy Vesey's injury. Coach Laviolette must choose between several forwards. Blake Wheeler, returning from injury, offers experience and grit to the top line. Jonny Brodzinski brings speed and postseason experience to the bottom six.
Kaapo Kakko, struggling to make an impact, faces scrutiny after being scratched. Laviolette must weigh each player's contributions and fit within the lineup. Wheeler's return symbolizes hope for a championship, while Kakko's inconsistency raises questions.
Laviolette's decision will shape the Rangers' strategy as they aim for victory in the best-of-five series.
Rangers Coach Laviolette stresses defensive contribution amid playoff challenges
New York are relying heavily on their defensemen to step up their game, particularly Adam Fox, who hasn't quite hit his stride in the playoffs yet.
Despite this, NYR managed to stay competitive, with Fox contributing a crucial assist in game two. However, overall production from the defense has been lacking, with only two goals coming from the blue line throughout the playoffs.
On Thursday, NYR coach Peter Laviolette said:
“Contributions from the back end were a big part of our success in the regular season. In the offensive zone, the first few series, they were trying to move, trying to get involved ... But definitely funneling more pucks to the net, getting in on the backside of a rush, I think that can help with production.”
In game two, there were signs of improvement as players like K'Andre Miller and Erik Gustafsson became more engaged offensively. While there are reasons for the defensive underperformance, such as tough opponents like the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers, the focus remains on players like Fox to spark offensive opportunities.
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