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3 Burning Questions As the New York Rangers Even the Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Rangers tied the ECF series on Friday night. Here are three questions that need answering before Game 3.

By Nicholas Rome

May 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow (21) celebrates his game-winning overtime goal with teammates in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow (21) celebrates his game-winning overtime goal with teammates in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Rangers once again had their fans on the edge of their seats as Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals looked headed to a second overtime if not for Barclay Goodrow's winner. The Rangers once again played solid defensively while also getting another great outing from Igor Shesterkin.

The Rangers won this game as they desperately needed it but now, as this series heads south, there are three massive questions.

1- The End of Kaapo Kakko's Time in New York?

After morning practice, rumors began swirling that Matt Rempe may re-enter the lineup, starting the rumors of who may be scratched. When the Rangers took the ice for the game, the fans found out that it was Kaapo Kakko who'd be watching the game from the pressbox.

At this point, it's hard to envision a world where Kaapo Kakko is back in New York for the 2024-25 season. The healthy scratch marked the second time in three years that the Rangers decided to scratch Kaapo Kakko while in the Eastern Conference Finals. Kaapo Kakko will be a restricted free agent this summer and it now looks like he'll likely be used as a trade chip to help the Rangers in a trade for a veteran player.

If this is the end of Kaapo's time in New York, then it's an utter disappointment for the Rangers. The team landed the second overall pick in the 2019 Draft just missing out on the first overall pick. The Rangers have needed a top-line winger to play alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider and ideally, it would be Kakko but he hasn't worked out on the top line. Even if he returns to the lineup this postseason, it's likely a parting of ways is best for both teams.

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