Detroit @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 6, 2019 ) Detroit 1, NY Rangers 5

The New York Rangers face an uphill climb to get into playoff contention, among the reasons why much of the attention surrounding the team is focused on potential moves at next month's trade deadline. The Rangers will return from a nine-day break to host the league-worst Detroit Red Wings on Friday night in the front end of a home-and-home.

New York is sitting 11 points out of the second wild card but has a chance to build some momentum, playing five of its next six at home. “We have such a good group,” said forward Chris Kreider, the team's most high-profile trade piece. “We’ve already gotten so much better, and we hope that continues.” The woeful Red Wings were outscored 29-10 in dropping their final six entering the All-Star break, their fourth losing streak this season of at least six games. Detroit has only 12 wins -- six fewer than any team -- and has lost 21 of 25 (4-19-2) away from home, including a 5-1 drubbing at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 6.

TIME: 7 p.m. ET. TV: MSG, FS Detroit-Plus

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (12-35-4): Tyler Bertuzzi, one of the few brights spots and the team leader in goals (17) and points (36), acquitted himself well over All-Star weekend by scoring once and collecting four assists. Bertuzzi has amassed 12 of his goals on the road but has only one point in six meetings versus New York. Andreas Athanasiou practiced Thursday for the first time since he was hurt on Dec. 29 but will not play this weekend, while goaltender Jonathan Bernier (lower body) is getting closer to a return.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (23-21-4): New York has a logjam in the crease and could be ready to give an extended look to Igor Shesterkin, recalling the Russian rookie from the minors to make his fourth career start against Detroit. Shesterkin won his first two starts earlier this month and turned aside 29 of 31 shots in his last outing, a 2-1 loss to Columbus on Jan. 19. Alexandar Georgiev could be the odd man out and wind up on the trading block if Shesterkin continues to play well alongside longtime standout Henrik Lundqvist.

OVERTIME

1. Rangers F Artemi Panarin, who missed the last game prior to the break due to an upper-body injury, has 23 points over his last 11 contests.

2. Red Wings G Jimmy Howard is 10-4-3 with a 1.90 goals-against versus New York despite the loss on Nov. 6.

3. Rangers C Ryan Strome (illness) left Thursday's practice but is expected to play versus the Red Wings.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Red Wings 1