The New York Rangers face a pivotal matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, vying for a playoff spot while missing key players Chris Kreider and Adam Fox. Fox's absence is particularly significant, as he has been a crucial part of their offensive generation and puck movement on defense. Without him, the team relies heavily on Igor Shesterkin in goal, who has proven to be a wildcard, often leading the Rangers to unexpected victories.

The Rangers, currently just four points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, are in a must-win situation. However, given their inconsistent performance this season, fans are left wondering if they will rise to the occasion. This game not only affects their standings but also their morale as they navigate through a challenging season.

The New York Rangers delivered an impressive 5-1 victory over the Islanders, showcasing their best performance in a while. Despite only managing 20 shots, their solid defense limited the Islanders to low-danger opportunities, allowing goalie Igor Shesterkin to regain confidence following a shaky return. This win marks the Rangers' second consecutive outing with five goals, reflecting a defense-first approach that is crucial as they navigate injuries to key players like Adam Fox and K'Andre Miller.

In the absence of Chris Kreider, Brennan Othmann stepped in admirably, while Jonny Brodzinski and Matt Rempe provided unexpected scoring contributions. The Rangers are still searching for a truly dominating performance, but with Shesterkin back in form and emerging talent on display, there's a glimmer of hope for their season amidst the ups and downs. JT Miller's resurgence has been particularly notable, solidifying his role as a top center.

Keeper and dynasty leagues require a careful balance between immediate success and future potential. With the trade deadlines approaching for both fantasy leagues and the NHL, making strategic adjustments is crucial. This article provides projections for the next five seasons, focusing on players like Cale Makar and Zach Werenski, who have established themselves as cornerstones for future success. Goalies, due to their unpredictable nature, require a unique approach, with insights drawn from historical performances to predict future outcomes.

Players such as Connor Hellebuyck are compared to current talents like Jake Oettinger, while Igor Shesterkin's past is tied to modern prospects like Yaroslav Askarov. This exercise emphasizes the importance of analyzing career trajectories and finding modern equivalents to project future performance effectively. As fantasy managers prepare for the upcoming seasons, these projections, although not definitive, serve as a strong foundation for informed decision-making.

Injury updates continue to roll in from the NHL, highlighting key players from various teams. Calgary Flames defenseman Jake Bean made a swift return to the ice after needing assistance off it earlier this week. Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin participated in line rushes but separated from the team during drills.

The Columbus Blue Jackets received promising news with Kirill Marchenko's potential return this Saturday, alongside Boone Jenner, who is inching closer to his season debut after shoulder surgery. The Blue Jackets also await the return of Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov, while Dante Fabbro and Erik Gudbranson's statuses are improving.

In other news, Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk faced an undisclosed injury and missed significant ice time recently. The New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier is also on the mend, with a possible return on the horizon. Notably, the New York Rangers' Igor Shesterkin is expected back this weekend, offering a boost amid ongoing injuries across the league.