Panthers’ title defense and Rangers’ goaltending hit by injuries

Florida is dealing with Aleksander Barkov’s projected 6-8 week absence and Brad Marchand’s expected six-week lower-body injury. The Rangers now face a major season-direction decision after Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season, with potential replacement names including Connor Hellebuyck, Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper and John Gibson, though all trade discussions are speculative.