Rangers' Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller Expected for Season Opener

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that star forwards Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller are both cleared to play in the team's Opening Night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Panarin, who missed the end of preseason due to upper- and lower-body injuries, will join the top line alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafrenière, and is expected to play a key role on the power-play unit. Miller, recovering from a noncontact lower-body injury, participated fully in practice and is set to play center between Will Cuylle and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers' lineup also features Conor Sheary on the third line and a defensive pairing led by Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox. Panarin had a strong previous season with 37 goals and 52 assists over 80 games, demonstrating his importance to the Rangers’ offensive strategy. Sullivan emphasized the team's intention to integrate Lafrenière into the first power-play unit alongside Panarin and Miller, signaling confidence in their readiness and chemistry as the regular season begins.