The New York Rangers have yet one more barrier in store for them in a quest for a playoff run. Having lost in their third in succession to the Boston Bruins, the Rangers return to Madison Square Garden for a must-play with the Vegas Golden Knights. There, a new problem comes in the form of an injured Adam Edstrom.

The Swedish winger exited Saturday’s game early with a lower-body issue, logging only 4:22 of ice time in the process. Edström has been a key presence in the Rangers’ lineup, contributing five goals, nine points, 40 shots, 34 blocks, and 93 hits in 50 contests played during the current campaign. Having him in a position to make a contribution in terms of grip and defensive solidity to the fourth line, specifically in battles with physical forwards such as Vegas has made him a useful player.

While the Rangers have not provided an official update, signs point to Adam Edström likely missing the game against the Golden Knights. If that happens, the team will have to find a replacement quickly, with Arthur Kaliyev and Jimmy Vesey as the leading candidates to step in. Both players bring different skill sets—Kaliyev offers more offensive upside, while Vesey’s two-way reliability could be more suited for a tight-checking game.

The stakes could not possibly be any higher for New York, who clings to a thin margin in holding onto the last Wild Card position, but three consecutive losses have them in danger of dropping out of contention altogether. With a matchup with Vegas in a back-to-back second contest, Rangers will have a mechanism in place to regroup even with Edstrom out of action.

Can the Rangers get by in Vegas without Adam Edström?

The Golden Knights (31-18-6) arrive tonight as one of the NHL’s most balanced and battle-tested rosters in the league. Their first line, featuring Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Tomas Hertl, has tormented defenses all campaign long. On blue, Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore contribute shutdown skills to the offensive cause.

If the Rangers are to turn fortunes, big games will have to be produced by their big-name talent. J.T. Miller, on a long-awaited trip to Madison Square Garden, has been in top form, with two consecutive game markers. Others, such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck, will have to contribute offensively in a contest with one of the NHL’s best defenses in Vegas.

Goaltending will become a concern, with Igor Shesterkin starting for the Rangers in a matchup with Adin Hill for the Golden Knights. With a strong, physical system in use for Vegas, Shesterkin will have to be sharp for New York in order for this one to become competitive.

The physicality part comes into consideration, too. In Adam Edström’s stead, forwards like Will Cuylle and Matt Rempe will have to become a presence and counter a powerful unit in Vegas. Get outpunched and outskated, and it could make for a long night at the Garden for the Rangers. The big question is whether the Rangers can pull off a much-needed win in the loss of Edstrom, or will Vegas maintain its mastery of life in a hostile environment and sink New York deeper in the standings?