Rangers vs. Ducks: Lineups, storylines when Kreider, Trouba return to MSG

Story by

Story by
Rangers vs. Ducks: Lineups, storylines when Kreider, Trouba return to MSG

Rangers vs. Ducks: Lineups, storylines when Kreider, Trouba return to MSG — Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jim Cerny · Forever Blueshirts

Mon, Dec 15, 2025 ·

6 min read

About Our Ads

There's no escaping the fact that it's going to be an emotional night Monday at Madison Square Garden, when the New York Rangers host the Anaheim Ducks ,

That's because Chris Kreider , one of the most popular players of this current Rangers era, returns to MSG for the first time since being traded to the Ducks this past offseason. There's sure to be an outpouring of love for Kreider, who's third in Rangers history with 326 goals, first with 48 goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and tied for first with 116 power-play goals.

As for a bit of revenge or extra motivation on Kreider's part, don't expect him to admit to anything, based on his comments to The Athletic last week.

"I don't think that's something that you can use consistently," the 34-year-old forward explained. "I think that ends up being more of an energy sap. I'm intrinsically motivated. I don't need anyone else to push me. That daily process, that daily mission — I know what I want to work on, what I want to accomplish. I think all the other stuff is just noise."

Perhaps that's so. But Kreider played 883 regular-season games over 13 seasons with the Rangers, and there's a good chance his No. 20 gets raised to the MSG rafters one day after his career is over. He helped the Rangers reach the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, win the Presidents' Trophy twice, and play in the Eastern Conference Final five times.

That video tribute Monday will bring cheers and a standing ovation from the Rangers Faithful. And more than a few tears from fans, and perhaps Kreider, too.

If all that's not enough, it's also Jacob Trouba 's first return to The Garden since the Rangers traded the 28th captain in franchise history to the Ducks on Dec. 6, 2024. He's not nearly as beloved as Kreider, but the Trouba Train running through MSG again should elicit powerful memories, as well.

So, you've got the makings of a must-see event.

Plus, this should be a real good hockey game. The Rangers (16-13-4) come off a thrilling gut-check victory over the Montreal Canadiens , winning 5-4 in overtime Saturday after rallying from down 3-0 and 4-2. The Rangers earned points in eight of their past 10 games (6-2-2), including each of their past four home contests (2-0-2).

The Ducks (19-12-1) are second in the Pacific Division , and among the biggest surprises in the NHL this season. However, they lost two straight, including 4-1 at the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, and are 8-9-0 since Nov. 11.

In their past 12 games against the Ducks, the Rangers have a 9-1-2 record. The Rangers are on a 10-game home-winning streak against the Ducks at MSG.

3 storylines when Rangers host Ducks

NHL: Anaheim Ducks at New Jersey Devils — John Jones-Imagn Images

1. Setting friendship aside

An intriguing subplot to this one is how Kreider and his best friend on the Rangers, Mika Zibanejad , fare going head-to-head against one another. The longtime linemates are very close, with Zibanejad serving as Kreider's best man in his wedding in 2023. Each is a proud athlete and competitor, as well, so this should be a doozy if each pushes the other on the ice Monday.

NHL: Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers — Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

After struggles on and off the ice for each last season, Kreider and Zibanejad are back in top form in 2025-26. Kreider is third on the Ducks with 13 goals, and his six power-play tallies not only lead them, but are tied with Zibanejad for 10th most in the NHL .

Zibanejad leads the Rangers with 11 goals, and is third with 25 points . The 32-year-old set up J.T. Miller's overtime winner against the Canadiens and has points in eight of his past nine games (three goals, six points). He also owns the Ducks, with points in 10 of his past 11 games against them (nine goals, eight assists).

2. It's not just Kreider

The Ducks are second in the NHL , averaging 3.44 goals per game. Kreider's a big part of the explosive Ducks core, one that features some of the best young talent in the NHL.

Forward Leo Carlsson , the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 32 games, tied for 10th in the NHL scoring race . Teammates Cutter Gauthier (16 goals, 18 assists) and Troy Terry (10 goals, 24 assists) each have 34 points, giving the Ducks three players with more points than the Rangers leading scorer, Artemi Panarin (33 points; 11 goals, 12 assists).

Scoring goals isn't an issue for the Ducks, but keeping the puck out of their own net is. Anaheim is 25th in the League with a team 3.34 goals-against average.

3. Power Ranger

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at New York Rangers — Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan simply gushed about Miller following the big win Saturday. Miller scored the tying and winning goals, including his second OT goal this season. And Sullivan loved how each was scored.

"The two goals he scored are prototypical J.T. Miller hockey. One's at the blue paint, he plays his power game. And the overtime winner is, that one-timer is a missile. That's a goal scorer's goal, and that's what he's capable of," Sullivan said postgame .

Miller arrived back on Broadway last season in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks , nearly eight weeks after the Rangers dealt Trouba to the Ducks. So, they weren't Blueshirt teammates. But they're forever linked since Miller became the 29th captain in Rangers history at the start of this season, replacing Trouba.

Miller now has nine goals and 20 points in 32 games this season. Trouba's excelled with the Ducks as a top-pair defenseman, and has 14 points (five goals, nine assists), averaging 22:02 TOI in 32 games.