New York Rangers: Impact of Antti Raanta’s Return
By Nolan Rich
The New York Rangers have received a boost with the return of goalie Antti Raanta after he missed some time.
After missing time since January 14th, Antti Raanta has returned for the New York Rangers. The good news is now New York can give the 34-year-old net minder Henrik Lundqvist a break after a streak of poor starts including surrendering seven goals against Dallas on January 17th.
Raanta’s return in the short-term certainly helps to help keep Lundqvist fresh, as the King approaches his 700th career NHL start. However, this return could complicate things for the Rangers, especially when the playoffs approach.
The issue could become what goaltender to start in the playoffs. So far this season Raanta has just as many shutouts as Lundqvist in 19 fewer starts. Not to mention, Raanta has a better goals against average and save percentage as well.
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It could be a hard decision for the Rangers as the season progresses and if Raanta returns to form. Do they go with the younger player who is the hot hand, or go with the veteran who has over a hundred career playoff starts?
This is something Ranger fans will need to monitor in the stretch run of this season.