The Hurricanes' Brady Skjei is congratulated on his goal by teammate Brett Pesce during the second period of an NHL game against the Panthers in Raleigh, N.C., on Jan. 8. Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker
Rangers coach Gerard Gallant would like everyone to believe that he’s not interested in hyping up any "first-place showdown’’ narratives that might seem obvious when his team meets Metropolitan Division rival Carolina Friday in Raleigh, N.C.
"Obviously, we know the standings are real close in the top of our division, but it’s just another game, a big two points, and we’re playing against a real good team,’’ Gallant told reporters after practice Thursday.