The New York Rangers has a rough night on Tuesday. Not only did the team fall further back in the Metropolitan Division standings with a 4-0 loss to the Hurricanes at home, but they also helped validate every part of the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen trade.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

The Carolina Hurricanes have made plenty of headlines lately with their acquisition of Mikko Rantanen, the star forward in the NHL, but just like most trades, there will be an adjustment period for him. They also added former #1 overall pick Taylor Hall, who will slot in on the second line.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche (and Chicago Blackhawks too) pulled off a blockbuster trade on Friday night, as Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall were sent to Carolina and Martin Necas and Jack Drury wound up with Colorado.

The Rangers made just four selections in the 2024 NHL Draft but held onto their first-rounder and the pool remains solid.

NHL schedule features the Carolina Hurricanes (30-16-4) visiting the New York Rangers (24-21-4) at Madison Square Garden, starting at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. The Hurricanes rank second while the Rangers are 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Watch the Game Highlights from New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 01/28/2025. Home; NFL; NCAAF; NBA; NHL; NCAAB; NCAAW; MLB; Daily Draw; Fantasy Sports; Soccer; Tennis; Gol