Preview: Matinee weekend kicks off Saturday at New York Rangers

The Detroit Red Wings will play the first of two weekend matinees on Saturday, facing the New York Rangers for a 12:30 p.m. puck drop at Madison Square Garden.
Broadcast coverage will air on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network.

After his 46-save performance in Detroit's 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong.

"Every day, whether it's a practice or a game, we have something to prove," Nedeljkovic said. "Even though we're not in a playoff spot, guys have something to play for next year, be it a contract, power play time or more ice time in general. These last eight games, there's a lot on the line for everybody."
The Rangers (48-21-6) enter Saturday coming off a 4-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.
Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 67 assists and 89 points this season, while Mika Zibanejad has produced 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists). Netminder Igor Shesterkin has made 48 starts and has a 19-5-3 record at home this season.
Detroit won the first game of the season series, 3-2, in a shootout at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 17. The Red Wings then fell, 5-4, in overtime at Little Caesars Arena on March 30.

Hellberg practices with Red Wings for first time on Friday

Newly acquired goalie Magnus Hellberg practiced with his new Red Wings teammates for the first time on Friday in New York.
The 31-year-old, who signed a one-year contract with Detroit on Thursday, said he's happy to be part of "a classic organization."
"When the opportunity came up to finish the season here, it was a no-brainer for me," Hellberg said. "I felt really excited and inspired to come here and show who I am."

Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Hellberg spent five seasons (2012-17) in North America before playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
During the past five seasons in the KHL, Hellberg suited up for Kunlun Red Star (2017-18), St. Petersburg SKA (2018-21) and Sochi HC (2021-22).
According to Hellberg, playing for the Wings is an opportunity to show he belongs in the NHL.
"I just want to take it day by day," Hellberg said. "Trying to work as hard as I can, show them who I am and what I stand for."